Zentangle

I've wanted to learn a new method of drawing called Zentangle, and there are many books on the subject which I broke down and bought one however the descriptions of how to create the patterns didn't make much sense. Shortly after getting my book: The Art of Zentangle: 50 inspiring drawings, designs & ideas for the meditative artist by Margaret Bremner, Norma J. Burnell, Penny Raile, and Lara Williams a class was offered in my hometown so I took it and the instructor, Toni Whitney, helped make the descriptions of the patterns more understandable. She had us create what is called a Zendala:

But the reason I wanted to catch a true grasp of Zentangle for was the purpose of making some of my portraits stand out and I needed to learn quick as I have an art competition deadline that I wanted to submit a piece for. I took the portrait in a different direction than what most Zentangle inspired artists go, I was hoping it would look like the woman was body painted so I made the attempt to make her eyes and teeth look like they were still of an organic nature. I have recently submitted this piece so now I await the results.

Cadence