I often wonder if these tangled patterns mirror the chaos in my mind, too many thoughts intertwined, searching for a way out, coming alive through black-inked illustrations. I have to place each pattern mindfully; otherwise, my hand would instinctively fill every inch of white space, crowding the page. Today, I’m sharing my latest Zentangle-inspired artwork, created using tangle patterns I’ve learned from many different sources.
In this post, I am also sharing short video tutorials on the patterns I used in my black-pen zentangle drawing.
Getting started with Zentangle drawing is simple. You don’t need a perfect setup or expensive art supplies. Begin with basic supplies: a black pen, pencil, eraser, and small pieces of paper. Start by drawing light pencil borders and a few random lines to divide your space. Once you get comfortable, you won’t even need a pencil.
Focus on one pattern at a time, keeping your strokes slow and deliberate. Almost poetric. There’s no right or wrong – embrace imperfections and let the patterns grow naturally. Leave some white space so your design can breathe. Most importantly, draw mindfully and enjoy the process rather than aiming for perfection. Zentangle is about calm, creativity, and self-expression.
All my artwork either starts in a corner or right in the middle. This one started in a corner with a floral pattern, which I then built on, adding patterns, connecting them, and forming symmetrical shapes.
I would love to explore different art forms, but I gravitate towards zentangle, mainly because of the convenience. Just a paper and a pen – and a mind brimming with ideas.
You can find more tutorials on my YouTube channel – Creative Outburst | Art | Papercraft | Journal
I colored the little gem after I finished drawing.
Just black ink, patience, and a moment of stillness – this is the quiet beauty of Zentangle.
Related Post – Solitude Typography | Zentangle Inspired Artwork Tutorial
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The zentangles patterns are beautiful. I liked that you compared the creative process to poetry. Poetry is rhythm and motion in a synchronised way, just like the zentangle patterns. Will surely check out your videos.
These are so gorgeous, Rajlaskshmi! Wonder how long it takes to complete one detailed zentangle artwork for you! It must feel so therapeutic and mindful to create these, right? Every time I stop by your blog, I feel amazed by the beauty and style of your drawings…so detailed and intricate…each one of them. Having completed the Inktober challenge this year, I’ve vowed not to put my pens and art papers tucked into cupboards…Feeling inspired after seeing this…need to get into the zone again. 🙂
The patterns look so intricate. I’m already a fan of your ‘gem work’.
I love these zentangle doodles. The filled in page looks incredible, Raj. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of doodling, nothing complicated. It’s so peaceful when I get a chance to get in the zone with just a paper, pen, and doodles.