Dreamy Gems: A Zentangle® Gem Tutorial for Brush Pens & Chalk Pastels
Create a beautiful gem-filled design that uses the Zentangle® pattern DREAMCATCHER as a framework. We will explore the various ways to use watercolor brush pens to add depth and color to our ink work. We’ll then use graphite, white chalk pastels, and white gel pens to add the finishing touches to create shiny gems.
Dreamy Gems Schedule
This class is one-time class that runs for three hours. Upcoming sessions:
- TBD
This class will run again. Please sign up for my mailing list and be the first to know when registration goes live for it.
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Dreamy Gems Class – What to Expect
We will begin our time together by learning about watercolor brush pens. We’ll learn how to create value tests to understand how to layer and blend colors. We will also create a practice gem or two in order to understand how to use graphite, white chalk pastels and gel pens to finish. We will then move into setting up our Zendala tiles with the Markus Operandus and drawing the DREAMCATCHER pattern as a framework. From here, students can decide how many gems they would like to include in their design. I will provide optional embellishments for those interested. We will then add color by way of brush pens and optional color chalk pastel pencils. This class will explore round and square/diamond-shaped gems.
This class is intended for tanglers who are familiar with The Zentangle Method® and the basic concepts. There are many great resources out there – starting with Zentangle HQ – to learn the basics. I also offer two versions of an introductory class: Introduction to Zentangle® and Intro Zentangle & Watercolor.
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The Dreamy Gems Class will cover:
- The DREAMCATCHER pattern & simple embellishments
- Tile composition
- Using brush pens, graphite, & chalk pastel pencils to create gems
- Shading Technique
- Using the Markus Operandus
This online Zentangle class will be held via Zoom.
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Class Supplies
You’ll need:
- The Markus Operandus Sheet*
- A White Zendala Tile. Alternative: White Mixed Media Paper (minimum 98lb / 160g) cut into 4.5″ circle
- White Mixed Media Paper (1 or 2 sheets) for brush pen and gem practices
- Black Micron 01, 02, or PN pen. Alternative: Any fine-tipped art pen such as a Staedtler fine-liner or Sharpie Ultra Fine Point
- White gel pen
- Medium soft Sketch Pencil (2B, 4B, or 6B work best)
- Tortillon or blending stump
- White chalk pastel pencil
- Brush Pens (at least 4 – 6 colors)**
- Watercolor brush pen. Alternative: A fine tipped watercolor brush & cup of rinse water
- Paper towel
- Optional: One or two color chalk pastel pencils
*I will email a PDF of the Markus Operandus approximately 3 days before class. You will need to have it printed out. You can also download a copy of the PDF from the Zentangle website.
**Brush pens should contain water-based ink. This class does not cover alcohol brush pens such as Copic. I recommend the Koi Watercolor Brush Pen 12 pack, but other brands will work.
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Classroom Information & Policies
Zoom links will be emailed to you before class. The class will be recorded and you’ll have access to that recording for 7 days after the class. Also, at the conclusion, you will be provided with reference materials for the patterns we created.
In our time together, I will create a judgement-free zone. There are no mistakes in Zentangle! That means that each participant can go at their own pace and ability. I will encourage everyone to experiment and see what works for them.
Studio class cancellation policies can be found here.