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Zentangle

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Learn How to Draw a Zentangle

What is a Zentangle? In a word, a doodle. A structured, contained doodle. The term 'Zentangle' was coined by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas when, one day, Maria described her experience, as she created her art, as "feeling timeless, free and engendering a sense of deep well-being". Rick recognised that she was in a meditative state and so Zentangles were born.

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'.

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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.

 

More Zentangle Resources

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Materials for Zentangles

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen SetSmooth watercolor paper - I use Fabriano Artistico HP
Fine 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'

Zentangle stringAgain, 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

Zentangle tangle 1Using 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?

Zentangle tangle 2Keep 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

Zentangle tangle 3Here 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

Zentangle challenge

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!

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Search for Zentangle and Zendoodle Books

Do you create Zentangles in the UK? You can search for books on Zentangles right here:

Zentangles in the UK

Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are Perfect for Zentangles

A fine point drawing and writing pen offering a waterproof, quick drying pigment ink. Micron pens will not clog or dry out. Ink will not feather or bleed through even the thinnest papers and is smear proof once dry. The pigment in the ink remains colorful and will not spread when applied. It is fade proof against sunlight or UV light; and is permanent and washable on cotton fabrics. Archival Quality. Acid Free.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set, 6-Pack, Black Ink

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen Set, 6-Pack, Black Ink

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 02/13/2012)Buy Now

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

Sit back and enjoy this lovely video as Milliande shows you how to do it properly! Also, if you would like to become part of an arty community, join Milliande's group - everyone is lovely
Zendalas- How to Draw a Mandala Zentangle Style
by Milliande | video info

1,775 ratings | 427,030 views
curated content from YouTube

Using Zentangles in Other Art

Zentangle in Art Journal

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.

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer Shares Zentangle Tips
by SakuraColorProducts | video info

72 ratings | 45,725 views
curated content from YouTube
Zentangle on Terra Cotta Tile

Tangled Tile 

Creative storage for your art

More Zentangles 

Zentangles on Flickr

doodle21 by *_filippo_*
are you sure by hannah sheffield
Corre tú que puedes* - Kirigami [Manuelita] by Airín
flikr0027 by flikr
090306_zendoodle_xxinternalchaos_env2b by miahalf0
Doodle Wars on Canvas 2 by mrmatt
Array by danie;
through a coloured lens by robynejay
Doodle'ing 2 by LaBellaVida
Web by HipGiraffe
Teeny - Tangle Pattern by Moon Attic
curated content from Flickr

'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

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Zentangles in my Journal

I hope you enjoyed this Zentangle page.

