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Bloom: Pattern

Firstly, I think my previous post may have been a bit confusing (sorry!!) - we'll blame it on the fact that I typed it up last minute before I went to bed last night. I'm not planning to stop drawing - just my Monday Moleskine doodles - I've been taking a different approach to these and think that I prefer the more structured approach I use for my other drawings  :)

So, onto the fun stuff..............I loved the recent challenge using Socc - when I first came in contact with this pattern a few months ago I loved it, but hadn't had a chance to really play with it - so the opportunity to experiment.............wonderful!

I really enjoyed the challenge drawings that I did using Socc, but I wanted to create some flowers (what a surprise, huh?) with the pattern and couldn't really make it work how I was imagining it.

I wanted 6 petal daisy-type flowers. I tried a few different appraoches, and ultimately found that I needed to create a different type of grid framework and then work out from there using the aura-ing technique familiar to socc, puf, etc.

So, here is the end result - Bloom. I really love it.
You can stop at any stage - here are some examples:
What I also found along the way was that even though I had focussed on the 6 petal flowers, a 3 petal flower was also created using this grid, so if you want to make the flowers stand out, you have a choice!

Here's a sample where I've used colour to highlight the 3 petals - this sample also uses a "randomising" zig-zag technique (see video for demo/explanation of this). My scanner would not scan this clearly even though I did it a couple of times - the colour/lines must have confused it!


Another "randomised" sample  - I love experimenting with structured patterns to see how they can be distorted - this one uses a dot technique (again see video for demo/explanation of this)

Last one - for this I drew the centre line, then added crosses along it in different sizes to create the framework for the flowers - they turned out a little stumpy, lol, but I like the idea and will play with it a bit more.


I was going to include the video demo for Bloom in this post, but it is taking ages to upload to You Tube and I want to go to bed, so I will post it in the morning. Hope you enjoy it :)
hx

Comments

Susan said…
Helen, this is a beautiful variation of socc. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us. And a video???? Too much!
Claire Warner said…
I love grids and grid-based patterns, but what I really love about this is it looks so fluid! I'm going to enjoy trying this one. Thank you for another great tangle, Helen.
I am amazed at your creativity. You take a simple tangle and turn it into a truly beautiful piece of work. Thank you so much!
Unknown said…
I love this! Definitely will give it a try!
Genevieve said…
I love this tangle. It looks very versatile.
Jakki said…
Helen - I love this tangle! Your work is exquisite! I've been telling people (and my teachers) at the Zentangle classes I attend to come to your site. This variation on Socc is beautiful - it is amazing how one can take a Tangle and make it so different - I bet Rick and Maria love your site!! I really hope they read it!!

I love the joyous anticipation I feel when I see your blog come up in my in-box, I know I am in for a visual treat - and your blog is always a treat to read!

I don't know how you find the time, but I am really glad you do!
Jakki
Julia H. S. said…
Lovely! I like flower tangles too, I'll try it out right away! Thank you, Julia
Tourmaline said…
You have inspired me to work in circles - because unlike you who can draw a squiggly line and come up with this awesome flower art piece - I have to have some boundaries. So I looked at your gallery and saw a lot of circles with flowers jump out at me so I bought a circle maker and I've been playing within the circle lines (three intersecting circles). Wish me luck and you are the inspiration. Keep your videos and lessons coming. I am sending your blog site to my Zentangle teacher - I know you take it a step beyond the zentangle to lovely art. Question: you said you use hp paper - went to the store and I don't know what to buy. I want to work on white paper (not the yellowy brown paper that Zentangle teachers use. Any suggestions? I just love white (the brighter the better)!!! Beverly
Love it...wonderfully done..thanks for the instructions & inspiration..I love doodling flowers and this is a fun one..
Helen said…
Thanks, Jakki :) It's wonderful to hear that you are enjoying the blog. I'll let you in on my secret to finding the time - I hate housework. lol.
Helen said…
Hi Beverly :) Thankyou for your lovely comment! I DO love working with circles, just so perfect, and well, round I guess. Love them :)

For paper I use A4 art journals that I get at office supply or art stores - I draw a lot and go through journals fast so don't spend a lot on them, I have found a few cheaper local brands that are rubbish and I don't use them, otherwise anything goes - I like the paper to be at least 110gsm - I prefer heavier weight paper if I can get it, smooth surface (this works best for blending markers), and I really like a clean, white paper too. Hope that helps :) (I'm confused by the hp paper reference - you might need to point me in the right direction to follow this up).
Jane Prater said…
Your art has a serenity and genteelness to it that brightens my days. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wendy said…
I believe that hp refers to hot press, a flat surfaced watercolor paper.
Helen, I enjoy your blogs so much...I'm mad about flowers myself and your delicate work really inspires me to more than taking pictures. Thanks!
Helen said…
Thanks, Wendy :) Flowers are such a source of inspiration for me - at the moment I am dividing my time between spending time in the garden, and drawing them. It is Spring here and I think this year my garden is the best it's ever been - I'm very proud of my roses this year - they're looking wonderful!
Helen said…
Thanks, everyone :) Hope you have fun playing with it!
Anonymous said…
Helen, this is a gorgeous pattern. I love visiting your site. Your work is so delicate and beautiful. It just makes me feel good to see it. Thank you so much for sharing.
Helen said…
Thanks, Beth :) I loved working on this pattern. It is lovely to hear you are enjoying the blog, too :)