Zentangle Art grade 7

Learning goals Using repetition of lines to create visual rhythm Use shape to communicate ideas and feelings Use colour to create focus and to show harmony

What is zentagle art? Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is relaxing while also increasing focus and creativity. 

What is Zentangle art? “In 2005, the Zentangle concept was born when calligrapher Maria Thomas described to her partner the sense of focus, well- being and relaxation she felt while creating background patterns on a manuscript,” writes Hall. “A former Buddhist monk, her partner, Rick Roberts, recognized this state as one of meditation. Together they worked toward creating a system that would teach and encourage others to experience the same sensations.

How is zentagle different from doodling? DOODLING = PERSONAL “Ordinary doodling serves two purposes,” Reinhart says. “The first is just to mindlessly pass time. This type of doodling is what students draw on the cover of their notebooks when they’re bored during a history lecture. The images and wording on the cover of that notebook appear random and disconnected. Doodling’s second purpose is to serve as a form of journaling, which is commonly found in scrapbook pages.”

How zentagle this different from doodling? ZENTANGLE = PURPOSEFUL  “A Zentangle’s intertwining patterns have a definite flow and rhythm. You could draw a Zentangle on a notebook, but it wouldn’t look like an ordinary doodle. Although it’s not in the standard square format, it does connect and relate to the confines of the page, either flowing from the top to the bottom of a paper’s edge or unfurling from one corner.

Your task Centre your hand on your art paper and trace. Draw borders for zentangle patterns outside of the hand and fill spaces with different zentangle patterns in black and white. There should be an equal amount of black/white space in your overall picture. Draw spaces INSIDE the hand with COLOUR. Fill the spaces with coloured zentangle patterns.

Artist statement questions 1. Explain the overall effect of using lines and shapes to create this art. How does this contribute to harmony in your overall picture? 2. Explain the effect of using colour. What colours did you use and why? How did this make your centre shape stand out? What feeling does this give? 3. Zentangle art is said to be relaxing. Do you agree with this statement after doing this project? Why or why not?