That's New to Me Challenge #26 & Diva Challenge #224

TNTM Challenge #26

explore a new "N" pattern

&

Artist Focus on Neil Burley

I was super excited by this challenge for a couple of reasons. First, I'm a big fan of Neil Burley's work so it was the perfect prompt to truly focus on a few of his patterns. Second, "Rokpool" is one of my favorites and finally, there's a raffle going on and the chance to win a copy of his book. Fingers crossed.

All, but "Rokpool", are new to me. I started with "Nave" in the center, surrounded by "Talbert", "Intertwine" goes across the top, then "Liberty 100", "Rokpool" and "CB5". I've been trying to slow down and really focus on the Zen of the tangle and each deliberate stroke so when this challenge came along, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to do that. Neil's patterns are beautifully intricate and precise, much inspired by architectural detailing. I spent a good deal of time last night drawing out the steps and practicing some patterns then this morning I eagerly began a tile.

Well, this pretty much went off the rails from the get-go, when I realized I'd started Nabu off center. I screwed it up in so many ways I started to take notes.

I didn't start over, I just delegated this to a practice sampler to work out the kinks. Once I completed the patterns, I went back in to vary some line weight and try to fix some mistakes...but as there are no mistakes in Zentangle, only opportunities, I decided to "make it work".

I am the Diva Challenge #224

Monotangle "Tipple'

This is what I was looking at as I was reading the challenge this morning:

Later on I was on my way to yet another cafe and passed the paint store. Well, at the risk of being too literal, it had to be done.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Your generous comments always make my day!