Sunday, September 29, 2013

Attempting white on black...

...with varying degrees of success. I find working in white ink on black paper very challenging.
Tangles: Chartz, Flux, Paradox, Purslane, Seljuk

Part of the challenge is the "shading" which in this case is really highlighting. It's already dark; what I need to add is lights not shadows. I find myself trying to think in reverse and then my brain hurts.

I used my initials 'MB' for a string.
Tangles: Black Pearlz (in this case, white!),
Crescent Moon, Florez, Paradox, Tipple

I tried a spiral and added a little metallic green ink.
Tangles: Coaster, Flux, Tipple

My Zenstones arrived and I couldn't wait to try those for the shading/highlighting. It's a lovely effect once blended, softer than the white pencil.
Tangles: Beadlines, Black Pearlz (in this case, white!),
Camelia, Fiore, Knightsbridge Aura, Lamar
There's something here alright. It's such an interesting effect and I enjoy the challenge. But I think I just have so much fun - and so many ideas for - working on white paper I'm not sure I'll be doing a lot of white on black. It remains to be seen.

4 comments:

  1. I love this, Margaret! I, too, find the white on black challenging, and have yet to create one I like. I love the black negative space you created in the loops with the black stripes! Beautiful and so creative, as always!

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  2. Margaret, try shading with a grey Fabrico (c) Pen. It adds the shades you are looking for! I love adding another dimension to the black tiles. Also try drawing in black pen OVER the white for another detail. . . . .very cool. Best, maria

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  3. Well, of course, you do everything Zentangle with grace and beauty. I love white on black but agree with the shading issue. I go back and forth with white charcoal and white pastel pencils. I think the best tangles are those that really do not depend on shading all that much. Talk to us more about Zenstones. I think I read about that somewhere. Where do you get them?

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  4. I'm with you, Margaret. White on black is okay with some tangles, but not all of them. I don’t mind focusing on creating highlights rather than shadows, but the ink, pencil (I use Prismacolor white), etc. just don't seem to be bold enough... or things get kind of gunked up. I will try the zenstones. Maybe that will be exactly what I need to love the black tiles.

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