Creativity is intuitive. Creativity is born from feeling. If you’re thinking about it too much, then you’re doing it wrong. Elizabeth

Over the years I have gone on many local studio tours. I enjoy them all. I mention this because I was on a studio tour when I first heard the term Zentangle. I was admiring a pen and ink drawing and was told by the artist, Mona Corby, that it was Zentangle.

Zentangle? What is Zentangle?

As per Mona, words are not the best way to describe Zentangle. “You get a better understanding of it by googling Zentangle”. So, I did.

What did I discover?

In 2004, Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts, a couple from Massachusetts, patented a drawing technique they had created called Zentangle. At that time, they also founded their company, Zentangle, Inc. Since then Zentangle has become a global phenomenon where it is taught in over 40 countries by Zentangle Instructors.

Zentangle is meditative drawing similar to the type of drawing one does when doodling. It uses the repetition of dots, lines, curves, and circles to create images with beautiful patterns and textures. In the beginning, the drawings were pen and ink and they were abstract. Today, the choice of mediums used to draw a Zentangle is extensive. Mediums range from pen and ink to marker to coloured pencil to watercolour and more. Likewise, the subject matter has grown to include both representational images and abstract images. 

Why is Zentangle so popular?

Because it can change your life, for the better! Since taking up Zentangle I actually believe I can become a skilled drawer. The ability to draw has been on my secret wish list for a long time. Unfortunately, I had the misguided notion that drawing was a skill for “gifted people” only. For those of you who also have misguided notions about “gifted people” you will be happy to know that Zentangle requires no previous drawing experience. Nor, does it require an eraser because mistakes do not exist in Zentangle. And, you will not be disappointed with your work of art because it is an intuitive drawing created spontaneously without a preconceived notion of what it should look like.

Something else worth noting is that Zentangle can save your sanity. In this crazy world we live in we need quiet time. We need “Me” time. We need “creativity” time. And, Zentangle can give us all of that and more. It is relaxing and it is inspiring. More often than not you will be happy with your drawing when it is finished. You will, dare I say it, be proud of your drawing. And, you might even be in awe of your newfound talent. Imagine that…the possibility of being in awe of yourself. Isn’t that something?

Although I only met Mona once I am indebted to her for introducing me to Zentangle. As often as I can I start my day by sitting next to the window with my coffee beside me putting pen to paper to create my very own work of art. I never know what the end result will be. But, that is ok because I do not want to spoil the surprise.

Your next step on this creative path…is it turning the page to Zentangle?

If yes, Zentangle’s official website is found at https://zentangle.com/