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One Zentangle A Day: A Six Week Course in Creative
One Zentangle A Day is a beautiful interactive book teaching the principles of Zentangles as well as offering fun, related drawing exercises. Zentangles are a new trend in the drawing and paper arts world. The concept was started by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas as a way to practice focus and meditation through drawing, by using repetitive lines, marks, circles, and shapes. Each mark is called a "tangle," and you combine various tangles into patterns to create "tiles" or small square drawings. This step-by-step book is divided into 6 chapters, each with 7 daily exercises. Each exercise includes new tangles to draw in sketchbooks or on tiepolo (an Italian-made paper), teaches daily tile design, and offers tips on related art principles, and contains an inspirational "ZIA" (Zentangle Inspired Art) project on a tile that incorporates patterns, art principals, and new techniques.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 5, 2018
Zentangle: pretentious doodling for yuppies who have money to throw at their art practice. Because you're worth it!
Now mind, I love everything related to patterns, think doodling is great, and there's some amazing art out there, and that includes these newfangled Zentangles. But they're not as innovative as the founders claim. Since the patterns are quite basic, they generally have been present in human crafts in specific for centuries -- it's just that people didn't scribble them on artsy tiles of expensive paper in order to relax, they used them to decorate their household items and clothing.
I also think mindfulness and creativity are wonderful, and much needed in today's hectic, material world. And of course repetitive movement is in itself conducive to "flow" and meditation; no fussy rituals needed (I get into that state while sanding large expanses of wood on my boat). If that repetitive movement happens to create lovely little pieces of art, even better.
That's probably why the attitude emanating from the Zentangle founders bugs me; the whole impetus seems materialistic, starting with copyrighting the pretentious name (even though it has nothing to do with Zen Buddhism), selling the expensive art tiles and pens, and training CZTs, "certified Zentangle teachers" at $2000+ a pop in historic Providence, RI -- and finally the business zealously pursuing copyright claims. While they're busy with that, there's zero acknowledgment of those patterns not having sprung fully formed from Maria Thomas' creative spirit, and the names (each tangle has an "official" name) are funky but have no connection to their provenance. It kinda sucks that so many artists can't make a living, so while I don't begrudge these people theirs, it also ticks me off a little extra, since so many very capable and original artists fall by the wayside unseen, while the capitalist instinct is overflowing here. Pretentious, pretentious, pretentious.
None of which is the fault of the author of this book, but it's not like she's stepping outside of the lines either, and conveying something much beyond the materialism of the founders, what with with her recommendations of art materials that follow the official line to a T (I wonder what kind of Kool-Aid they offer at their workshops). But beyond that, the book didn't encourage me to be mindful. It didn't inspire me with wonder. The art was serviceable, but not amazing; I did some comparable doodling way back in University (and I do not consider myself an artist, and never thought I could draw until Betty Edwards taught me differently with Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain). That's probably not even a bad thing, since doodling is meant to encourage newbies who might feel hampered by art that's way out of their league. But my biggest issue was that the art didn't always fit with the directions -- if you're teaching a stepwise approach, don't go 1-2-3-10.
In reality, doodling is fun, creative, and relaxing. You can do it on any kind of paper, with any kind of writing implement, and expensive materials do not make you a better artist (heck, expensive materials tend to keep me from doing something with them, because I feel guilty if I don't give them their "due"). But if buying special paper makes you feel you're worth it, by all means; whatever gets you going. I'd encourage you to keep the limitations in place in any case (3.5"x 3.5" tiles and a pencil-drawn random "string" to divide them), because constraints get the creative juices flowing, and a small format is much more approachable at first, doesn't hit you as easily with the "fear of a blank page". ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) are also really great for that reason.
This book is a decent introduction to doodling if you skip most of the prescriptive nonsense. It clocks in at a reasonable price too, contrary to the founders' own primer at a solid $50 (US, that is). I should really give it 3 stars, but I am too bummed by the movement itself.
Now mind, I love everything related to patterns, think doodling is great, and there's some amazing art out there, and that includes these newfangled Zentangles. But they're not as innovative as the founders claim. Since the patterns are quite basic, they generally have been present in human crafts in specific for centuries -- it's just that people didn't scribble them on artsy tiles of expensive paper in order to relax, they used them to decorate their household items and clothing.