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  • Reply
    naheedahsan Feb 8, 2012 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    These are beautiful
  • Reply
    JoshK47 Feb 6, 2012 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Wow - very cool looking! Never heard it called zentangle before, very interesting. Blessed by a SquidAngel!
  • Reply
    entertainmenteveryday Feb 6, 2012 @ 11:35 am | delete
    I love it! I learned so much and will give it a try soon. This would make for a great pice of artwork in my home.
  • Reply
    Tipi Feb 3, 2012 @ 11:41 am | delete
    I really need to send this to my oldest son, he is so good at doodle art and zentangel. You are a remarkable artist. Amazing artwork.
  • Reply
    jimmyworldstar Feb 1, 2012 @ 5:17 pm | delete
    These zentangles look amazing, I might try one later on. When you make a lot of repeating shapes you get great results and shapes like in the pictures above.
  • Reply
    oxfordian Jan 16, 2012 @ 1:33 pm | delete
    I'd never heard of this before! These are beautiful and I can't wait to try it.
  • Reply
    Tolovaj Jan 16, 2012 @ 12:47 pm | delete
    Thanks for introducing this form of at. I saw something very similar in one school few weeks ago and had no idea it has special name. It is pretty simple but very effective and with A LOT possibilities to explore.
  • Reply
    Nancy LA_Woman00@yahoo.com Jan 6, 2012 @ 9:22 pm | delete
    I love Zentangle; and am glad to see that there is a name to describe it! True, many of us used a similar techniqueat one time or another. Mine was with a rapidograph in the late 60's & 70's. I am going to try it agian, this time using Micron pens as recommended.
    Many Thanks ~ I appreciate your site!
  • Reply
    Samantha Dec 14, 2011 @ 9:31 am | delete
    Thanks for the info. I used to do drawings like this when I was in high school in the '80s. I would start with a border of something I was looking at, like a cup. Then I would section it off and fill each section with doodles. I was learning Japanese at the time, so I would often draw patterns based on kanji. I haven't made one of these since I was in school. Seeing these reminds me of a time when I used to be creative!!! I now have a 6 year old daughter who is very creative. I think it is time I introduce her to this technique.
  • Reply
    SimplyTonjia Dec 8, 2011 @ 3:49 pm | delete
    Love this lense.
  • Reply
    Chris Dec 4, 2011 @ 12:25 am | delete
    If you are truly interested in what Zentangle is and where it began please look at the Zentangle website at www.zentangle.com. Anyone who has been trained by its creators understands that it is not a doodle. As a CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher) I recommend you inform yourself before informing others.
  • Reply
    theraggededge Dec 4, 2011 @ 6:35 am | delete
    Chris, I have been following Rick and Maria's progress since before Zentangle.com was even born. I first 'met' them years ago on an unrelated list. Rick and I had some email correspondence connected to the benefits of Zentangle for home-schooling. People were encouraged to download PDFs and share Zentangle freely. I visit the site, I have the kit. I can't be a CZT because I live in the UK.

    My Squidoo pages and blogs have sent thousands of people over to Zentangle.com over the last couple of years and have made $s for charity.

    However, if I produce a piece of work in the Zentangle manner and wish to call my creation a Zentangle, I will. If I want to call it a doodle, I will. There appears to be a certain element within the CZT community which promotes a holier-than-thou attitude and it does not give a very good impression to the rest of us.

    I recommend that you take care of your own art and leave me to my own.
  • Reply
    Chris Dec 4, 2011 @ 9:24 am | delete
    It is true, you may call it anything you wish. CZT training is open to anyone. People from all over the world attended the last training seminar. While you may see my comment as holier-than-thou it is not my intent to present my understanding in that manner. It is merely to share what I have learned through it's creators. Your tangles are an expression of your artistic nature and they are beautiful. I wish you continued enjoyment in whatever avenue you pursue to share it share it with those of us who recognize your talent. Continued success, also, on your charity endeavors.
  • Reply
    PJ_Deneen Dec 26, 2011 @ 5:24 pm | delete
    This is the second instance so far where I've seen "certified" Zentangle teachers act like jerks. It certainly doesn't make me want to go to their website. Like another reader who commented, I did a very similar technique in the 80s. This type of art is hardly new. This was a great lens. More power to you for speaking up.
  • Reply
    Chris Dec 27, 2011 @ 11:49 pm | delete
    Ouch.
  • Reply
    charlino Nov 24, 2011 @ 10:38 pm | delete
    I've always considered doodling as a form of art, but never knew the formal name of it until recently. Love your display of zentangle art, information, and supplies.
  • Reply
    WriterJanis Nov 23, 2011 @ 2:19 pm | delete
    Never heard of this before. Thanks for the info. I love to doodle.
  • Reply
    SheilaSchnauzies Nov 20, 2011 @ 1:40 am | delete
    I haven't doodled in ages... I'll probably be doing it tomorrow, though! Blessed by a Squid Angel today. Great lens!!!
  • Reply
    aquarian_insight Nov 15, 2011 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    I am a chronic doodler, so this lens actually excited me! I will be trying it. You have amazing lenses and that is why I listened to your advice! Thank you...I'm off to zentangle!
  • Reply
    traveller27 Nov 12, 2011 @ 11:25 am | delete
    Thumbs up - great lens!
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TheRaggedEdge

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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... more »

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