Diva Challenge #251, Made by Joey #96 & String Challenge #128

I am the Diva Challenge #251

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

January 24

This week the Diva's Challenge is to use the logo for the Moebius Syndrome Foundation as the string for our art. The Diva's 5 year old son was born with this rare neurological disorder that affects one in a million people, 5000 people on the planet! Moebius Syndrome effects the lateral nerves of the face where one can't smile, grimace or  look side to side. There are other delayed developmental issues and the inability to resist virus that results in severe illness. It does not affect intelligence. The Diva's young son wants to be a "Bona Fide Paleontologist" when he grows up. I love that!

It's been raining buckets this morning. I'm so perfectly cozy with my coffee in the cafe so I'm not gonna venture to the library to scan my tiles...so apologies for the blurry pics. I cleaned them up as best I could.

Made by Joey Challenge #96

Music series using a "Natural" string

& 

"Chillon"

This was a relaxing piece. I don't think I've ever used "Chillon" before. I like it.

It's a String Thing Challenge #128

String #129, patterns: Hypnotic and Paradox

I treated myself to a set of calligraphy pens last week with my 30% off Blick coupon. My primary drawing tools are a set of Rapidograph technical pens I've had since art school, some 20+ years ago. I had to send my two finest nib pens off for servicing and needed something in the meantime. I was inspired to try the old school pen and ink by a post I saw recently at Antonine Tangles. This started off as a practice piece, watering down the ink to get the grey tones. I love the variation in line weight but I'm really clumsy with the dripping. I used a grey Inktense pencil for the shading. This was such a relaxing and fun piece to draw.

Zendalas for the Zentangle Artists Trading Card Swap Group

The parameters for this swap are to use 3 1/2 inch Zendala tiles and to use some patterns that are new to me. I've never done Zendalas before and I don't do symmetry or geometric so I had to really struggle to find my take on this. I'm using the new pattern "Hamadox" (Hamail & Paradox) around a gem and then a variety of old and new patterns around it on my watercolor backgrounds.

I tend to approach each swap as an opportunity to perfect a particular pattern or technique by doing something over and over with slight variations. It not only helps me add to my "signature style", it eliminates having to reinvent the wheel with each tile. I love the way these are looking.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog! Your thoughtful and generous comments truly inspire me.