I also think mindfulness and creativity are wonderful, and much needed in today's hectic, material world. And of course repetitive movement is in itself conducive to "flow" and meditation; no fussy rituals needed (I get into that state while sanding large expanses of wood on my boat). If that repetitive movement happens to create lovely little pieces of art, even better.
That's probably why the attitude emanating from the Zentangle founders bugs me; the whole impetus seems materialistic, starting with copyrighting the pretentious name (even though it has nothing to do with Zen Buddhism), selling the expensive art tiles and pens, and training CZTs, "certified Zentangle teachers" at $2000+ a pop in historic Providence, RI -- and finally the business zealously pursuing copyright claims. While they're busy with that, there's zero acknowledgment of those patterns not having sprung fully formed from Maria Thomas' creative spirit, and the names (each tangle has an "official" name) are funky but have no connection to their provenance. It kinda sucks that so many artists can't make a living, so while I don't begrudge these people theirs, it also ticks me off a little extra, since so many very capable and original artists fall by the wayside unseen, while the capitalist instinct is overflowing here. Pretentious, pretentious, pretentious.
None of which is the fault of the author of this book, but it's not like she's stepping outside of the lines either, and conveying something much beyond the materialism of the founders, what with with her recommendations of art materials that follow the official line to a T (I wonder what kind of Kool-Aid they offer at their workshops). But beyond that, the book didn't encourage me to be mindful. It didn't inspire me with wonder. The art was serviceable, but not amazing; I did some comparable doodling way back in University (and I do not consider myself an artist, and never thought I could draw until Betty Edwards taught me differently with Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain). That's probably not even a bad thing, since doodling is meant to encourage newbies who might feel hampered by art that's way out of their league. But my biggest issue was that the art didn't always fit with the directions -- if you're teaching a stepwise approach, don't go 1-2-3-10.
In reality, doodling is fun, creative, and relaxing. You can do it on any kind of paper, with any kind of writing implement, and expensive materials do not make you a better artist (heck, expensive materials tend to keep me from doing something with them, because I feel guilty if I don't give them their "due"). But if buying special paper makes you feel you're worth it, by all means; whatever gets you going. I'd encourage you to keep the limitations in place in any case (3.5"x 3.5" tiles and a pencil-drawn random "string" to divide them), because constraints get the creative juices flowing, and a small format is much more approachable at first, doesn't hit you as easily with the "fear of a blank page". ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) are also really great for that reason.
This book is a decent introduction to doodling if you skip most of the prescriptive nonsense. It clocks in at a reasonable price too, contrary to the founders' own primer at a solid $50 (US, that is). I should really give it 3 stars, but I am too bummed by the movement itself.
July 10, 2015
This book is a good introduction to the Zentangle process of making interesting doodle - inspired drawings. It is NOT a 6-week course. It recommends more expensive materials than you need, but working with the recommended materials does yield worthwhile results.
I have been intrigued by Zentangle inspired art for some time and have been curious about the process of creating the shapes. After looking at many books, I chose this one because it seemed to have a good balance of how to draw the shapes and how to use them as a jumping off spot for other art projects.
The official Zentangle process as taught by Certified Zentangle Teachers uses a specific, and to my mind overly fussy, ritual to bring mindfulness to the process. The repetitive nature of the ink strokes in forming most of the images is conducive to mindfulness by itself.
The book is NOT a 6-week class. There is far too much in each "day" to do each day and the chapter on use of colour introduces a new medium every day. Each day introduces 2-3 new "tangles" and instructs you to practice them until you are comfortable with them and then make a formal Zentangle using the new forms and the ones you have learned before. After a few days at that pace, half of the tangles have disappeared from memory.
Embedded in the book are some basic compositional techniques, but they are not presented at the right level for a beginner. This is also the case with all the colour media.
Treat this as a resource, not a book to follow every detail of and it is a good introduction to making these whimsical designs.
I have been intrigued by Zentangle inspired art for some time and have been curious about the process of creating the shapes. After looking at many books, I chose this one because it seemed to have a good balance of how to draw the shapes and how to use them as a jumping off spot for other art projects.
The official Zentangle process as taught by Certified Zentangle Teachers uses a specific, and to my mind overly fussy, ritual to bring mindfulness to the process. The repetitive nature of the ink strokes in forming most of the images is conducive to mindfulness by itself.
