Art 1: Zentangles- Personal Pattern, Space, and Balance

By TC, Art 1 P3

*more student work on our Gallery Page: Art 1

Objective: To create a unified original zentangle drawing with pen using an original pattern that demonstrates a complete understanding of line/shape & pattern/balance.

WHAT ARE ZENTANGLES?

As the name implies, it's a Zen-like way of creating images through repetitive patterns and shapes. Zentangles got their name from "Zen" because of the relaxing, meditative feeling you get when creating them, and the parallels that can be drawn between this way of drawing and the teachings of Zen. With Zentangles, every mark you make is a deliberate mark- drawn deliberately and consciously.

With Zentangles, there are no erasers. In Zentangle (and in life), you discover that even if you make what seems to be a mistake, you can build on that event as a new pattern and go in unexpected and exciting new directions.

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT: Create a zentangle drawing that: is unified in positive and negative space; incorporates your personal pattern; and symbolizes the creative process.

Part 1: BRAINSTORM:

Write down the word “Creativity” in your sketchbook. Now, list any other related words that come to mind…(you need at least 15.) Here are 10: Plan, practice, try, mistake, repetition, process, sketch, revise, reflect, share

Part 2: BEING TO CREATE:

Think of as many different patterns as you can. Draw them out. Now, practice using line and shape together to create new, unique patterns. Invent at least one personal pattern.

Part 3: CREATE:

On a 12x18 sheet of white drawing paper, draw (5-8) "strings" (Remember, strings are wavy, flowing lines that will divide your paper up into smaller sections. You will eventually fill each one of these sections up with a different pattern.)

Using Sharpie Marker, select one shape to start with. Fill it completely with a pattern. Your pattern should be detailed and intricate as well as neat. Remember to make each line slowly, carefully, consciously and deliberately.

Use your personal pattern in at least one section.

Continue filling each shape with a different pattern until your composition is full and balanced (use the entire page.)

For inspiration:

https://www.blendspace.com/lessons/_cOfkr1okaSYhQ/zentangle-drawing