Recently I have been working on drawings I previously made in life drawing class. I was trying to find a way to use them as a starting point for a new work, while incorporating repetitive patterns also known as zentangles.

My life drawings are done on newsprint paper, it is not archival and bigger than what I wanted to work on (18 x 24 inches).

To transfer my drawings on a new surface (yupo paper) I did work from pictures of my drawings that I did print to the size I wanted. I then did add a touch of watercolor or acrylic. The background has then been filled with patterns done with markers.

I am a Blick Art Materials affiliate and I receive a small compensation for sales. That does not effect in any way the cost of the purchaser’s order but it helps me keeping the content of this blog free.

Yupo WatercolorPaper Pads Yupo is a compelling and unique alternative to traditional art papers. It’s a synthetic paper, machine-made in the USA of 100% polypropylene. It is waterproof, stain resistant, and extremely strong and durable.

What I like about the repetitive patterns or zentangles is that even if you try to be very consistent and careful, there will always be little variations and mistakes, those are integrated in the overall pattern and part of the signature of any handmade work.