Trying Something New

Trying Something New

By Natalie Bartkowiak

As a growing art student, I am up for exploring a variety of art types, experiences, and mediums. It is inspiring to explore and learn new art-related things. Personally, I am more focused on 3D creations such as ceramics and sculpting, I enjoy hands-on messy work. I have begun taking many classes working with mediums that aren’t my strong suit, specifically drawing. However, I realize that studying these arts I am not entirely comfortable with is helping me advance and explore. 

A recent art style that we have been practicing in my Art Portal class is a combination of meditation and doodling. These Zentangles give us a series of designs and patterns to combine while completing our mandala drawings each week. We use square 3.5-inch by 3.5-inch tiles, in which each drawing is quick and fun to complete. This differs from many other art assignments that take up to two weeks or even months to complete.

When I started my first Zentangle a Day I did not feel pressure to complete the assignment, I was looking forward to working on it! I believe this is how art should be, bringing you to peace when working. As mentioned before I am no “drawer”, a doodler at most. Therefore these Zentangles will give me a sense of ease and fun when exploring the new designs each week and exercising my artistic abilities.

These are a couple of my favorite Zentangles I have done so far. As you can see they are quite small but intricate and sharp. I really enjoy using the fine tip pens and experimenting with the thickness or thinness of each line.

Continuing my Zentangle a Day assignments will be the highlight of my school work. I encourage others to give them a try, here's the book link; One Zentangle A Day.