Zentangle

In a poll conducted from the 14th of March to the 20th, we asked you what you would like to see on our blog. This was the from the first week that we had actual content on our blog, so we wanted to know what you all liked. From this poll, we learned that a lot of you would like to see "art (pictures or tutorials)" on our blog. That is why art is the topic of this post!

This is a picture of my notebook dedicated to Zentangle, a book on
Zentangle, my Zentangle art supplies, and some tangles done on
smaller sheets of paper. (No: I did not draw the design on the stack
of sheets of paper.)

Ever since an art project that I did in elementary school, I have enjoyed doodling with abstract shapes and lines. I would create sections with sweeping curves or straight lines and then think of a pattern to put in each one. Almost a year ago, I attended a short drawing class (5 days). One day, the instructor introduced the class to a type of doodling that was new to me. I immediately liked it, perhaps as it is similar to the doodles I used to do, and have since not stopped to do it every now and then. What I am speaking of is Zentangle.


Zentangle is a method of "tangling" different patterns together to create wonderful works of art. The idea is to allow patterns to flow into each other. While the intricate designs may seem to be too complicated, they actually are quite simple. If you look close enough, you'll realize that it is all just lines and shapes.

This is my first completed tangle in my notebook. Looking back at it, I
realize that I didn't allow the patterns to flow into each other a lot. But I
suppose that is okay. I used a pencil to outline the sections for each design,
so I guess that this one was more planned out than others.

What I like about zentangle is that it is simple and calming. When creating a tangle, you are not supposed to think about what you want the outcome to look like. You simply start with a pattern and let the art take it from there. Thus drawing zentangles is calming and I find that I am never upset with the finished product.

This is a tangle that I did in pencil. Beforehand, I lightly traced out
a unique shape by creating swooping lines. The lines became the borders
for the different designs, but I overlooked them at times to make the
piece flow more.You see, Zentangle doesn't have to fill a full page:
it is actually much more interesting to do it in an abstract shape
such as this one.

Zentangles don't always have to be abstract, though. You can use Zentangle patterns and designs to make pictures of actual objects. I always thought that these made the picture look rather interesting, and certainly is easier than trying to draw a realistic sketch! Additionally, you can use Zentangle patterns as a background for text. I am currently working on one, and when I complete it I will make sure to add it to this post and post it on our social media page. (So stay tuned!)

Some people may worry over the patterns involved. For instance, my co-blogger, Em, once exclaimed that she "could never think of so many patterns" as a reason why she couldn't draw Zentangle. But anyone can do it; that's the beauty of it! Even if you cannot think of your own patterns to fill the page with, there is a numerous amount that you can find online (look up "zentangle patterns"). You can also find inspiration in the world around you. I can recall my first time doing this. I was in a park at night in December, and was thus surrounded by Christmas lights and trees, along with plants and other usual things. I started a new tangle using just the shapes I could find around me. For example, I had triangles with dots in them, like Christmas trees, springing up from the edges of the paper. I also drew lines resembling plants and something that sort of looked like a bench. I didn't finish it, but it looked decent.

What you see above is an unfinished piece. I have several
unfinished tangles in my notebook, and I believe that that is
okay. I believed that I lost "the feel" of the drawing, so I didn't
continue. Other unfinished works I was not happy with--even
in the beginning. So I left them alone, although I feel a little upset
at times that I didn't give them a chance. Remember that it is fine
to abandon a piece, but also keep in mind that not everything has to
be perfect. Otherwise, art will not be made.

So, as I was saying (before I got a bit distracted), anyone can do it, which is great, for everyone should do it. Zentangle is a great experience, and helps to build one's creativity.

If any of you decide to embark on your own Zentangle journey, I would love to see your art! You may send pictures through our e-mail address or our Instagram page (@readingisinevitable), or you can tag us in your photo if you decide to post it on Instagram! Hope you all have fun with your Zentangle everyone!

Zentangle Supplies & Inspiration

There is a Zentangle website that you can visit for more information and supplies. Supplies include square sheets of paper (I use a notebook instead), pens (such as the ones in the photo at the top of the page), and a pencil, (also shown in the picture at the top). There is also a Zentangle blog where you can find inspiration and wonderful Zentangle pieces. (I highly recommend visiting the blog! Afterall, I am only an amateur at this--there are people who are much more talented!) I have also gotten a book on Zentangle from the library. It is called One Zentangle A Day by Beckah Krahula, and I advise reading it to improve your skill and art. (It is featured in the first picture of this post.)