Zentangle is an American sketching approach that not only boosts attention and creativity but also improves personal well-being. Zentangle was conceived by Rick Roberts, a monk, and Maria Thomas, an artist. With Zentangle, they combined meditation and art. This drawing technique is appropriate for both beginners and dedicated hobby artists. Zentangle is characterised by the absence of templates. There are no ready-made answers. Instead, the zentangle patterns are created with caution. Drawing zentangles allows you to effortlessly design whole, unique patterns.
Zentangle does not value good or bad artwork. It is not about right and wrong. The only thing that matters is the drawing.Zentangles are formed through continual repetition. With time, you’ll notice that you repeat the identical moves. Overall, Zentangle is made up of five basic strokes that appear in every pattern:
l Examples of shapes include dots, circles, curves, lines, and s-shaped lines.
These are drawn on small pieces of paper known as ‘tiles’, which can then be arranged into mosaics. Because of its therapeutic properties, this magnificent art has given city artists peace and relaxation.
HISTORY
Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas established Zentangle in 2004. Roberts, a meditator, and Thomas, a calligrapher, combined their efforts and discovered the calming benefits of producing repetitive patterns. They sought to develop an art process that anyone could use. This is because they frequently heard that people lacked the time, ability, place, or patience to pursue art. They believe that the simplicity of Zentangle eliminates all of these arguments.
l Now, let’s delve deep into this art style.
Vaishali Kosiraju, a trained Zentangle artist living in the city, has been practicing this art for the past three years as a way to unwind after a long day. “Zentangle art is nonrepresentational and unplanned. You can focus on each stroke without worrying about the outcome. There are no highs or lows in this art. Drawing a tangle does not require any prior knowledge of its appearance. You only need to know the steps. The outcome is a pleasant surprise. Zentangle art produces beautiful images; you are likely to experience greater attention, creativity, self-confidence, and a general sense of well-being.”
Zentangle is known as “yoga for the brain” because it has a relaxing and stress-reducing effect on those who practice it. It can also boost a person’s confidence and concentration. Fears such as a lack of inspiration or a fear of failure are not relevant in Zentangle because they involve drawing in order and repeating patterns. This allows you to let go of expectations and just live in the moment without worrying about anything else. You, too, can create an amazing Zentangle artwork using just eight basic steps. Learn more about these processes and how to get started by reading the Zentangle website, checking out one of the books about different Zentangle techniques, or attending a Zentangle class.
Shivani Srikosuru, a PR professional and a Zentangle artist, shares that Zentangle art is relaxing and draws people in because it incorporates repetitive patterns. “The fundamental idea is that you are doing it on a tile. You can do it anywhere, with no limitations. Zentangle involves an eight-step technique. When we teach Zentangle, we focus on the process. Every art form has a unique material and procedure. When you complete Zentangle correctly, each piece becomes collectible.”
A doodle or scribble occurs along the route. For example, you may sketch small patterns in the corner of a piece of paper while on the phone. This happens without thinking. This is different in the event of a tangle. You concentrate on the process of sketching; therefore, you draw more intentionally and with great concentration.
According to Sriya Agarwal, an art instructor and commissioned artist, Zentangle is used in art therapy to help people relax. This art does not require any prior understanding of it. It is a timeless art that anyone can practice at their own pace and in their own style. There are no rules; simply let go of all bothersome ideas before beginning. “This painting has significantly reduced my anxiety levels. When I have too many thoughts, I play some soul music and begin with Zentangle. As an art instructor, I encourage my students to love this art.”
Zentangle art is very different from doodling. Doodling lacks a pattern, but Zentangle provides a unique name for each pattern or tangle. A tangle might be done randomly, but when it comes to doodling, one can do whatever they want. “Doodling is freehand. You draw a character or thing that you can identify with in real life. Zentangle is anything that is devoid of expression. I produce more curves and circles than straight lines because I believe it makes me feel more calm.”
Benefits of Zentagle Art Stress Relief:
Zentangle is an amazing stress-relieving activity. Drawing repeated patterns helps you relax and concentrate on what your hands are doing. Because it entails drawing the same strokes repeatedly, you improve with each attempt. The resulting euphoria and sense of accomplishment can have a significant impact on your mood.
Improves hand-eye coordination
Zentangle, with its complicated and repeated patterns, is a fantastic practice for strengthening hand-eye coordination. Your brain and hand collaborate to improve your fine motor skills as you make the deliberate and exact motions required to create Zentangle drawings. This process encourages you to pay close attention to detail, eventually strengthening your focus and eye-hand coordination. This hand-eye coordination is important in athletic and recreational activities, as well as in academic settings such as handwriting training.
Meditative Effects
Making a Zentangle drawing causes a shift in your concentration and viewpoint. You sense peace and inner serenity as you immerse yourself in this process.
Spontaneous and convenient
One of the most amazing aspects of Zentangle is its inherent convenience. It’s a profession that requires few tools and is therefore accessible to almost everyone, anywhere. All you need is a pen, paper, and your imagination. Zentangle’s spontaneity is remarkable. You may start producing gorgeous patterns at any time, whether it’s during a work break while waiting for an appointment or in the comfort of your own home, whenever inspiration strikes!
A few tips at the conclusion that our experts share:
Take your time. Nobody is born a master, and no one requires perfection.
Put yourself to the test: discover new patterns, modify them, and simply begin drawing. Zentangle is not intended to be used for procrastination.
Consider using a sketchbook just for your Zentangle artwork.