The book is NOT a 6-week class. There is far too much in each "day" to do each day and the chapter on use of colour introduces a new medium every day. Each day introduces 2-3 new "tangles" and instructs you to practice them until you are comfortable with them and then make a formal Zentangle using the new forms and the ones you have learned before. After a few days at that pace, half of the tangles have disappeared from memory.
Embedded in the book are some basic compositional techniques, but they are not presented at the right level for a beginner. This is also the case with all the colour media.
Treat this as a resource, not a book to follow every detail of and it is a good introduction to making these whimsical designs.
April 14, 2013
Good intro to the art of entangling. Like the day by day lessons. Took a star away because the illustrations/examples were somewhat confusing. The posted examples/guidelines/illustrations did not always match the directions.
February 11, 2013
Loved working through this book. I've found a new meditative practice and this book provides wonderful guidance and photographs for inspiration.
July 18, 2021
In the intro, it talks about the origins of zentangle. "Zentangle is the combination of Maria's art background and Rick's meditation background. While watching Maria work one day, Rick noticed that her state of concentration kept her completely focused on her work. Through discussion they realized what Maria experienced while creating was what Rick experienced while meditating. Together they worked to create a series of steps that allow anyone to achieve a relaxed focus while they create beautiful images using repetitive patterns."
Zentangle doesn't need many supplies, space, or time; you basically just need paper, a pen and a pencil (for shading), and it can be done when your space and time are limited.
Sounds great, doesn't it? But the very next thing they tell you is that you will need special custom paper imported from Italy specifically for zentangles, and a whole page of name-brand pens, pencils, markers, pastels, and "a protractor, the type that holds a pencil so you can switch from graphite to an ink pencil."
A protractor that holds a pencil? I do believe she means a compass... and I am guessing an "ink pencil" is a pen? I'm not an artist, so I'm not really knowledgeable about special tools, but Google has never heard of these terms either, so it seems to be just a very strange choice of words to refer to a compass and pen.
As far as quality, I agree that you should have a good quality paper. As the book says, "If you work on a piece of scrap paper, the paper has been deemed junk, so there is no concern about the quality of work done on the paper. Because [quality] paper has worth, our attention turns to focusing on creating each stroke and the piece of art before us." Also, there are benefits to using a heavy-weight (240lb) paper with a coarse weave: "The woven texture causes you to slow down as you draw, thus giving you more control of the pen as you create the strokes."
So, okay, use a heavy-weight paper with a coarse weave; that is basically just cold-pressed watercolor paper (I remember that much from middle school art class). You can find this anywhere, even at the dollar store. I am annoyed that both the original creators of this meditative art form, as well as the author of this book, claim that they want to make the benefits accessible to everyone, but then they want you to spend hundreds of dollars at THEIR store, and buy only the "official" materials, when you could easily get a good quality sketchbook anywhere, for much less.
As far as pens and pencils, I tend to agree with Mark Crilley (see youtube), who always says that the more expensive name brands are not better. If you have a pen that draws a consistent line and doesn't smudge, that's basically all you need. If you don't have a pen like that, GET one, but it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. And while there may be a small difference in the softness of pencil lead between brands, they all produce the same result on paper; if Crayola is what you have, that's perfectly fine.
If you just want a general overview and some ideas on how to begin doing zentangles, I guess this book is okay. But for a meditation/art form that's supposed to be accessible to everyone, it's anything but. I was not impressed.
Zentangle doesn't need many supplies, space, or time; you basically just need paper, a pen and a pencil (for shading), and it can be done when your space and time are limited.
Sounds great, doesn't it? But the very next thing they tell you is that you will need special custom paper imported from Italy specifically for zentangles, and a whole page of name-brand pens, pencils, markers, pastels, and "a protractor, the type that holds a pencil so you can switch from graphite to an ink pencil."
A protractor that holds a pencil? I do believe she means a compass... and I am guessing an "ink pencil" is a pen? I'm not an artist, so I'm not really knowledgeable about special tools, but Google has never heard of these terms either, so it seems to be just a very strange choice of words to refer to a compass and pen.
As far as quality, I agree that you should have a good quality paper. As the book says, "If you work on a piece of scrap paper, the paper has been deemed junk, so there is no concern about the quality of work done on the paper. Because [quality] paper has worth, our attention turns to focusing on creating each stroke and the piece of art before us." Also, there are benefits to using a heavy-weight (240lb) paper with a coarse weave: "The woven texture causes you to slow down as you draw, thus giving you more control of the pen as you create the strokes."
