Zentangle® is a fun, easy to learn and accessible way of reducing the feelings of stress and anxiety and creating a sense of calm through the drawing of beautiful patterns without the need for artistic training.
The process of creating the patterns has a calming effect on the mind and the ease of access means that it can be achieved by anyone, at any time to bring the mind to a more peaceful, productive state.
Zentangle was created in 2004 by Rick Roberts, a multi skilled practitioner who has a lifelong understanding of meditation and mindful living and Maria Thomas, a highly skilled calligrapher and artist. They realised just how meditative and calming it was to be mindfully focused on drawing repeated, deliberate, slow strokes.
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. We call these patterns, tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the “Elemental Strokes” in all Zentangle art.
Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. You don’t need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise.
The Zentangle Method has 8 very simple Basic Steps which, when followed, allows you to relax, focus and simply enjoy the moment of creating.
By avoiding common blocks to creative flow such as: self-criticism, fear of failure, lack of immediate positive feedback, worrying about outcomes, frustration with lengthy training, lack of inspiration and doubts about what to do next, you can create beautiful art right away.
The Zentangle Method’s “elegance of limits” paradoxically inspires creativity with its gentle boundaries and structured patterns. These so-called limits enhance creativity and support a greater freedom of expression.
People of all ages, skills and interests enjoy the Zentangle Method all over this world. Together, they form a world-wide community of passionate and grateful artists, full of friendships, support, sharing and learning. Zentangle art provides common meeting ground because it is independent of language, age, political views, religious beliefs or any other category that separates one from another.
Please take a look at Rick and Maria’s inspiring website www.zentangle.com for newsletters and information. You will find me listed there as a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).
ENJOY • BELIEVE • ACHIEVE