Zentangle Basic Shading Techniques

I appreciate the followers who asked me to show a video for shading. I am a self-trained trained artist, and in this video I show you what I know about shading and my favorite basic techniques. I have learned from many people over the years, and I tend to use the same basic techniques on all my tiles. I keep it simple, and I will show you the things that I know and use. Please see the links below for two books that I highly recommend: “The Zentangle Primer, Vol. 1” and “Made in the Shade”. These are the books I own, and they both contain excellent information.
Books mentioned in the video:
Zentangle Primer, Vol. 1: zentangle.com/collections/boo...
Made In The Shade: A Zentangle Workbook (by Cris Letourneau): a.co/d/0c3lyEyM
Patterns used in this video are all by Zentangle, Inc.
Betweed, Ennies, Florz, Hollibaugh, Huggins, Shattuck, Static, Wadical
Please use this link to find step outs and videos for each of the patterns used:
tanglepatterns.com/zentangles...
Supplies Used in the video:
Zendala, 3.5" Zentangle tile, a sketchbook, or any paper
Black Micron 01 pen or PN (or your choice of pens and colors)
Graphite pencil (any pencil should work)
Blending stump
Optional: Colored pens or pencils
If you’re interested in adding background color to your tiles, please see the videos in this playlist:
• Zentangle Tile Backgro...
Here is the video that explains the disc binding system that I use to hold some of my tiles: • Disc Binding System fo...
Most patterns that I use can be found on the Tangle Patterns website tanglepatterns.com/ or on the Musterquelle website: www.musterquelle.de/ The Musterquelle site is in German, but you can change it to your language as needed.
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com/ My videos are designed to be easy for beginners and those with experience.
This video is solely the property of Barbara Langston, a Certified Zentangle Teacher acting with permission from Zentangle®, Inc., and may not be copied, recorded, or redistributed without the prior written consent of Barbara Langston, CZT and Zentangle, Inc. All Zentangle related trademarks are the sole and exclusive property of Zentangle, Inc., and may not be copied, recorded, reproduced, or otherwise used without the express prior written consent of Zentangle, Inc.
If you’ve enjoyed this video, please consider a small donation (the price of a cup of coffee) through PayPal or at ko-fi.com/notperfectzen You can also use the Super Thanks option. Either way is greatly appreciated.
Please subscribe to my channel so you know when I have released a new video. You can also connect with me here:
Facebook: / barbara.bufordlangston
Instagram: / bbl_tangles
#ShadingZentangle
#Zentangle
#notperfectzen

[@joannejoseph2982]

I learned so much about shading from this video! Thank you for sharing and showing what a difference shading makes 😮

[@notperfectzen]

My pleasure! ❤️😊 You’re so welcome and I’m very happy that it was helpful.

[@chunchunjanetoong5406]

Thanks Barbara for showing us this wonderful and useful video on shading. I have learnt so much from you❤😊

[@notperfectzen]

Thank you so much, I'm very happy that it was helpful! 🥰❤ And you're so welcome!

[@eileenbangerter9343]

I should have also said how much you can see the difference and will take photos of the before and after. The effect of shading is truly amazing. I am so glad you do not rush. I hear your voice in my head saying 'take your time' . I use subtiles too because my hearing is not good so I also appreciate no music. - there you go.

[@notperfectzen]

Yes, shading makes such a difference! I'm glad the subtitles are helpful - I didn't know about adding them when I first started my channel. I appreciate your comments. Happy tangling, Eileen! 🥰❤

[@devonmccarroll6509]

I've only been doing Zentangle for a couple of weeks, and shading is my favorite part! I have a background in photography, so I'm fortunate that shading comes naturally to me. It absolutely brings the tangles to life!

