Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Aura (s)

In the Zentangle Method, a line tracing around the outside or inside of a tangle is called an aura.


It's like a halo.

It's like ripples that radiate on calm water

Aura-ing is a good example of drawing in a Zentangle way for two reasons: (1) you don't need to figure out where to draw, you just trace what's already there; and (2), you can't usually tell what the shapes of the next few auras will look like so you just enjoy the one you're drawing at the moment.

Aura-ing is a basic component of many tangles. That's why we teach crescent moon first in our introductory classes.

Aura-ing is a great exercise in awareness, control of pen and focus. It's a good reminder to rotate your tile as you tangle. It encourages a tangler to not pre-plan the outcome of a completed Zentangle tile.

We call aura an enhancement because it can be added to any tangle and it enhances that tangle. Aura enhances with complexity, fun, and the unexpected.

In this blog we suggest that the concept of aura can be applied with a further creative Zentangle flair of the unexpected.

How about adding a different shaped aura?


Or try different shaped auras one after the other.


You could tangle the space between two auras.


You can aura with a tangle.


These are just some ideas that rippled out from a few tangle studies.






We are sure that you will be able to come up with many more!

Have fun trying these on your favorite tangles and savor what happens next.


Enjoy!

Click images for larger views.

14 comments:

  1. Brilliant! Again, of course. And with such lovely and inspiriring examples. Thank you!

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  2. Another fabulously creative idea from Maria...and Rick. Love your aura/halo designs. This technique gives the tangle(s) a whole new look - and the change of ink color is an added element that adds to the uniqueness. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  3. I was just going to shut down my computer and go to bed. Now you got me all excited about trying aura-ing in different ways...which are all stunning I might add. Bedtime shall have to wait! Thanks again for such a great post!
    Sara McGregor CZT12

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  4. Thanks, Rick and Maria, for all your creative ideas to give us another direction to take our tangles! Lovely tiles, as always!

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  5. When I don't know what to do, I start creating auras and have loved so much of the results. Thanks for the affirmation and the beautiful examples. If I try to list all the benefits that Zentangle provides me each day, I quickly become overwhelmed. Thanks for this moment of gratitude, and the many more moments I have to look forward to today!

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  6. I always love to make some aura's around tangles. You have given us a few new ideas, thank you so much!
    By the way, the tongs you did send to me some time ago, hang in my kitchen and I'm still happy to hev them.

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  7. Another great reminder to us all! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!

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  8. Brilliant mind-expanding tutorial! :)

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  9. Going back to the basics of Zentangle always brings forth a new jewel. Thank you
    Bette Abdu

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  10. I love auring! But here you show many things that can happen. I love looking at your art!
    TFS

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  11. I would like to begin doodling. How can I do this without risking getting sued by you? I understand that you are attempting to patent the concept of drawing doodles, and wish to avoid any unpleasantness. My email is RWlkrSmith@Gmail.com. Thank you for your assistance.

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  12. Hi Robert,

    Thanks for writing. You somehow got the wrong understanding. We are not "attempting to patent the concept of drawing doodles." Please check your inbox for an email.

    Best regards,

    Rick (and Maria)

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  13. That top example of different auras reminds me of the old needle-craft called tatting

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  14. What a wonderful idea. Definitely like to try this idea!

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