ZENTANGLE
based on the letter Z
In addition, for my Christian friends who may have thought that I have departed the faith(!) I need to mention that the 'zen' part of the word for those who invented it, does signify some connection with the value of meditation and intuition as found in Buddhism. But many of us of many faiths, or no religious faith at all, exercise these gifts; and 'tangling' is a style of art engaged in by many people. So I enjoy doing zentangles without the religious overtones. I could just call them tangles, but the word zentangle has a certain cadence to it that I like -- and I need a letter Z!!!
These are some of the zentangles I have made in the past few weeks.
So what exactly is a Zentangle? The best way I can tell you is to quote from one of the certified Zentangle teachers:
Zentangles are miniature pieces of unplanned, abstract, black and white art created from repetitive patterns on a 3.5-inch (89 mm) square paper tile. They are not only exquisitely beautiful, they are fun and relaxing to create.
The process of creating a Zentangle® is a form of “artistic meditation” as one becomes completely engrossed in making each pattern, deliberately focusing on “one stroke at a time”®. The creativity options and pattern combinations are boundless. And anyone can do it!
Cited from Linda Farmer CZT
Although I don't prescribe to her "artistic meditaion" viewpoint, I do find them fun to do. There is much more and some of it has to do with particular patterns used in Zentangles. If you are interested I suggest you Google Zentangles and acquire much more information.
The definition above states they should be in black and white, but because I am so fascinated by color, I decided to color a couple of mine, simply using Prisma colors. But it is your art so you can do what you wish with it.
The first one is done on a 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch card (ATC size) and this particular card had a linen finish to it. I quite like the effect.
The second one is 3 1/2 ins. square, the usual size of a Zentangle. I don't know which I like the best, the black and white or the colored. I think I have more fun with the colored. I don't choose the colors until I have finished in black and white first.
The thing I like best about Zentangling is that the finished effect looks so intricate and difficult, when actually it is quite simple. However there are a number of Zentangle patterns that they teach you how to do if you subscribe to their newsletter. If you like them, they can be incorporated into the Tangle.
Later this week I will post a piece of art that is similar to Zentagling but is based on "CIRCLES" the theme set by Sketch book Challenge which I found through blogger Arty Stuff. Her link is HERE. I haven't decided yet whether to join Sketchbook Challenge officially. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. So I shall dabble for a while and then decide.
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This is my submission for ABC WEDNESDAY for the letter Z. This wonderful project, the brainchild of Denise Nesbitt, has now completed its 9th round. It has been an enjoyable, educational and inspirational effort. If you would like to see more of the amazing and exceptional entries others have contributed for the letter Z, please click HERE
16 comments:
I love your zentangles ...the colour ones are amazing. I think doing it is great for stress as one does get totally emersed in it and your pen seems to do its own thing.I haven't done one for ages ...must try again. I actually didn't know there were rules as to size ...I've done them up to 12" square
Oh how incredible!!! I love each one - they are absolutely lovely and I can see it being really relaxing to make.
They are all very good and the coloured ones are quite special.
I used to do something like that in the margins of my work books at school but my teachers called them doodling and made me stop. They are facinating and I did get lost in them when I should have been working. Most of my doodles looked much like your third one.
if you type ALT + 0153 you should get the TM sign thus ™
blessings x
and I should have added that ALT + 0174 will give you the registered symbol ®
Well I learned a new Z word today, never heard of these. They are really intricate and love the colors.
Ann
very attractive.
I do know some Christians who utilize the methodologies of zen to grow closer to God.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team.
Again, i have learned something new. Its a new word and I really like what you did to explain the concept.
Very interesting take on Z..
Zucchini
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Yes, very interesting, Chris !
Great post. This evening I'll go to bed less stupid.
I learned something new! I think I should like "zentangles" for the sole purpose of artistic fun. (I think I probably unwittingly made a few of these when I was in high school.)
PS, The circle-tangle is rather intriguing also. I like it. :)
Love them all - but especially the coloured ones!
I took an art class in high school, and this was one of the things some students worked on, though I don't remember it having a special name. I just couldn't get the hang of it, so I admire anyone who, like you, can do it. Well done!
Very neat.
What a fun word! I love just saying it. And I really love the designs you've shown.
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