Cadent as a String Online Session
Art Clubbers and I had another super fun session on how to use Cadent as a String. I gave Clubbers the choice of developing one of two projects. The first one, a slightly modified version of Zentangle's Project Pack #07 (Day 8), and the other, a variation using a Cadent as a 3D grid.
We started the session by developing both strings over gray tiles using a dark blue PN. All Clubbers were encouraged to learn how to create the strings for both styles. (Below you can see a screenshot of the recording of the live session. This recording is offered to all clubbers so they can review the skills learned).
To shade we used watercolor pencils. My favorite brand is Albrecht Durer by Faber Castell (this link above takes you to Amazon and is an affiliate link). We covered extensive technique on how to create the smoothest blends using a waterbrush.
We also discussed how to add thin decorative borders using “foreshortening” (a technique which simulates an optical illusion to increase 3-dimensional feeling).
I also discussed adding extra decorations and changes to the original “Cadent as a string” design.
The shading used in this design is dramatic and creates a super 3-dimensional feeling.
The session lasted just over 2 hours and had about 40 participants, all drawing live together. One of the reasons why I love these live sessions is that participants can ask questions on the spot, things that I wouldn’t think of answering in a recorded video.
Here’s a close-up of the picture for you to inspect:
This color scheme was not my favorite when I finished the piece - what was I thinking! - but it's starting to grow on me. Here is Pickpocket (Tomàs Padros) and also a coiled ribbon pattern similar to Cadent with a lotus in the middle, found on Plate X (Egyptian) of the Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones, 1865. Ancient Egyptian ornament was mostly very geometric; flowing lines like this were very rare. Tangled with inktense and pitt artist brush pens.