Zentangles
About Zentangles
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Taken from the article, What is Zentangling and how can it help you teach art? by: Anitra Redlefsen.
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A Zentangle is a miniature abstract work of art created by a collection of patterns.
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It is typically done on a 3 ½” x 3 ½” paper “tile” using a pencil and a black pen. The small size allows for a work of art that can be completed in a relatively short period of time. The “zen” part of it is that it can be a very relaxing and meditative experience.
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The creators of the Zentangle, Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, have created a variety of patterns that you will see used by those who Zentangle. However, these are not a prerequisite as artists are invited to make whatever pattern feels right and that pleases them.
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The size of the artwork actually can be any size (they just refer to it by a slightly different name) and color can be added as well.
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Here are some “basics” to get you started…
You can use any size paper you like, but I do think a square is a good idea.
If you can, use a nice quality paper. Zentanglers use an Italian paper called Tiepolo by Fabriano.
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Use a black pen that has a fine tip; Zentanglers use Pigma Micron 01, 0.25 mm. If you visit an art or craft store you most likely will find a “Zentangle” area that has a selection of papers and different pens. We have been using a Pentel EnerGel 0.7mm metal point pen and also a Pilot Razorpoint Extra Fine pen.
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1. Using a pencil, put a small dot in each of the corners of your paper.
2. Connect the dots with a line, not necessarily a straight one though.
3. Using the pencil, sort of “scribble” in some lines, going this way and that, until you have created several spaces on the paper.
4. Using your black pen, create a different pattern in each one of the spaces that you have drawn with your pencil.
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The image below shows how a zentangle can be created from start to finish.
Draw four dots, connect the dots, draw spaces, fill spaces in with a variety of designs.
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Zentanglers create a signature of sorts, most use initials, and put them in the bottom right-hand corner of their Zentangle. You must give your work a title and date on the back of your project.
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Another idea is to draw an object ~ anything ~ a flower, an animal, even your name ~ and proceed to create the spaces as described above and do the patterns within the spaces.
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For this project you will need:
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some kind of paper (2 pieces). No back to back drawing for this project, you will only use one side of each paper
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a pencil
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a pen (you can choose what colors and how many you want to incorporate into your design)
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You will be graded on:
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each page will have 6 - 8 rectangles that fill the ENTIRE surface of the paper
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each of these rectangles will contain at least 3 different patterns
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everything on the paper should be done in pen. However, you can draw things out in pencil first and then trace them with a pen.
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at least 1/3 of each rectangle must be shaded in.
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you can't repeat your patterns on this project but you can alter them (ex: change their size). This is because there are many different Zentangles to choose from. You can make your own design or find examples in an image search.