How to Relax Using Easy Zentangle Art
Creating Zentangle art is a great way to relax and unwind. Art in general is often used as a form of therapy to reduce stress and anxiety. Creating easy Zentangle art is a great way to take that to the highest level.
And it’s adaptable to all artistic skill levels, from nothing at all to very advanced. This makes it perfect for all artists. Today we’ll taking a look inside the Zentangle Primer Vol 1, which is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to take those first steps in creating them.
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Some time around 2005 I discovered Zentangles. I can’t remember at this time what lead me there, but I still enjoy creating them to this day.
When I was first learning how to draw them, I ordered a starter kit online. It had everything needed to begin drawing these relaxing little doodles.
I was curious as to what type of kits were available today and how it compares to what was available almost 15 years ago.
What I found was the Zentangle Primer Pack vol. 1 – A Beginner Zentangle Set.
What is Zentangle Art
Zentangles are a collection of patterns that form a piece of abstract art. These patterns are created using something called tangles.
The process of creating Zentangle art is known as the Zentangle Method. This technique is used to encourage imagination and focus. As well as increase the artists overall well being.
This is an easy to learn and relaxing way of making art. Zentangles are miniature pieces of abstract art that are entirely unplanned. By following the Zentangle Method, anyone can create these amazing black and white pieces of art.
Let’s learn more by looking at the history of Zentangles.
The History of Zentangles
Now let’s take a moment to look at the history of Zentangle. The Zentangle method was founded by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas in the fall of 2003. Zentangle is a combination of the words “zen” and “tangle”. The idea, was to develop of method of drawing that would give anyone out there the courage to pick up a pencil and create some art.
The system they created involves easy to follow steps that allows your creativity to flow freely. Without the restrictions of fear and anxiety, you are able to go into a meditative state. This allows you to create your artwork as a form of relaxation.
Since their creation, Zentangles have come a long way. Although they started out as black and white drawings, many Zentangle art pieces include color as well. And what started out as a relatively small number of tangles has now grown into thousands as many artists have created their own original tangles.
What’s Included in the Zentangle Primer Vol 1 Box Set
- Zentangle Primer Vol 1 book by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas
- Sakura Micron Pigma PN black pen
- Sakura Micron Pigma 01 black pen
- Graphite pencil
- Pencil sharpener
- Tortillion
- Custom Zentangle tool pouch
- 21 white Zentangle squares (tiles)
Creating Easy Zentangle Art
The Zentangle method describes the guidelines that have been set by the authors to help you get the most rewarding Zentangle experience possible.
And they strongly suggest that beginners follow the method as it’s described.
Some of the things described are to use a pencil string and not a pen string because the pencil can disappear.
“A lightly drawn pencil string offers supportive suggestions, not rigid demands”.
They also recommend using established tangles with simple instructions. This allows for an “Easy flow of nourishing creativity”.
The supplies included with the kit are intentionally limited to eliminate the need to make decisions. You are encouraged to only use black (pen), white (tile), and gray (pencil).
According to the authors, there are no mistakes and you should never throw your work away. They suggest putting it aside and revisiting it another day.
Beginner Zentangle Patterns
This is very much an instructional and educational book. It’s nicely written and easy to read and follow. And it is loaded with inspiration and encouragement. The Forward is written by Molly Hollibaugh, Maria’s daughter. One of the first statements she makes is that this method is meant to help people feel calm, peaceful, energized, confident, creative, and happy.
Another interesting statement in the book says you will find value in reading and rereading the book and following along with the exercises. Whether you are a complete beginner or long-time practitioner. Although I haven’t created many Zentangles over the past several years, I have been doing them on and off for a long time.
I did find immense value in reading the book and following along.
It’s filled with beginner Zentangle patterns that anyone can learn how to create. And it’s the perfect starting point for getting started.
Creating Your First Tile
The book takes you step by step through the creation of your first Zentangle tile. They begin by teaching you what they consider to be the easiest tangle to create.
The first tile is very basic. You break your drawing up into four sections and they tell you which four tangles to use in your drawing.
Pretty easy, and not much thought required. When Maria first designed this process it was intended to simple enough to be followed by even the very beginner of artists. Which makes creating Zentangle art a no-brainer for new artists.
After you have finished filling in your four sections, they then instruct you on how to shade each tangle. And, they explain to you why shading is so important.
I don’t think they have left anything out. The instructions cover everything you need to complete your very first tile.
Towards the back of the book there are some pages that show you several variations. So not only do they show you how to make the tangle, but they also show you how to take them a step further through variation.
Zentangle Primer Vol 1 Pack – Conclusion
The world of Zentangles has really grown since it’s introduction over 15 years ago.
If you are new to the art world or simply intimidated by learning how to draw and create art, Zentangles would be the perfect starting point. And the primer pack would be a great way to get you started.
The pack includes everything you need to get started, and beyond. And the book that is included is nothing short of amazing. Rick and Marie did a fabulous job putting it together.
The Zentangle method teaches you about the use of line, value, both of which are one of the The 7 Elements of Art. Although the method is somewhat informal, it also covers formal aspects of art as well.
Thank you for stopping by and reading my Zentangle Primer Pack vol. 1 review. As you can tell by my post, I absolutely love this kit. Rick and Marie did a top notch job putting it together.
With this starter pack you’ll be creating easy Zentangle art in no time.
What are your experiences with Zentangles? Please comment below, we’d love to hear from you.
TL:DR Zentangles got me through divorce
I discovered Zentangles probably about 10 years (I can’t believe it’s been that long) My marriage was failing (I didn’t know that at the time) but I really enjoyed the zen timeout while I worked. Funding was an issue, so I just created space in a sketch book that matched the shape of a purchased tile. Looking back at them, some of them are stunning. I have done a couple of really large pieces as gifts. One of my ex’s last statements told me that my work “was not really drawing” and in context of the discussion implied I was not an artist. During the time when I was living with friends, I picked up several project packs. They are so wonderful. I like the videos that accompany them. It sounds like I really should go back to the beginning at start again since my life is restarting. Sorry if this is TMI
This is an amazing story! Creating art isn’t about being an artist. It’s about the enjoyment we get from it. Sounds like you’re better off! Good luck with your artistic journey!