What is Zentangle?
The Zentangle® Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. It was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. "Zentangle" is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com.
From the website: The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.
Words to Know (From Rick and Maria's Glossary of Terms):
STRING: Lots to say here! This is a book in itself. At it's most basic a string generally a random line drawn in pencil which creates an area within which you draw your tangles.
TANGLE: In its verb form “tangle” means to draw a tangle. You tangle a tangle, and in that process create Zentangle art. We began using this work as a verb to avoid using “Zentangle” as a verb. We avoid using "Zentangle" as a verb because we learned it is one way that weakens our trademark status of our name.
In its noun form we use this word as our replacement for “pattern.” However, although all tangles are patterns, not all patterns are tangles. Some patterns do not lend themselves to being created in a Zentangle way.
TANGLEATION: A variation of a tangle by itself or in combination with one or more tangles. Basic tangles are like paint out of a tube. Tangleations are the result of altering a tangle, or mixing one or more basic tangles together in different proportions.
TILE: Die-cut paper squares and rectangles on which you create Zentangle art. They're called tiles because you can assemble them into mosaics.
DECONSTRUCT: To reduce a pattern to its most elemental constituent strokes so a user of the Zentangle Method can recreate, or reconstitute, that pattern (tangle) by repeating those strokes one at a time in a structured sequence.
CERTIFIED ZENTANGLE TEACHER - CZT™: A person who has attended a CZT seminar and been certified by Rick and Maria to teach the Zentangle Method and is authorized to purchase Zentangle products at wholesale. Please see our list of active CZTs here. To learn about the CZT program and how to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher, go here.
From the website: The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle Method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.
Words to Know (From Rick and Maria's Glossary of Terms):
STRING: Lots to say here! This is a book in itself. At it's most basic a string generally a random line drawn in pencil which creates an area within which you draw your tangles.
TANGLE: In its verb form “tangle” means to draw a tangle. You tangle a tangle, and in that process create Zentangle art. We began using this work as a verb to avoid using “Zentangle” as a verb. We avoid using "Zentangle" as a verb because we learned it is one way that weakens our trademark status of our name.
In its noun form we use this word as our replacement for “pattern.” However, although all tangles are patterns, not all patterns are tangles. Some patterns do not lend themselves to being created in a Zentangle way.
TANGLEATION: A variation of a tangle by itself or in combination with one or more tangles. Basic tangles are like paint out of a tube. Tangleations are the result of altering a tangle, or mixing one or more basic tangles together in different proportions.
TILE: Die-cut paper squares and rectangles on which you create Zentangle art. They're called tiles because you can assemble them into mosaics.
DECONSTRUCT: To reduce a pattern to its most elemental constituent strokes so a user of the Zentangle Method can recreate, or reconstitute, that pattern (tangle) by repeating those strokes one at a time in a structured sequence.
CERTIFIED ZENTANGLE TEACHER - CZT™: A person who has attended a CZT seminar and been certified by Rick and Maria to teach the Zentangle Method and is authorized to purchase Zentangle products at wholesale. Please see our list of active CZTs here. To learn about the CZT program and how to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher, go here.
My Thoughts
I think it is important to share with you this information about Zentangle. That being said, 85-90% of the art I create, is not (strictly speaking) Zentangle Art. It is Zentangle Inspired Art or ZIA. It's important to note this because on this site I might explain how I do something and it may be in opposition to the Zentangle Method... but that's ok! I'm NOT a CZT and do not plan on teaching you how to do any tangles or patterns except ones I personally come up with. If you refer to my links page, you'll find a WONDERFUL resource for patterns and some other sites and YouTube channels that I get inspiration and ideas from.
I will share my methods and what I do... for Zentangle specific information other than what's here, please check out Rick and Maria's site.
I will share my methods and what I do... for Zentangle specific information other than what's here, please check out Rick and Maria's site.