[@notperfectzen]

Welcome to Zentangle! I love it and hope you enjoy it too. Shading is “the icing on the cake!” ❤️🥰 I didn’t do much in the beginning, but now I know it’s important! 😁

[@eileenbangerter9343]

This has been so helpful Barbara. Thank you for putting this all together and sharing so much with us. Like you suggested I have watched it all through. I am now going to try my own tikes making notes as I go. This has been so good. I really can’t thank you enough. ❤

[@notperfectzen]

You’re so welcome, Eileen! And I appreciate your comments so much. 🥰❤️ I’m very happy that this was helpful. 😁

[@andriadonnelly2819]

Barbara, thx so much…I spent the whole day with you and this video, trying out shading with all of your examples. Shading typically in the past has turned my tiles into a bit of a muddle…and now I am starting to approach shading with intentionality which means I am planning out where and how to shade. Thx for the varied ideas on shading.

[@notperfectzen]

You’re so welcome! I used to be afraid to add shading, and I was very unsure also. So I’m very happy to share what I’ve learned. 🥰❤️

[@dreamsunltd]

What an awesome compilation of shading techniques! Thank you so much for putting this together! It must have taken quite a while to figure out the best way to display all the techniques, and you did a marvelous job. It is great to see them all in one place. I am a fan of more dramatic shading (when appropriate), so I was happy to see you bring out the 4B pencil. I saw that Zentangle is having Generals make them the short version, which will make them easier to handle, especially for newer tanglers. Again, thank you so much for pulling this video together. Now off to look for the “tranzending” (???) video you mentioned….

[@notperfectzen]

Thank you very much and you’re so welcome! 🥰❤️ Yes, I did a lot of practice to decide what would work and be helpful. Then I forgot to show the second tile. 🙃 I’m very happy that you found it all to be helpful. Thanks for all of your comments! 😁

[@yehuditsteinberg]

❤ this video. You have opened my eyes to static in this video. I love the one line at a time approach. And the spacing was great. I see it a lot in tiles and wasn’t impressed because if you put the lines too close, it is jarring and I like my art to be calming. Thank you

[@notperfectzen]

I learned that Static tip from CZT Brenda Campbell. Before that, mine always looked odd.

[@yehuditsteinberg]

I related to your story ! I’m going to try it

[@ceceswalla3465]

Wow! This is an amazing video! Thank you so much!

[@notperfectzen]

Thank you very much! And you’re so welcome! 🥰❤️ I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@BethOfAus]

So much fun. Thanks so much. 😃🤗

[@notperfectzen]

Thank you and you're so welcome! 🥰❤ I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@bodkingriffs5149]

Thanks Barbara❤

[@notperfectzen]

You’re welcome. 🥰❤️

[@Lesley360]

This is a great video, thank you!

[@notperfectzen]

You’re so welcome! 🥰❤️ I’m glad it was helpful.

[@deborahwalters6087]

Thank you, this is very helpful ❤

[@notperfectzen]

You’re so welcome. 🥰❤️ I’m glad it was helpful!

[@AssortedStephanie]

Thank you for this, very informative!

[@notperfectzen]

You're very welcome! 🥰 I’m glad it was helpful.

[@finatestagorda270]

Un video muy interesante, muchas gracias!!❤

[@notperfectzen]

You’re so welcome! 🥰❤️ I’m glad you liked it.

[@jwebber598]

❤❤❤awesome - thank you❤❤❤

[@notperfectzen]

You are so welcome! 🥰❤️ And thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@anitaholmes6824]

Great info! I have a 4B pencil in my sketching set of pencils....I wonder if you could cut them in half to make them shorter? Would that work? Thanks for showing how to sharpen and clean the blending stumps. I find the two ended ones, I think you said they are pressed or something, I find them harder to blend with, I prefer the one that you have the paper clip in. I'm going to draw this tile and shade like you did, I'm always a little on the cautious side of shading. Thanks for sharing, so enjoyed this one!!!

[@notperfectzen]

Thank you, Anita, and you’re welcome! 🥰❤️ Be brave and try each technique! 😉 You might be able to cut one of those pencils, but I would practice on a regular one first. I hope you enjoy it!

[@anakok7256]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

[@notperfectzen]

Thank you! 🥰❤️