Monday, April 28, 2014

How to Paint Zentangle Patterns on Rocks and Stones



Supplies 
  • Smooth stones
  • Acrylic paints
  • Artist's pens (I used this set of pens which I like because it contains different pen tips and 3 colors of ink - black, brown and gray.) (Note: since the date of this post, I now prefer Pigma Micron pens for use on rocks.)
Pro Art Artists Pens - Set of 8

  • Zentangle patterns (If you're new to the Zentangle method, "Joy of Zentangle" has simple explanations and step-by-step patterns.)
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How I Tangled the Stones

First, I primed the rocks with white, acrylic paint.

Stones primed with white, acrylic paint

Next, I thinned my turquoise blue paint with a little water and tinted the primed stone.
 


Based on the shape of this stone, I chose the Ammon Zentangle pattern from the "Joy of Zentangle" book and drew it with the black artist pen. I chose a darker blue acrylic to paint the shapes within the sections of the tangle.



To add a little dimension, I used the gray pen from the Artist Pens 8-piece set and outlined the black swirl.



I painted three more stones but this time I did not thin the acrylic paint with water.



I combined all four Zentangle patterns on one stone and used the black and gray artist pens on a white background.



I enjoy painting tangles on stones after I've painted a detailed rock. It's a relaxing way to prepare for my next rock painting project and allows me to be creative in a simple way.


Tips
  • Smooth stones are best
  • Micron pens are normally used when creating tangles on paper. I find the fine, metal tips of these pens can scratch the acrylic paint from the rock and the pen's tip can be damaged by the rock
  • Use a pattern which works well with the shape of your stone
  • Don't worry about being perfect. Incorporate any mistakes into the design
  • Do not seal your rocks with brush-on sealers when using artists pens or Sharpies. Most times the ink will bleed and your beautiful creation will be ruined. Learn about my spray-on sealer preference

Useful Links
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© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

4 comments:

  1. I love these. Combines my favorite things painting rocks and tangling . When we moved to Florida last year from upstate NY, I stopped painting rocks, Idont have a steam in my backyard and no rocks readily available. Sadly most of my painted rocks were in my garden covered in snow when we moved. I may just be inspired to find a supply here. Thank you.

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    1. I just discovered tangling, MaryBeth and I really enjoy using rocks instead of paper. Here's a suggestion for acquiring rocks. Try Home Depot, Lowe's and Walmart. The colored tangles in this blog were Mexican Beach Pebbles which I purchased by the bag in my local Walmart's garden center.

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  2. in boise, Idaho- river rocks are free and all over the town was build on river rocks.

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    Replies
    1. You're so fortunate to have free river rocks all over town in Boise. Have you tried painting on them?

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