Mother Nature Wouldn't Cooperate So ....

Discussion in 'Hobbies & Crafts' started by Mal Campbell, Feb 15, 2015.

  1. Mal Campbell

    Mal Campbell Supreme Member
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    We are in the middle of an extremely cold spell right now. This morning it was down to the single digits. It's sunny and pretty - looking out the window, but is way too cold to get outside. I am chomping at the bit to get outside and start gardening, ever since I saw the crocuses blooming a couple of weeks ago. So, since Mother Nature wouldn't cooperate, I decided to combine two hobbies - gardening and zentangles - and draw a garden. Not quite as satisfying but still enjoyable.

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  2. Michelle Stevens

    Michelle Stevens Veteran Member
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    Those are really impressive, especially the last one. Much as I love working on my bonsai trees, I'd love to have a creative talent like yours as well.

    Unlike you I was able to devote a large part of my weekend to my trees, though we're actually in the middle of a heatwave.
     
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  3. Mal Campbell

    Mal Campbell Supreme Member
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    Where are you from?

    My brother used to have bonsai trees. They were so beautiful, I loved the way he would wire them and get them to grow the way he wanted. He tried to teach me how to do it, but it was too meticulous for me. I'd love to see some of your trees, if you have any pictures, please post them.
     
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  4. Ruth Belena

    Ruth Belena Veteran Member
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    I must have a go at zentangles myself when I have time. I do like the look of your drawings and I am a natural doodler. It would seem to be a nice way of spending time indoors when the weather is bad. I don't watch TV but I do listen to the radio a lot, so I could try drawing at the same time.
     
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  5. Richard Paradon

    Richard Paradon Supreme Member
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    Hi Mal! Those are so cool looking. I never heard of zentnagles before! Can you make quasi-portraits as well?
     
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  6. Michelle Stevens

    Michelle Stevens Veteran Member
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    I live in South Africa.

    My trees probably aren't as intricate as the ones your brother grew because I hate wiring and do as little of it as I can. It's possible to style some trees purely by selective pruning, but it can be a slow process.

    I'll look for some photos when I have time, but I must warn you that most of my trees are still in training.
     
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  7. Mal Campbell

    Mal Campbell Supreme Member
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    Aren't they always ;) That was one thing by brother was always trying to get across to me - that the tree will never be "finished". I'm afraid I just don't have the patience to work on something if I can't see results right away.
     
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  8. Mal Campbell

    Mal Campbell Supreme Member
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    No - to be honest, I quite literally can't draw the proverbial straight line. That's what I like so much about zentangles - they are these complex looking patterns that are so simple to draw - literally something a 5 year old can do. When I first saw them I was skeptical that I would be able to draw anything - but once I started, I realized how easy it is. And it's so relaxing and calming to do. It's something that does require concentration, so it's great for beating boredom and depression.
     
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  9. Michelle Stevens

    Michelle Stevens Veteran Member
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    My cousin always tells me how she admires my patience, but I'm really not a patient person. That's why I've got far more trees than is good for me. I understand perfectly about wanting to see results straight away, but it's quite fun to take photos of my trees and then look back at them later and see how much they've changed.

    I regularly go to workshops at the bonsai club I belong to and one of the members who runs workshops always says that the only "finished" bonsai is a dead one. But in reality, he tends to get bored with some of his trees when his vision for them has been achieved. When that happens he sells them. He's got so many trees that he's always got something else to work on.
     
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  10. Pat Baker

    Pat Baker Supreme Member
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    I checked out the zenangles site, it does look like something that will take up some time that I have nothing to do. It is a little involved and fun. Your drawings are very nice, thanks for the inspiration.
     
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  11. Pat Baker

    Pat Baker Supreme Member
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    Mother nature is doing it to us again, it is snowing, I think this one is going to drop some inches on us. It is going to stick that's for sure it is mighty cold out there.
     
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  12. Jenn Windey

    Jenn Windey Supreme Member
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    Love the drawings! Reminds me of drawings I saw in an old herbal plant book we have. I used to draw a lot, but truth be told it has been many years since I picked up a pencil and did any sketches. These days my artistic outlet is from behind the camera lens. Have you ever considered or do you make your drawings available for sale? I am sure there would be people that would by this for home decor.

    The weather has been far from nice this entire month in this part of New York. Today maybe the first time in a month where I do not have to put on four layers of clothes. I don't mind the snow so much, but the cold is just incredible. I have either gone numb thru the years or I am better prepared then usual to deal with it. After awhile even the negative wind chill just becomes just another day. The only way I can describe it is your skin burns, just like a sunburn very fast even through gloves and boots. I thank the gods at least my car has started with no issues from the extreme temperatures. That's key for me since I have spent the last two weeks in my car for the majority of the day.
     
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