So, okay, use a heavy-weight paper with a coarse weave; that is basically just cold-pressed watercolor paper (I remember that much from middle school art class). You can find this anywhere, even at the dollar store. I am annoyed that both the original creators of this meditative art form, as well as the author of this book, claim that they want to make the benefits accessible to everyone, but then they want you to spend hundreds of dollars at THEIR store, and buy only the "official" materials, when you could easily get a good quality sketchbook anywhere, for much less.
As far as pens and pencils, I tend to agree with Mark Crilley (see youtube), who always says that the more expensive name brands are not better. If you have a pen that draws a consistent line and doesn't smudge, that's basically all you need. If you don't have a pen like that, GET one, but it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. And while there may be a small difference in the softness of pencil lead between brands, they all produce the same result on paper; if Crayola is what you have, that's perfectly fine.
If you just want a general overview and some ideas on how to begin doing zentangles, I guess this book is okay. But for a meditation/art form that's supposed to be accessible to everyone, it's anything but. I was not impressed.
July 19, 2014
False advertising! Working only 1 zentangle a day is like eating 1 potato crisp. In 6-weeks? Try 3 months. Okay, relaxation, inspiration, and fun? Score!
This is a beautifully organized method of teaching/learning basic elements of fine art & design: Line, contrast, tone, volume, balance, etc. Not even touching on color until after the firm foundation is established.
I've already recommended this book to several "I can't draw" friends, and used this idea as a craft for our kids' camp (A6 journals. The kiddos didn't need much inspiration though—the majority of them were already overflowing the moment pen met page.)
Honestly, I was a bit put off by the sales pitch for the trademarked products. Never mind. Sometimes we need a little reminder that great ideas and capitalist endeavor are both American cliché. The carton wrapper of my Côte d'Or chocolate serves just fine as a template, and the small size is the perfect excuse to test every type of pen I can wrap my opposable thumb around.
Is the e-book shorter? It's what I purchased first, and although it was equally effective, I found the (French) paperback edition better for reference. The layout is easier to follow.
This is a beautifully organized method of teaching/learning basic elements of fine art & design: Line, contrast, tone, volume, balance, etc. Not even touching on color until after the firm foundation is established.
I've already recommended this book to several "I can't draw" friends, and used this idea as a craft for our kids' camp (A6 journals. The kiddos didn't need much inspiration though—the majority of them were already overflowing the moment pen met page.)
Honestly, I was a bit put off by the sales pitch for the trademarked products. Never mind. Sometimes we need a little reminder that great ideas and capitalist endeavor are both American cliché. The carton wrapper of my Côte d'Or chocolate serves just fine as a template, and the small size is the perfect excuse to test every type of pen I can wrap my opposable thumb around.
Is the e-book shorter? It's what I purchased first, and although it was equally effective, I found the (French) paperback edition better for reference. The layout is easier to follow.
October 12, 2013
I haven't gone the full six weeks yet, but I'll mark this as "read" anyway. It's super. I love that I've been able to produce such good, cool-looking stuff without worrying about technique or going back and erasing everything I'm not satisfied with. I love how relaxed and ready-to-focus I feel after sitting down to do this for a half hour or so. It's definitely complemented my meditative practice.
I will note, though, that I've foregone the use of 'tiles' as it seems sort of arbitrary and my sketchbook works just as well. Only one star reduction for occasionally unclear instructions, as one other reader also noted.
I will note, though, that I've foregone the use of 'tiles' as it seems sort of arbitrary and my sketchbook works just as well. Only one star reduction for occasionally unclear instructions, as one other reader also noted.
July 5, 2013
Contains intriguing Zentangle patterns & observations of depth/tone/modifications. Made me rethink how I draw & want to try some new techniques.
Disagree with the author's statement requiring only use of high quality tools & material in order to Zentangle. That's part of the beauty of Zentangle ~ you can even draw 'em on scraps of paper with just a basic ink pen!
Also, crucial beginning steps of how to draw certain tangle patterns seemed to be skipped.
Disagree with the author's statement requiring only use of high quality tools & material in order to Zentangle. That's part of the beauty of Zentangle ~ you can even draw 'em on scraps of paper with just a basic ink pen!
Also, crucial beginning steps of how to draw certain tangle patterns seemed to be skipped.
