Zentangle
Ranked #21 in Arts & Design, #212 overall | Donates to KIVA
Learn How to Draw a Zentangle
I use the technique of Zentangle in my own artwork, incorporating them into sketching, art-journalling and collage. Originally I created individual Zentangles, as shown on Rick and Maria's website Zentangle Homepage but then began to incorporate them into my art journals.
On this page, I will describe how to draw a Zentangle from scratch, what materials are required for Zentangles and also show you how to use the techniques imaginatively in your own work.
Note: Zentangle-inspired drawings are often called 'zendoodles'.
The Zentangle® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. Zentangle® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.
Tags: Zentangle, doodle, Zentangle-inspired, zendoodle, zendala, pen and ink drawing, Sakura Pigma Micron, Zentangle how-to, Zentangle instructions.
More Zentangle Resources
Materials for Zentangles
Smooth watercolor paper - I use Fabriano Artistico HPFine liner pens - My favorites are Sakura Pigma Micron, size 1 to 5
Pencil
Eraser
That's it.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set 6 Per Package, Black Ink
How to Draw a Zentangle
Begin small, work on a piece of paper approximately 3.5" x 3.5" (9cm x 9cm).I am using a pen for the initial steps so it shows on the scan but you should use a pencil.
Draw a border around the square of paper, about a half inch (1cm) from the edge as shown. Do it freehand and let it be 'rough'.
Draw a 'String'
Again, with a pencil, draw a light random line within the border - it can be anything but keep it simple to begin with. Rick and Maria call these lines 'strings', which helps you to visualise the kind of lines that work. You are aiming to create areas in which to doodle. Experiment until you get something you are happy with. Fill Your Zentangle
Switch to a black fine liner pen such as a Sakura Pigma Microm #1 and using some of the examples on this page and on the Zentangle page begin to fill the shapes made by your string. Oh... and put some soft music on and allow your mind to wander. These simple patterns are called 'tangles'. You can see lots of them at Zentangle.com Are You Relaxed?
Keep going. Don't fret over what pattern to use, you will find as you do more, that the next pattern seems to suggest itself.My example here is very rough and I seem to have misplaced the border while scanning, but I'm sure you get the idea.
As you can see, I have worked up to the border, making my Zentangle a square, however, you don't have to do that - leaving white space can work well too.
All Done
Here is my rather rough and ready example finished.Erase all the pencil lines and use a little shading in order to make your drawing more three dimensional.
Want More?
Zentangle Workshop
Creating Zentangles
by KNM
KNM has kindly donated this image that show the processed of creating individual tangles. Click on the image to be taken directly to her blog, Xplore & Xpress.
Zentangle Workshop - New!
The second link is not really Zentangle-related, however it offers a great way of getting into the Zendoodling habit by creating something every day for 30 days. Drawing a Zentangle a day is the ideal, ultimate way to boost your creativity and get your idea-juice flowing!
New: Zentangle With Color
New Zentangle page: Zentangle With Color. Supply list and examples.
Search for Zentangle and Zendoodle Books
Zentangles in the UK
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are Perfect for Zentangles
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set, 6-Pack, Black Ink
Amazon Price: $6.68 (as of 06/01/2012)
Amazon reviewer, Colleen F, says, "Couldn't do without them. I am an avid pen and pencil artist. I have tried several brands of pens, these being a "must have" for me. They last quite awhile, the point stays firm, and the ink does not "bleed". The smallest is .005, largest .08. My favorites are the .005 and .01, but I own all sizes and colors. I HIGHLY recommend this set to start with, but beware - once you try these, you will be hooked!"
Another reviewer, Lynn Hoffman, says, "The perfect feel for drawing or writing. The fiber points of these pens are just rough enough to give the user a sense of the texture of the paper. It's a bit like going back to a standard transmission after years of driving an automatic. The inks themselves are, like some modern poetry, marvellously opaque. Images drawn with them scan and copy beautifully. The very smallest sizes (.05 and .1) tend to break down with rough use, but even the slightly crushed tips give a useful line on paper. Used for writing, they encourage a light grip that makes for less fatigue and there's even something pleasant about a cap that has to be removed and replaced. --Lynn Hoffman, author of THE NEW SHORT COURSE IN WINE
How to draw a Zendala
by Milliande
Using Zentangles in Other Art
When I initially discovered Zentangles, I was addicted and drew over a hundred over the course of a month or two. Eventually my enthusiasm wore off and instead I began to use the technique with other projects. I find it is very effective in my art journals. Here's an example of watercolor, collage and Zentangles combined. You can see that I used a white pen for some of the Zentangling on the man's clothes.
In this project I also decided to use Zentangles to border the facing pages.
Tangled Tile
Creative storage for your art
More Zentangles
![Corre tú que puedes* - Kirigami [Manuelita] by Airín](http://static.flickr.com/2479/5737327554_10682fb0a3_s.jpg)
'Zentangle' has been featured on the...
