Technically, Zentangle is a trademark name representing describing an abstract, patterned drawing created according to the tenets of the Zentangle Method. The artist creates a structured pattern according to his or her whim, following a basic set of guidelines. No technology, special materials, or educational background are necessary to become a Zentangle artist.
According to those tenets, the standard format is:
- drawn on a 3.5-inch square. It should be plain white, unlined paper.
- The square should not have an “up” or a “down” – it is without orientation.
- It should not be representative of any certain recognizable object; rather, it should be abstract.
- The drawing should be completed in black ink on white paper with gray pencil shading.
- It is meant to be portable, so that it can be created at any time the mood strikes.
The basic steps are:
- Draw a border. The pattern you make will be drawn inside the perimeters of the border.
– In pencil, without the aid of ruler, to draw a light square border around the edges of your paper. It’ was not’s meant to be visible once you finish creating your Zentangle in pen. - Draw a string. Take your pencil and draw a “string” inside the border.
– According to the Zentangle Method, a string is a curved line or squiggle that will lend structure to your design. The pattern you create will emerge according to the contours of your string. It should be lightly sketched in pencil, a simple, abstract form that elegantly divides the border into sections. - Start creating a tangle. A “tangle” is a pattern drawn in pen along the contours of a string. One Zentangle may have just one tangle, or a combination of different tangles. Use your pen to begin drawing whatever pattern comes to you – there’s no right or wrong move inside a Zentangle – keep the following in mind:
– Tangles should be composed of very simple shapes. A line, a dot, a circle, a squiggle, or an oval are all acceptable. - If desired, pencilled shading can be added to the tangles to create more depth and visual interest.
Don’t erase mistakes. You can’t erase mistakes you make in pen, which is part of the reason tangles are created in pen, not pencil. Every tangle is built stroke by stroke. Pay attention to each stroke you make, and build your pattern in a deliberate fashion. Focus intently on your work. Just as you would while meditating, free your mind of worries and problems. Remember that the act of creating a Zentangle should feel ceremonial.
Zentangle creations adhere to the following philosophical tenets:
- Its creation is unplanned. When you begin creating a Zentangle, you’re encouraged not to have an end goal in mind. Rather, allow the pattern to reveal itself as you draw.
- Its creation is deliberate, yet unexpected. Each stroke should be made deliberately, rather than hesitantly. Instead of erasing stray marks, the artist should use them as the foundation for an unexpected pattern.
- Its creation is celebratory. Like meditation, the Zentangle Method is meant to feel freeing and healing. It’s a way to celebrate the beauty of life.[6]
- A Zentangle is timeless. No technology or special tools are used. Zentangles should connect those who make them to the timeless human endeavor of putting pen to paper.
Having said all that, the method has expanded to larger sizes, recognisable outlines, and inclusion of colours as the artist sees fit. The main point is to get into a zen-like state with the repetition of the patterns you are drawing. It is meant to be a form of artistic meditation that anyone can do. The act of creating the Zentangle is more important than the final outcome.
I personally enjoy including Zentanlge within other art, having a recognisable outline, or drawing ‘a thing’ – which is against the original instructions, but it’s what I like and find relaxing, so that’s what I do.
Here are some examples
