Zen Your Art

Here's an example of a Zentangle. This is my zen meditation thing. Love pen and ink drawing with art pens, also pretty with colors added. If you too want to zentangle, go to www.zentangle.com to learn how. You will love it. It is addicting.

Below are some Zentangle inspired Art. Just for fun.

Next, journal tangle.

Took a zentangle class, some art from class below.

 





Finally, some pastel penquins for a cool moment on a hot day.

This is what I do for relaxation, stress relief and fun, when I'm not vicariously fighting demons and wicked fairies with my heroines.

Tangled Writing

I took a Zentangle class this weekend, and once again heard something that applies to art and to writing. Are you surprised?

Zentangle is an art you create one stroke at a time.

Writing happens one word at a time.

Zentangle is more about the process than the finished project.

Writing is more about the process than the finished project.

Create small, portable projects, one small one, (write one page or one scene) at a time.

Creating is like eating an elephant. (One bite at a time.)

Everyone would take the same designs, (same story idea) and end up with something completely different than any one elses.

If you have never seen Zentangles and want to learn more, visit www.zentangle.com.

 And-keep on writing - one stroke/word at a time.

Thyme to Rhyme (or not) The writer as Artist

When I paint, I enter another space, just like when I write fiction, write poetry, play music. It's the reason so many writers are also artists, or musicians, or do crafts or other creative things. It,s the creative things that keep me alive and happy. Don't get me wrong, I love my regular job, but creativity is what I need, what we all need. 


I enjoy poetry, reading it, and writing bad versions of it. That's why I write about it, to encourage other people to write bad poetry too. It's the writing that counts, using the brain muscles in every way possible.


As an artist, I notice the colors of the leaves, contrasts in nature, the shape of a face and then use it in my writing. As a poet, I practice imagery, whether poetically good or not, its still good practice. As a musician, I notice harmonies, sounds in nature, all useful to translate into descriptions.


Don't let your writing take over your life to the point you can't use other art forms to make your writing richer. I have a friend, Amy, who writes fiction and nonfiction, plays the piano and cello, sings, acts and gardens. You can bet her writing is multi-dimensional.


Don't play a one note concert, let all the parts of your life enrich  your writing.