March 24, 2013
I had no intention of following the exercises in this book, but that's what I ended up doing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and in my book anything that gets me sketching almost every day is a really good thing for me. I think I'm going to give this book as a gift to certain friends when their birthdays come around this year.
April 27, 2013
I found this book at the local fabric/craft store and thought about it for a week (before returning to purchase it). Whew! It was still there waiting for me and my coupon! I have read through this book and found it to be outstanding. Krahula gives each tangle a step-by-step guide (easy to follow). This is a 6 week course, offering a new tangle each day.
February 10, 2016
This book is so well thought-out. Each day has 2 or 3 different tangles, and suggestions, tips, ideas and "assignments".
Fantastic book for anyone who enjoys doodling or drawing and wants to learn how to tangle.
Fantastic book for anyone who enjoys doodling or drawing and wants to learn how to tangle.
August 4, 2015
I really finished reading this quite a while ago, but I skipped the exercises near the end as I had kind of completed those skills in class I took from Tangled Ink Art.
After having checked out several Zentangle and Zendoodle books from my local library I declared this book to have the most value. This is especially true if you do not have access to a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) from which to take classes. I do think making time to work on the exercises daily is good practice, both for learning and for seeing first-hand the meditative benefits of Zentangle. I did find it required much more time in the beginning to learn the 2-3 new tangles and complete the tile so I often spent two days on each lesson. While each lesson is presented as a day it is easy to break it up to fit your schedule and I'd highly recommend doing so if it will help you develop a regular practice.
Despite recently moving 1700 miles to an apartment half the size of my house I did add this book to my personal library. That is after having cut my titles by two-thirds. Beckah has essentially rolled several Zentangle workshops into one well planned book that walks you through the evolution of mastering the techniques and practices making up the art form and meditation practice of Zentangle. I own both the paperback and the Kindle version. I like having access to the Kindle version no matter when I am as long as I have my phone or tablet with me, but I do think the book comes across best in print.
After having checked out several Zentangle and Zendoodle books from my local library I declared this book to have the most value. This is especially true if you do not have access to a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT) from which to take classes. I do think making time to work on the exercises daily is good practice, both for learning and for seeing first-hand the meditative benefits of Zentangle. I did find it required much more time in the beginning to learn the 2-3 new tangles and complete the tile so I often spent two days on each lesson. While each lesson is presented as a day it is easy to break it up to fit your schedule and I'd highly recommend doing so if it will help you develop a regular practice.
Despite recently moving 1700 miles to an apartment half the size of my house I did add this book to my personal library. That is after having cut my titles by two-thirds. Beckah has essentially rolled several Zentangle workshops into one well planned book that walks you through the evolution of mastering the techniques and practices making up the art form and meditation practice of Zentangle. I own both the paperback and the Kindle version. I like having access to the Kindle version no matter when I am as long as I have my phone or tablet with me, but I do think the book comes across best in print.
August 14, 2018
Overall I like how this book builds up over time, having you practice a limited number of tangles each day.
That being said, I feel it started with more direction and tips on how to do the tangle, but it lessened over the course of the book.
Additionally, I feel that while the daily tangle will only need a couple of things, all the side projects require you to invest money to buy a large variety of supplies.
I also think that with the small number of additional tangles in the last 2 chapters, the book could have been shortened to a 4 week program with those remaining tangles included on other days.
I did actually read through this a little bit last year, though I read it more in depth this time, and I think the best use of this book is to flip through and learn the tangle patterns, and potentially as a guide to start your Zentangle journey, even if it does not necessarily use the rules 100%
That being said, I feel it started with more direction and tips on how to do the tangle, but it lessened over the course of the book.
Additionally, I feel that while the daily tangle will only need a couple of things, all the side projects require you to invest money to buy a large variety of supplies.
I also think that with the small number of additional tangles in the last 2 chapters, the book could have been shortened to a 4 week program with those remaining tangles included on other days.
I did actually read through this a little bit last year, though I read it more in depth this time, and I think the best use of this book is to flip through and learn the tangle patterns, and potentially as a guide to start your Zentangle journey, even if it does not necessarily use the rules 100%
May 26, 2013
Zentangle is fun and restful. This is a book by a devotee of the couple who originated Zentangle. While the descriptions are clear, I found the art here to be less satisfying than what you can find online. Other practitioners are better artists, and it helps to be inspired by skilled and creative work. The art in this book lacked some basic artistic principles of balance, value and form.
