1. Zentangles

2. What is a Zentangle? Zentangles are miniature pieces of unplanned, abstract, black and white art created from an ensemble of repetitive patterns on a 3.5-inch (89 mm) square paper tile. They are not only exquisitely beautiful, they are fun and relaxing to create. The process of creating a Zentangle® is a form of “artistic meditation” as one becomes completely engrossed in making each pattern, deliberately focusing on “one stroke at a time”®. The creativity options and pattern combinations are boundless. And anyone can do it! The Zentangle method “increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being.”

3. Zentangles “One of the lovely things about a Zentangle is that it isn’t supposed to BE anything. Even more, it’s SUPPOSED to NOT be something. … a Zentangle is simply a lot of beautiful patterns playing harmoniously together.”

4. There are two cultures that resemble the art of Zentangles: Eastern Indian Henna and New Zealand Maori Tattoos.

6. Art Terms Border- An outline along the outer edges of the tile, enclosing the tangle inside the frame. Pattern- Repeated colors, lines, shapes, forms, or textures in an artwork. String- A random pencil line that serves as the guide upon which to tangle. Tangle- The word “tangle” functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, “tangle” relates to the act of creating a work of Zentangle art. As a noun, “tangle” refers to the pattern or non-objective patterns created following the Zentangle method. Tile- A 3 ½ x 3 ½ inch quality archival paper upon which one tangles. Tiles can then be arranged into larger mosaics.

7. Materials Pencils Erasers Sharpies Drawing paper

8. Procedures 1.On the Zentangle tile, lightly pencil a border and a “string.” 2.Add at least 4 more strings. 3.Within each section draw a pattern. 4.Trace over everything with a sharpie. ***No rulers, straight edges, or other mechanical devices are used in Zentangle. It’s just you and your pen.

9. Zentangle Patterns

10. Student Examples