What is Zentangle?

What is Zentangle? And how is it different from other arts? Looks like it’s doodling, isn’t it?

These are some questions people ask me when I talk about Zentangle. And I’m sure every Zentangle artist gets these questions from people curious about this art form and writes a blog about it.

Rick and Maria from the US created Zentangle method about 20 years ago. It’s an easy and fun way of creating beautiful images by drawing ‘tangles’ or repeated patterns. Every Zentangle artist will have its own interpretation of this art, for me it’s meditation through art.

So how is it easy, you ask? Yes, it’s easy because it doesn’t have strict rules of drawing. There are ‘step-outs’ or step by step instructions on how to draw ‘Tangles’ or Zentangle patterns. It takes away the pressure of making decisions on how to draw. One of the reasons anyone who do not know how to draw can learn and master this art form.

It’s easy because the classic Zentangle method needs minimal art supplies – a small piece of paper of 3.5 by 3.5 inches and 1 black pen. You can stick with the classic method with black and white patterns or dive deep and create Zentangle Inspired Art using bigger papers, coloured pens, pencils, watercolours or any other art supplies you want. You will still get all the benefits from the practice.

Why is it different from other art forms?

Apart from the fact that there are no strict rules to follow, Zentangle method has 8 different steps. Every step is crucial and has a philosophy behind it that’ll helps you with mindfulness, relaxation and lots of other benefits. Personally, with regular Zentangle practice, I have learned to be mindful, live in the moment. Drawing these patterns helps me relax. I have improved my focus because there are complex tangles that needs you to focus to avoid making mistakes.

And if you make a mistake, that’s not an issue in Zentangle. Because there are no mistakes in Zentangle, only opportunities to improve. ‘No mistakes’is one of the philosophies that Zentangle teaches that makes this art unique.

It has helped me improve my drawing skills as well.

So now I’m intrigued to learn, but I do not know how to draw. If that’s what you think then let me tell you that you do not need to know how to draw. You just need a passion to learn and an open mind to accept Zentangle philosophy. And you need to learn Zentangle from a ‘ÇZT’ a certified Zentangle Teacher. Yes, you can learn from websites and online tutorials. But what you’ll learn is the technique only.

The CZTs learn how to teach Zentangle by Rick and Maria – the creators of this artform and Zentangleinc staff. It’s a 3-day intensive course, read more about this course in another blog.