WHAT IS ZENTANGLE ART

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. We call these patterns, tangles. You create tangles with combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, S-curves and orbs. These simple shapes are the "Elemental Strokes" in all Zentangle art. These patterns are drawn on small pieces of paper called "tiles." We call them tiles because you can assemble them into mosaics.

Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result. There is no up or down to Zentangle art. If fact, you can most easily create Zentangle art by rotating your tile as you tangle -- always keeping your hand in a relaxed position. You don't need to know what a tangle is going to look like to draw it. You just need to know the steps. The result is a delightful surprise.

People of all ages, skills and interests enjoy the Zentangle Method all over this world. Together, they form a world-wide community of passionate and grateful artists, full of friendships, support, sharing and learning. Zentangle art provides common meeting ground because it is independent of language, age, political views, religious beliefs or any other category that separates one from another.

Tangling has set my creativity free! With no preconceived idea of exactly how a piece will finish up, that allows my creativity to flow in ways that any other artwork doesn't release for me! I enjoy being "in the zone" when I'm tangling. It's like a mini vacation for me, taking me away from any cares or concerns of my day! Thank you Rick and Maria for all your wonderful inspiration and encouragement!
– Linda J F

We expected a Zentangle practice to have a positive influence on creativity, self-image, focus and problem solving. We don't yet have completed scientific studies to explain why this works. But we have thousands of anecdotes showing that it does work. We did not anticipate these benefits when we developed the Zentangle Method. General areas that a Zentangle practice benefits include:

Phobias
Addictions
Pain management
Conflict resolution
Workplace burnout

We continue to discover more benefits to a Zentangle practice, both for individuals and for groups.

When was Zentangle invented?

Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts' Zentangles: A Worldwide Phenomenon. Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, the inventors of Zentangle. Just nine short years ago, a new and unique art form was created right here in Central Massachusetts

How Does It Work?

The Zentangle Method works because

It is fun
It is simple to learn
Each stroke is easy to draw
There are no mistakes
There are no preplanned outcomes, yet
You always know what to do next
The result is unexpected and beautiful . . .

. . . and all this occurs with gratitude and appreciation.

When you create with the Zentangle Method, you also discover new skills and abilities as you create your beautiful and unexpected results.

Our Mission

We believe that life is an art form and that each individual is an artist.

To express creativity feels wonderful. It results in beautiful art. It supports health and well-being. It provides the insight and self-confidence to develop your unique expression.

As you create Zentangle art, you will discover access to your inner reservoir of creativity and imagination AND a simple way to express it.

In Zentangle art there are no mistakes, only opportunities. As you practice the Zentangle Method you will understand why we say, "Anything is possible, one stroke at a time.™"

When you share your Zentangle art, you will discover a warm, supportive and encouraging community welcoming you.

Our mission is to share the Zentangle Method with you so that you can discover the truth of these statements yourself.

And once you do, this may become your mission, too!

Get Started

Welcome to the wonderful world of Zentangle creativity! Thank you for visiting.

The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Explore the links on the left to learn more about the benefits and beauty of the Zentangle Method and our nourishing world-wide Zentangle community.

The Eight Steps of the Zentangle Method

Step 01 – Gratitude and Appreciation

Get comfortable, take a few deep breaths and feel gratitude and appreciation – for this beautiful paper, for these wonderful tools, for this opportunity to create something beautiful.

Step 02 – Corner Dots

We teach beginning Zentangle Method with beautiful museum grade cotton paper, 3.5 inches (89 mm) square. To answer a familiar question of what to put on this beautiful paper, place a light pencil dot in each corner, about a pen's width from the edges. Now it’s no longer a blank piece of paper.

Step 03 – Border

Connect those dots with a light pencil line, straight or curvy, to create a square. This is your border.

Step 04 – String

Inside the border, draw a light pencil line or lines to make what we call a "string." The string separates your tile into sections, in which you draw your tangles. A string can be any shape. It may be a curvy line that touches the edge of the border now and then, or series of straight lines that go from one side of the border to the next.

Step 05 – Tangle

A tangle is a predefined sequence of simple strokes that make up a pattern. Draw your tangles in pen inside (usually) the pencil strings and borders. Tangle is both noun and verb. Just as you dance a dance, you tangle your tangles. Draw your tangles with deliberate strokes. Don't worry about what it's going to look like. Just focus on each stroke of the pen as you make it. Trust that you'll know what to do next when the time to do it comes. There is no up or down to Zentangle art so feel free to rotate your tile in any direction that is most comfortable for your hand as you draw.

Step 06 – Shade

Add shades of gray with a graphite pencil to bring contrast and dimension to your tile. The black and white two-dimensional tangles transform through shading and appear three-dimensional. You can also use a tortillion (a paper blending stump) to soften and blend the graphite.

Step 07 – Initial and Sign

This is art you created. You should sign it. Put your initials on the front (many people create a unique monogram or chop for this step). On the back, place your name, date, comments and observations.

About the Zentangle Method

Through the Zentangle Method of drawing, you can

Relax
Focus
Expand your imagination
Trust your creativity
Increase your awareness
Respond confidently to the unexpected
Discover the fun and healing in creative expression
Enter a vibrant and supportive world-wide community
Feel gratitude and appreciation for this beautiful world and all that you can do
And perhaps most importantly . . . Have fun!

The Zentangle Method offers all this and so much more.

It may look simple, but there's a lot going on here. Savor this time as you discover and enjoy all that the Zentangle Method (and you!) have to offer. Explore this website, beginning with the links on the left. Take a Zentangle class with a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Create some Zentangle art and you will understand why we say,

"Life is an art form and that each of us is an artist."

Thank you for visiting . . . we already know you're special!