Static
Shading your tangles really does bring them to life. In the example provided, I’ve used the tangle Static to demonstrate shading because I believe it’s a great one to show off the differences shaded tangles have.
Let’s briefly review shading (I talk about this in Zentangle® Untangled).
Shading is where you use a graphite pencil to add shades of gray to your tangles. An HB or 2B pencil will be perfect. Lightly rubbing the pencil in certain spots on your tangle gives the shape and pattern dimension and points of visual interest.
The key to shading is to remember that the gray areas will make the white areas pop up and appear closer to the eye, and the shaded area will look more like background. There’s also no right or wrong way to do it. It’s whatever appeals to you, the artist.
The example on the left is Static without any shading. Still an easy, cute pattern.
The example on the right shows two different ways to shade Static. The top half shades in the direction of the static points. It gives the tangle a completely different feel to the unshaded version. This shading makes Static feel very three-dimensional, almost as though the peaks and troughs are standing up on the tile.
Additionally, the bottom version of Static shades the points, but only in one direction. The graphite has then been smudged. It gives the tangle a ripple effect. This, too, gives a 3-D feel, but different to the one above it.
When shading, remember to use a light hand—a little goes a long way. The areas left unshaded then pop up to the eye more readily, bringing a new element of interest to your tangle.
Practice ways to shade your tangles. Use Static or one of your favorites and see what happens when you try different approaches.
Downloadable worksheet available at http://www.createmixedmedia.com/zentangle-untangled-workbook