Zentangle(TM)

Students are to create a Zentangle Tile by cutting out an 8” x 8” square. They will then divide the square into 7 different sections using one line that loops and touches the sides of the square.

Students will then fill in each section with a different zentangle design. Designs can be googled for ideas.

Finished project should be traced in ink before turning in.
What is it?
Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest.
We believe that life is an art form and that Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life.

Characteristics of Zentangle and Zentangle in the class room
Intuitive Artform
With Zentangle, anyone can create beautiful images from repetitive patterns. This method is easy to learn and easy to do. And even though it is a specified series of steps, it results in a creative expression that transcends its own rules.
Fun and Relaxing
Zentangle provides a fun and lighthearted way to relax and intentionally facilitate a shift in focus and perspective. Zentangle is unencumbered by dogma and cost which can weigh on other approaches. Nevertheless, Zentangle is sufficiently structured and organized so you can enjoy and benefit from an activity that otherwise might be considered whimsical.
Abstract
You cannot fail to create a Zentangle. That is because a Zentangle is meant to look like a Zentangle. It does not need to look like anything else and has no up or down.
Unexpected Results
Zentangle is an unusual approach to art because you have no idea what its result will be when you begin. Your creation is not restricted by your expectations.
Timeless
Creating designs, manipulating symbols and putting pen to paper is part of our human heritage. In a time of keyboards, computer mice, and cell phones, Zentangle allows a return to a comfort and familiarity of timeless, basic creativity.
Benefits and Uses of Zentangle in the class room

  • Relaxation/ Stress reduction
  • Journaling
  • Self-esteem
  • Modify behavior
  • Create beautiful works of art
  • Nurture and develop creative abilities
  • Improve eye/hand coordination
  • Develop/rehabilitate fine motor skills
  • Team building and group focus
  • Anger management
  • Early artist development and appreciation
  • Increase attention span and ability to concentrate
  • Design inspiration
  • Stretching and warm-up for artists
  • Cross-cultural understanding, using various cultural symbols such as Indian henna patterns, Celtic knotting, Zuni pottery, Maori tattoos or Islamic tiling.
  • Handwriting

12-15 Environment(Adaptable to all grade levels)

Instructional objective:
It is the objective to:
1- Learn about basic elements and principles of design in small steps while creating small pieces of art work.
2- Improve eye/hand coordination
3- Increase attention span and ability to concentrate
4- Engage in warm-up and design exercises before larger projects
5- Introduce students to a way of reducing stress levels
6- Cross-cultural understanding using various cultural symbols such as Indian henna patterns, Celtic knotting, Zuni pottery, Maori tattoos, or Islamic tiling
7- Improve handwriting
Elements of Design:
Line, texture, shape, value, (color, space)
Principles of Design:
Balance, unity/variety, emphasis, pattern, movement/ rhythm
Materials and Equipment:
- Zentangle paper (3.5” x3.5”), ATC’s(2.5” x3.5”), various other sizes of heavy-weight paper or watercolor paper
- Pencil, eraser
- Black, fine-tipped marker (sharpie or similar)
- Other materials depending on variation of assignments (white pencil, watercolor, colored pencils, colored markers)
- A variety of patterns as reference
Vocabulary:
- Zentangle, Zen, string,
- all elements and principles,
- shading,
- contrast,
- creating the illusion of 3D form on 2D paper,
- optical illusions
- deliberate focus
Art Production, Comments, Sequence:
1-Dots-using your pencil, make a dot in each corner of the tile. Connect the dots to form a border.
2-String-draw a string (a guideline drawn in pencil)
3-Tangles-Switch to your pen and fill each section with Tangles (patterns taken from fashion, art, nature, observation, history….anywhere)
4-Shading-use your pencil to add shading and depth.
5-Initial-As the final step, put your initials on the front of the tile, and sign and date the back---there is no top or bottom to a Zentangle, so the initials can go anywhere
While working with Zentangles I can introduce small bits of concepts into each period.
-Use of shading
-Direction of light
-Cultural designs
-Quality of line
-Contrast
-Fundraising with art work
-Curating for display- subject matter, size, pattern etc.
State Core Reference:
Middle School:
-Standard 1: Making
- Experiment with a variety of media
- Experience the expressive possibilities of art media, techniques, and processes
- Create expressive works of art using art elements and principles
-Standard 2: Perceiving
- Describe artworks according to use of art elements and principles
- Examine the function of art
-Standard 3: Expressing
- Create works of art that show subject matter, themes, or individually conceived content
-Standard 4: Contextualizing
- Analyze the impact of culture on works of art
- Predict how the visual arts can add quality to life and lifelong learning.