Zentangled Portrait

9x12" graphite on paper

By: Beverly Gurganus

I discovered zentangle a few years ago and love it.   I like the random design from a single thread (similar to a scribble) and then letting the art take its own form, but lately I've been wanting to take it in another direction.  I have seen Zentangles incorporated with various subjects, and the zentangle/portrait draws my attention the most...I decided to give it a go.

Above is my first attempt.  I used a photo of Angelina Jolie as a reference and the piece developed from there.  Most of my Zentangles are done in fine tip sharpe, and I debated on using sharpe here.  I finally decided to keep the entire piece graphite so there will be an even flow throughout the piece and not letting the zentangle over power the portrait.