Abundance Blog
- Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online
- "For all those who feel stuck in the left-side of their brain, and who desperately want to create something and begin to awaken their right-brain hemisphere, below you'll find 17 resources-some free, some not-that will help get you started.">
Jan's Zentangle
Zentangle Books
Zentangles in my Journal
I hope you enjoyed this Zentangle page.
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Going to give it a go?
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karmicchristian
May 24, 2012 @ 11:47 am | delete
- Brilliant! Learnt something new here... Applying it is gonna take some doing! :)
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Frog
May 9, 2012 @ 4:21 pm | delete
- I"m very glad to see you've shared such a wonderful exercise, but saddened that the "creators" of this decided to trademark and market their "new" idea. I could show you hundreds of "zentangles" that I created when I was young, this method of doodling and creating is definitely not new. How sad that they felt the need to make money off of something that is so universal.
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bloomingrose
May 5, 2012 @ 11:11 am | delete
- I am blown away by this, especially by the last example that combines zentangle and journalling.
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Steve_Kaye
May 4, 2012 @ 5:35 pm | delete
- Yes, this is a marvelous idea. I write in a journal, which I find very comforting. Now I have a new way to expand my mental wanderings. Thank you for publishing this lens.
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camelid
Apr 28, 2012 @ 1:48 pm | delete
- This is amazing! I can't wait to try it.
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peppermintpixel
Apr 27, 2012 @ 12:11 am | delete
- I love your zentangles!
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LivRiley
Apr 26, 2012 @ 11:03 am | delete
- I've finished 3 zentagles/zendoodles and they all look great. Zendoodles are quick, fun and extremely relaxing when I have an "urge" to doodle. Great lens!
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JUDYPAG
Apr 26, 2012 @ 12:46 am | delete
- LOVED YOUR PAGE!!!!!
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JoyfulReviewer
Apr 23, 2012 @ 11:54 am | delete
- I do believe I've found a new craft I want to try ... thanks for all the helpful instructions. Blessed by a joyful angel.
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tmmallin
Apr 23, 2012 @ 11:25 am | delete
- Wow, these are so cool!
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yanquita
Apr 17, 2012 @ 7:38 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! Zentangles remind me of embroidery blackwork that died and went to heaven...
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scrapunzel
Apr 17, 2012 @ 4:22 pm | delete
- I desperately need a .01 or at least as small as possible white pen. Can you tell me what you are using & where you found it? Thanks in advance.
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theraggededge
Apr 17, 2012 @ 7:23 pm | delete
- You and me both! I don't use a white pen, except on that journal page which was done several years ago. I've been looking for a decent one for ages - most are too thick or tend to blob.
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MasterOfSpanish
Apr 5, 2012 @ 3:26 pm | delete
- Sure am next time I sit to doodle :-)
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SophiaStar
Apr 4, 2012 @ 10:47 pm | delete
- These are amazing! I had not heard of this before. I am going to definitely try one out thanks!
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prosepine
Apr 4, 2012 @ 8:58 pm | delete
- Love it! Love the pics from your journal
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zafeyry
Apr 2, 2012 @ 4:36 pm | delete
- I'm going to go make a zentangle right now!
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Jolent Apr 1, 2012 @ 11:11 am | delete
- I love this lens... it's inspiring! I've never heard of a zentangle, and like the name for this style of art. Makes me want to get out some pens and paper and start doodling now! Nice job!
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gengonow
Mar 29, 2012 @ 4:04 pm | delete
- Awesome lens never knew the name of this art
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billsolano
Mar 24, 2012 @ 4:44 pm | delete
- These are amazing images, great work on this lens.
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TheRaggedEdge
by theraggededge
Drawing Zentangles is my favorite way to relax. My second favorite way is to make pages about them.
I am proud to say that these lenses (pages) of mine...
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Totally Tangled
Inspirational New Zentangle Book
Totally Tangled: Zentangle and Beyond
Amazon Price: $6.97 (as of 06/01/2012)
Zentangle is meditation achieved through pattern-making. It is a complicated looking drawing that is built one line at a time. Simple tangles, or patterns, are combined in an unplanned way that grows and changes in amazing directions. With your mind engaged in drawing, your body relaxes.
Time to Tangle with Colors
Marie Browning
#5362 Time To Tangle with Color (Design Originals)
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
Expand your tangle repertoire and take your Zentangles one stage further by using color.
The Famous Molskine
Moleskine Sketchbook Pocket
Amazon Price: $7.09 (as of 06/01/2012)
The Moleskine Pocket Sketchbook is made with top quality heavy paper and is perfect for on the go drawings sketches and tempera colors. Every Moleskine product is thread bound and has a cardboard bound cover with rounded corners acid free paper a bookmark an elastic closure and an expandable inner pocket that contains the Moleskine history.
