Creative leisure and art therapy: The Zentangle®

Who has never scribbled on a piece of paper during a phone call or for fun to pass the time? If this is your case, you may be tempted by the Zentangle®.

What is Zentangle®?

This is a relaxation method invented by the Americans Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. The term is divided into 2 words: Zen for appeasement and tangle for geometric shape. This method involves drawing repetitive or non-repetitive black patterns on a small area. At first glance the drawings seem random and infinite but they are structured and each Zentangle® pattern has a name and is claimed by its creator. Between geometric shapes, natural, contrasts and shadows there are a multitude of patterns. Not to be confused with the mandala which consists of patterns on the basis of a circle and which is brought to be colored.

How to make a Zentangle®?

Although the goal is to relax, there are a few rules to follow for the drawing to be called Zentangle® and not doodle:

• Draw or cut a square of 9cm side
• Use a marker, or black pen
• Never erase
• Do not give meaning to your drawing
• The whole must be imaginary or abstract
• Do not use a rule
• Calm down

Note that the realization of a Zentangle on a square of 9cm, or a tile can be done in 5 minutes.

For shadows also use a black HB pencil and a fade.

Zentangle® techniques.

Zentangle® can be approached as a method of relaxation or creative leisure . For those who wish to acquire a developed technique, courses and motifs are widely shared on the web. For those who love books, there are some that explain step by step the basics of the Zentangle®, and others for the more experienced.

Above are examples of Zentangle® basic. Each pattern has a name and the designs are widely shared for free. This is called Zentangle patterns (all the patterns created and shared by the creators). It will initially be necessary to realize them to familiarize oneself with them, possibly to make a book of patterns to be able to refer to it if one does not want to buy paper or digital books. Once you have taken a liking to Zentangle® it will be possible to embark on a more sought-after realization by making for example a combination of favorite motifs in an original overall form. But this escape will be called ZIA Zentangle Inspired Art. You will have understood it is the use of Zentangle® patterns or patterns but we are no longer limited to the square of 9cm side. We fill a larger square, an A5 or A4 sheet or a shape defined as the heart below. You can also add color and leave room for any other fantasies.

Want to get into Zentangle®?

The essential Youtube videos are accessible to all and are free. Many sites are in English. For non-bilinguals, it is possible to take courses in French.