Hello there, today I am writing on how to create a Zentangle Inspired Art. I am not a certified teacher or teach any art form, but have written this post based on my experience and hope that these 7 points will help you to get an idea on how to create your first ZIA. 🙂
What is ZIA?
Zentangle Inspired Art or ZIA are artworks made by using the Zentangle Method. Zentangle is a meditative abstract art made by drawing patterns following certain guidelines. Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, Zentangles have taken the world by storm. You can find all the official Zentangle patterns on Tangled Patterns . Also before starting, please read the guidelines here.
Most of my artworks are Zentangle Inspired Art. It’s a mix of patterns found on the official zentangle site and my own designs.
What you will need?
A Pen and Paper
Yup, that’s it. No ruler, stencils or any other item to draw. My first drawings were on sticky notes as I was still testing the waters, figuring out if I possessed the skill to draw. After that I bought a small blank notebook to make slightly bigger designs. And now I own a foot long drawing book where I try out new designs.
Your first design
If you are looking for a design, start by recreating some of the original patterns on TangledPatterns.com. You can find amazing and intriguing patterns on the site. And then slowly, you can mix your own designs to create an artwork that’s unique and special. It is a good practice to add a reference to the Zentangle site while posting online. I find Pinterest a great place to find tutorials on drawing a Tangle and I have saved a lot of pins too. My album is Tangle Tutorial
Let it go
There’s no right or wrong way of drawing a ZIA. It’s your creation and you can make it anyway you want. Let your pen drive you. Usually, while drawing Zentangles you don’t even use an eraser. So don’t worry about mistakes or wrong patterns. Go along with the flow.
Mindfulness
Zentangle is also called Yoga for the brain. Focus on your drawing. Focus on how each line and curve connect and create something new and beautiful. Believe me, it’s a wonderful practice that has helped me to be offline, and has improved my concentration too.
Coloring
Coloring is optional. If you wish you can add some nice shades with pen or watercolors or any other medium. I usually like mine as black and white.
Believe
This is not a competition. Believe that you are creating something beautiful with your hand. It is fun and very engaging.
Here’s a step by step on my latest ZIA.
Zentangles are made on tiles and can be finished within 15 minutes. But ZIA can take much longer to finish. This one took about 4 to 5 hours to finish.
Are you all set for your first ZIA? If you have any question, please comment below and I will try to answer them 🙂
Participating in Bar-A-Thon by Blog-A-Rhythm
Wow ,what a telaented in your art. Amazing teach you art step by step . You are great lady. God bless you. Iam so happy. You have all knowledge. Nice write up blog .✍️🙏
Honestly, I am in awe at your incredible talent and this piece is aesthetic. I’ve been very bad with drawing and how I wish I could have done it.
I have seen your IG feed and such beautiful art, Raji. You are so talented. I have never had an inclination to try but watching these images I feel that one needs to have that bend too. If you not do well here 😉
You are one talented lady! These drawings remind me of the Enchanted garden adult colouring book I’ve got. Still haven’t finished even a 10th of the book. 🙁
Stunning indeed. I was deeply engrossed in zenrangling two years back and so where down the line gave up. Your post is inspiring me to re-start again. I’m awe-struck by your immense talent Raj. ❤️❤️