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The Meditative Zentangle - Lesson 101

Only with a pencil and a drawing pen

By Mi NPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
1
A Zentangle artwork by the author

Have you heard of Zentangle ®? It is not something with a long history. Indeed, it is a drawing method originated by an American couple, Mr. Rick Roberts and Ms. Maris Thomas just more than a decade ago.

The concept of the Zentangle Method was introduced in 2005, when Rick, a monk, observed his wife Maria, a botanical artist in drawing. He observed that she was lost in the work when she was painting. He noticed that she was “in a flow” when drawing those curvy lines and circles. This is how the Zentangle Method begins.

Zentangle has no relation to any religion. As a matter of fact, “Zen” from the word “Zentangle” has a certain implication of mindfulness or meditation, but it does not relate to Buddhism or any other religion. In Taiwan, sometimes the term will be translated as “纏繞” in Chinese, meaning “twisted tangles”. Zentangle pieces apparently look very complicated and hard to accomplish. However, it actually has certain steps to follow in order to make this happen. What is more important is that it doesn’t need too many supplies for your to start your first Zentangle creation.

Zentangle drawings are formed and practiced when the same pattern is drawn over and over again (repeatedly). This is different from doodling — which have no particular rules, thus they are indeed a collection of images/ pictures drawn/put close to each other.

By Lucas Lenzi on Unsplash

We create the same patterns (we called them tangles) repeatedly on a Zentangle tile and achieve a soul-healing art piece. We strive to achieve “relaxed focus” instead of excelling in particular drawing techniques. There is a tag line in Zentangle, “Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of drawing beautiful images from structured patterns.” this reminds us to go with the flow and free our minds.

Zentangle represents a self-help technique that helps to soothe (or “heal”) oneself. It is a “Me Time” activity for many people. The Method requires no particular space or stationary, as these tangles can be made sitting practically anywhere in our daily life. While most tangles (patterns) take about 10-20 minutes to finish, it minimizes the chance of feeling “failure” of drawing them. A few minutes of tangling helps to relieve oneself’s stress and brings about a feeling of peacefulness.

Simple stationery for your first try

Even if you have never try drawing with the Zentangle method, this is easy to follow. Below are the suggested supplies for a Zentangle introductory class:

  • Black Pigma Micron 01 (suggested brand: Sakura or Marvy Uchida)
  • Mini graphite pencil (2B)
  • Zentangle original 3 1/2” Square Tiles (black)
  • Tortillion
Basic kit set for your first Zentangle lesson

The 8 basic steps of the Zentangle Method

“Zentangle is an easy to learn and relaxing method of drawing beautiful images from structured patterns.”

  1. Gratitude and appreciation
  2. Dots at the corners
  3. Define borders
  4. String
  5. Tangle
  6. Shade
  7. Sign
  8. Appreciate again

Usually, it only takes about 45–60 minutes for the simple 8 steps and finish your first Zentangle piece. Zentangle is an experience-based activity, thus the suggested way to enjoy the process is to find a Certified Zentangle Teacher to facilitate your learning for your first lesson. You may take the supplies back home and experience them afterward.

Zentangle class - participants' collage

Anything is possible, one stroke at a time

Zentangle is more than an art technique. It is also a metaphor for becoming aware of the obstacles and limitations around us, and we choose to transcend them or create beauty within them. The Zentangle Method’s benefits are easily available to wide and diversified groups.

“Anything is possible, one stroke at a time”

We usually invite participants to show their Zentangle tiles before ending the class. “No way, we cannot do that!” This is the most common response participants will say before the lesson. And after an hour or so, everyone accomplished what they originally said they couldn’t. To me, this is always the best part of the lesson.

The outbreak of Coronavirus has stimulated web-based learning of Zentangle. In Hong Kong, there are more and more social workers and education professionals trying to adopt Zentangle as a stress-relieving activity. If you are feeling uncomfortable or feeling pressured recently, try the Zentangle Method today!

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About the author: Mike (MBA, CZT). A freelance art teacher always striving the best to promote art in Hong Kong. Find me on Patreon, Instagram or YouTube.

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