The Art of Zentangles

There is a rapidly increasing interest the use of adult colouring books. Just like those ones you probably did as a child but with more complex pictures and patterns ready for you to colour in. There are also currently local libraries that hold adult colouring in groups that are usually free to participate. The books are readily available to purchase just about everywhere now from your local newsagent to major supermarket and are available in many themes and also a variety of prices from low to high so shop wisely should you decide to make a purchase.

However, there is another way you can go.

Apart from being fun, the art of Zentangles is a great way to help relieve the effects of stress and anxiety by means of relaxation. As a form of art therapy, all you need to do is arm yourself with the following items:

 Sheet of blank paper

 Black ink pen (fine liner is best)

 Coloured Pens or pencils

 Your own imagination

I will now explain to you the simple process of designing and producing your own Zentangle. Remember there are no rights or wrongs to this project and you really cannot go wrong.

Take your pen and draw a random line or shape anywhere on your sheet of paper. In my example I have started to build up a picture of a fish.

Then all you need to do is keep adding lines and shapes and build yourself a pattern across your page. You don’t need to have every shape attached to the last. When you have built up a pattern you can then start to ‘fill in’, with lines and other shapes and patterns within the other bigger patterns you have made. These can be as intricate as you can do or simple straight lines. The choices you have are as wide as your imagination.

Once you have done your patterns, sit back and have a look at your finished picture. You may want to add some more bits or stop where you are.

Now if you want to add some colour, grab yourself a coloured pen or pencil (I like metallic and glitter gel pens as well), and start filling in the individual sections you have made to build up colourful patterns. Alternate with your colours between the sections and you will soon build yourself an individual and personal work of art. You do not have to fill every bit of your picture with colour and in fact, you do not have to fill in with colours at all. You can carry on filling in with just your black pen. As said before it’s entirely up to you.

Finally, just remember regarding drawing Zentangles.

 There are no rules  Try not to rush

 Do another one

 Enjoy

Fact sheet written and produced by John Day.