Zentangles

Zentangles are something that I came across a few years ago.  

If you have never heard of them, the website describes them as "an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being."

They are basically a drawing that uses various intricate patterns.  They are usually quite small in size.  Mine are often done on a 5" x 5" piece of hot pressed watercolour paper.  I sometimes will add colour using ink pens.  

The thing about them is that you can do them anywhere.  All you need is a small piece of paper and a fine-tipped ink pen.  At first, I didn't really plan them, but as I did more and more of them, I decided on themes for doing a set of them which often incorporate a common element in each of them.  Once you get started, you just go with the flow of the piece.  You can't erase anything, so there are no mistakes.

Check out the website, zentangle.com for some basic instructions and even ordering supplies.  They have a newsletter that they email that contains new patterns with sample designs.  I recommend signing up for those as they have lots of examples and show how to do their new designs.

Here is a slideshow of my zentangles.