About Zentangle®

What is Zentangle®?

Simply put Zentangle is a method of drawing stunning works of art using simple repeating patterns.  The process removes many of the worries and concerns related to the creation of artwork. Breaking the process down to the creation of one stroke at a time. By focusing on just one stroke, you do not worry about the finished product (in fact a true Zentangle is unplanned.) Each one is unique and a fun project is doing the same one over and over and seeing the differences from one to the next. When the creation is broken down to simple steps the mind focuses on the individual steps and you enter into a mental state similar to meditation.  In the words of Zentangle’s creators:

One day, Maria told Rick what she experienced as she drew background patterns on a manuscript she was creating. She described her feelings of timelessness, freedom and well-being and complete focus on what she was doing with no thought or worry about anything else.

"You're describing meditation," Rick said.

Rick and Maria wondered if they could create a simple system so others might enjoy a similar experience. And so began the journey towards discovering this simple and elegant system called Zentangle.

Little did they know then that it would grow this quickly and touch as many lives in as many ways as it has.

In addition to creation wonderful pieces of artwork, Zentangle can be used to increases mindfulness, decreases stress, enhance creativity, help improve handwriting, improves eye/hand coordination, increases focus, and is a great relaxation method.

Each pattern is simple enough that anyone can draw them. Even if your hands shake, they will shake with each stroke and this will add to the look of the finished product. As Rick and Maria say “Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.” 

Below is my very first Zentangle from my first class.