Zentangles

Have you ever found yourself doodling away on the paper you're supposed to be taking notes on? Lost in random lines and scribbles that are maybe turning into flowers or animals etc..? Well Zentangle was created out of just this- something most of us would call a "doodle." Believe it or not, this simple repetition of lines, shapes, and patterns increases focus and to some is considered a form of meditation. The inventors of Zentangles hoped that those who experienced creating Zentangles could have such an experience. After taking a look at line, different kinds of line, shapes (geometric and organic) and pattern, Art I students got lost in their own meditation by completing a Zentangle design. 


After making two thumbnail sketches (one design in a geometric shape, one design in an organic shape or animal shape) Students began to draw their design on larger paper. To draw the outline of their shape, students were allowed pencils:

Students referenced their thumbnail sketch often as they completed their final design on large bristol paper in sharpie. They were allowed to change the pattern if there was something they did not like in their thumbnail sketch. However, the sketches were very valuable because they helped students have a choice of what shape they would like to use for their final project and they helped students understand the Zentangle process: 

The Zentangle theory is that it's easy to understand-even if you don't believe you are an artist! I found this to be a valuable beginning of the year project to help promote confidence in my students abilities. Students were challenged to create their design in sharpie marker- No erasers! Tihis is to help them see that there are no mistakes in art. Too often, we stop ourselves from drawing or creating art because we are afraid of messing up! Zentangles help us to see that there is nothing to fear.