1. Tangled Lines: A Lesson on Zentangles
November 16-20

2. Day One: Warm Up Write “Zentangles” at the top of the page.
Set up your page for notes.

3. In the lower half of your notes, draw six boxes. Label four boxes:
Warm Up
In the lower half of your notes, draw six boxes.
Label four boxes:
1. Jonqal
2. Paradox
3.Opus
4. Munchin

4. Developed by artists Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
What is a Zentangle??
Developed by artists Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.
Combines the words “Zen” and “Tangle.”
Artists create intricate patterns using heavy white paper and ink.
The designs are very complex, but there is no such thing as an “Oops!”

9. On your own
In the fifth box, create a variation of one of the patterns we have practiced—you can shade, add other textures, or create “auras” around each line.
In the sixth box, use your devices to look up patterns created by other artists. Choose one to replicate. Label the pattern above your box.

10. Student Examples (Drawn Live!)

11. In the upper left column, write “Zentangle Info.”
Day 2: Warm Up
In the upper left column, write “Zentangle Info.”
Copy the following statements:
1. “Zen” means—
2. “Tangle” means—
3. “Aura” means—

12. Today’s Assignment
Today, we will watch a video featuring Zentangle creators Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts.
Use the rulers to draw three 3.5” x 3.5” squares in your notebook.
These are the size of traditional Zentangle tiles.
Follow the steps in this video: mI

13. Wrap Up
As you watched the professional artists, what were some “good practices” you saw? 1. 2. 3.

14. The silhouette should fill at least 3/4ths of your page.
Day 3: Warm Up
On the sheet of cardstock, use a pencil to lightly sketch the silhouette of your object.
The silhouette should fill at least 3/4ths of your page.
You may make practice thumbnails in your sketchbook first, if you need to!

15. Today, we will sketch our silhouettes.
Today’s Assignment
Today, we will sketch our silhouettes.
When you are finished, raise your hand. I will bring you a sharpie to trace your outline.
Then, you will use your pencil to lightly sketch a series of 8-10 tangled lines.
You will fill each of these sections with a Zentangle.
You may use your devices or the Chromebooks to find Tangle inspiration, but do not copy an image wholesale.

16. Step One: Choose your subject and sketch the silhouette

17. Step Two: Outline the image with a black marker

18. Step Three: Sketch 8-10 tangled lines. Begin filling with patterns

19. Wrap Up
Everyone: Make sure your name and block are written in pencil on the back of your drawing.
Trash: Take a loop around the table and make sure there isn’t a mess.
Supplies: Take up any sharpies and give them to me. Make sure miscellaneous supplies are back on the counter.
Papers: If anyone wishes to leave their work here, take it up and stack it neatly.

20. In the upper right column of your notes, write “Alhambra.”
Day 4: Warm Up
In the upper right column of your notes, write “Alhambra.”
Underneath, write the following statements:
1. The Alhambra is a castle in ___________________________________.
2. It was built in the _____________ century.
3. It is decorated with complex arabesques, which are:

21. Alhambra: External view

22. Alhambra: Interior view

23. Can you trace this pattern?

24. Today, we will continue “tangling” our silhouettes.
Today’s assignment
Today, we will continue “tangling” our silhouettes.
You may use your devices to research patterns.
Remember! Many artists are inspired by the things they see around them.

25. Step 1: Lightly sketch the silhouette.

26. Step 2: Add 8-10 “strings.”

27. Step 3: Fill each section with a different pattern!

28. Step 4: Go above and beyond!

29. Wrap Up
Everyone: Make sure your name and block are written in pencil on the back of your drawing.
Trash: Take a loop around the table and make sure there isn’t a mess.
Supplies: Take up any sharpies and give them to me. Make sure miscellaneous supplies are back on the counter.
Papers: If anyone wishes to leave their work here, take it up and stack it neatly.

30. Day 5: Warm Up
Just for fun!
This video clip is from a largely forgotten cartoon released in 1993.
Richard Williams, the animator, worked on this cartoon, often all by himself, for over thirty years.
Unfortunately, he sold it to an animation company that finished and edited it very sloppily, destroying much of the original intent.
mzg

31. Today, we will finish our tangled silhouettes.
Today’s assignment
Today, we will finish our tangled silhouettes.
If you finish adding all of your patterns, take your work to the next level by adding appropriate colors!

32. Examples