Tripoli

Maria Thomas—Official Zentangle®

Tripoli is another tangle introduced in 2010 and is proving immensely popular around the world. Using the basic shape of a triangle, I slightly curve the triangle points because it builds a wider pattern and illusion.

Making consistent sizes and finding the correct angles on the triangles is the secret to success with this tangle—if perfection is important to you. If not (and remember that Zentangle embraces the imperfections of art, as it does life!), then go for your life!

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Materials

Sakura Pigma Micron pen (.01 Black)

Graphite pencil

Fabriano Tiepolo printmaking paper (3¹⁄₂″ [8.9cm] tile)

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Step 1: Draw a small triangle just off center of your tile.

Step 2: Draw another triangle the same size next to it, so the bases of the triangles almost meet. Leave a fine gap between the two sides.

Step 3: Repeat step 2 until you create a circular shape of triangles. You need to draw 6 triangles.

Step 4: Create a mirror image of each triangle on the outer side of each one in the circle.

Step 5: To the right of each mirrored triangle, draw another triangle in the opposite direction. This should leave enough space for another triangle to its right, between the one you just added and next mirrored triangle.

Step 6: Place any additional triangles as desired and fill in the triangles as desired.

A finished example of Tripoli with larger triangles and the same drawn-in pattern.

Play with other ideas for patterns.

TRIPOLI STAR

Sakura Pigma Micron pen, graphite pencil