For the first challenge of every month, the Zentangle® Diva (Laura Harms) picks a tangle that is new to her for us to use. This month she chose Pickpocket by Tomás Padrós of Barcelona in the autonomous region of Catalunya. (I was going to say from Spain, but there’s a strong separatist movement in Catalunya and I don’t know where Tomás stands on that issue.)
I’ve visited Barcelona three times. For those who, like me, are passionate about both Zentangle and travel, I’ll share a few Barcelona photos at the end of this post.
As Laura mentioned, the Pickpocket tangle requires concentration and focus—both of which I sometimes find to be sorely lacking. In my tile, I combined it with other tangles that I feel have a similar vibe. I also used what I call “reverse N-Zeppel”. I had to do a little bit of “there are no mistakes in Zentangle” rescue work.
The Pickpocket tangle is in the lower right hand corner. I also used Huggins and Hollibaugh. I used “reverse” N’Zeppel, and the tangle I call Spearator for contrast.
In the spirit of “we better travel while we still can”, Mr. Excitment and I are off to Italy next week. In the meantime, in honor of Tomás
One of the facades of the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia.
Padrós, the deconstructor of this week’s UMT challenge tangle, here are a few photos from Barcelona.
Barcelona is best known internationally for the work of architect, Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) who helped evolve the Catalan Modernist style.
Gaudí’s most famous building is the perennially unfinished Basilica of the Sagrada Family (Holy Family). Construction of the church started in 1882. It is hoped that it will be finished in 2026, 100 years after the architect’s death. Personally, I’ve enjoyed being able to visit the project several times over its evolution.
If you go to Barcelona, the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia should be a “must visit” item on your itinerary. However, all other visitors to Barcelona will have the same idea, so I highly suggest you purchase a timed ticket to enter in advance, online.
The ceiling of the nave of the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia.
On my last visit in 2015, I was able to visit the interior for the first time. It is a startling departure from the other cathedrals that preceded it in Spain and Europe.
Another part of the ceiling.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I have indeed visited the Basilica but was not as impressed as you I’m afraid. Partly because much of the interior was shrouded with sheets to protect work being carried out and partly because I felt they were more interested in getting our money and shuffling us through than sharing the glories of the building with us. (I got a bit Gaudi-ed out by the end of the day.) The city itself is one of the most vibrant places I have ever visited and I would go there again like a shot. As for the tangling this week, I loved it. I had to really sit and think, which doesn’t do me any harm now and then.
You definitely need to return. The shrouds are gone and the cathedral interior is being used. I spent as long as I wanted in there. The stained glass is beautiful. No one shuffled us through.
I love your tile! Nice work!
Bacelona on my bucket list 🙂 Nice work!!!
Lovely tile and so fun to see the photos. Enjoy your next trip too!
The ceiling – oh my gosh it is so unusual and beautiful!!! I can’t wait to see your italy pictures. Thank you for traveling so that I can travel through you vicariously! I’m so enjoying it (hee hee)!!
Where do you want go vicariously next? 😉
Your Diva tile is beautiful, though Paradox is such a difficult pattern. I like your composition.
I am hoping that some day, Pickpocket will be as relaxing for me as Paradox now is. So far, it’s still a struggle.
Love your Diva piece! There’s a cool mosaic effect going on there. Funny, I just finished reading Dan Brown’s latest book which is set in Barcelona. It had me pulling out my Barcelona pics Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful tile and i was also in Barcelona, but 20 years ago and saw the Sagrada Famiglia
Beautiful
Yours turned out well. I would agree that it takes focus. Something that I did not have when I attempted this tangle.
You always make me laugh! High focus is not one of my constants either! (I attribute it to teaching middle school for 20+ years!) Like you, I tried to associate Pickpocket with other tangles while I was doing it, and still had some “rescue work” to undertake. I have visited Barcelona only through books and my friends who moved there last year. Would love to make it there one day!
I love the combination of writing and pictures.