July 15, 2018
Genial! Eigentlich so einfach, macht aber dennoch richtig Spaß ... und setzt der eigenen Kreativität keinerlei Grenzen. Sicher musste ich mich (wie in jede andere Technik auch) erstmal etwas reinfitzen, aber schon nach den ersten Seiten ist der Spaß geweckt. Und als "Konzentration" vor dem zu Bett gehen schläft man auch viel besser ein.
March 28, 2013
Teaching you how to doodle as a meditative thing. Also v useful in meetings.
October 15, 2015
This is by far the best how to book on tangling.
January 30, 2023
How does one consume an art book like this? One can casually browse, pick and choose or even do the whole hog. I followed along for the whole 6-week course, plus some of the extra exercises in more than 6-weeks (ah, life).
Since I blog, I actually documented it by the week. The posts can be found here along with an Inktober spent drawing cute things with zentangle backgrounds plus whatever I post on that tag in the future. Maybe one day I will finish my final Week 7 part 2 post. 😅
I think this book is a good intro to tangling, but if I remember correctly from four years later there were a few patterns that weren't true zentangle patterns according to the trademark holders of this art movement. There were also a few pattern names that didn't match up with other tangle pattern databases online. Still, a fun way to start and I enjoyed myself. Plus the author includes a lot of info about mixing in other media into it so it's practically a full college course if you do it all. I suggest skimming through the book before you buy your supplies. You really don't need as many things as the author lists, which I would be able to show you more thoroughly if I ever finish that final post.
One warning though: it all definitely takes more than ten minutes a day. So if you're going to do the full course, be sure you have at least an hour to dedicate to things (or just relax and give it more time).
Since I blog, I actually documented it by the week. The posts can be found here along with an Inktober spent drawing cute things with zentangle backgrounds plus whatever I post on that tag in the future. Maybe one day I will finish my final Week 7 part 2 post. 😅
I think this book is a good intro to tangling, but if I remember correctly from four years later there were a few patterns that weren't true zentangle patterns according to the trademark holders of this art movement. There were also a few pattern names that didn't match up with other tangle pattern databases online. Still, a fun way to start and I enjoyed myself. Plus the author includes a lot of info about mixing in other media into it so it's practically a full college course if you do it all. I suggest skimming through the book before you buy your supplies. You really don't need as many things as the author lists, which I would be able to show you more thoroughly if I ever finish that final post.
One warning though: it all definitely takes more than ten minutes a day. So if you're going to do the full course, be sure you have at least an hour to dedicate to things (or just relax and give it more time).
August 28, 2022
There are a lot of Zentangle books out there. Honestly, it was an amazing business move by the original creators to allow anyone to create books and become certified teachers for thus method. But because of that, there are a lot of books out there just meant to be inspiration pieces - they show you how to do each individual tangle and show you an example of how they made a larger tile with it and other tangles, but they don't really dig into deeper theory or art techniques about it. This book does though, and that's why I really enjoyed this one. It covers the basics and then moves you through more complex art and how to use it in a zentangle. This book is definitely inspiration, but it also super satisfied my technical need-to-know-how itch that I've been wanting to learn about this topic. Thank you amazing author!
June 21, 2024
I usually would not ever rate an art instruction book because there's usually something useful in it for someone. But this book pissed me off so much!
The blurb claims this book is for 'Relaxation, Inspiration, and Fun', yet lays down so many rules! There are eleven rules that you must follow! You must relax! You must breathe! You must use their special paper! You can get started very simply but here are two pages of supplies! You must...you get the idea. And I won't go into how you have to learn from a "CZT"- certified Zentangle teacher. Well la-di-da.
Anyway, there are interesting patterns found here, but just the attitude that is a unique art form really set me off. Many cultures have used repetitive designs, where are their mentions/credits?
If this book does help someone get 'in the zone' and relax, I'm sincerely happy for you. But it did the opposite for me.
The blurb claims this book is for 'Relaxation, Inspiration, and Fun', yet lays down so many rules! There are eleven rules that you must follow! You must relax! You must breathe! You must use their special paper! You can get started very simply but here are two pages of supplies! You must...you get the idea. And I won't go into how you have to learn from a "CZT"- certified Zentangle teacher. Well la-di-da.
Anyway, there are interesting patterns found here, but just the attitude that is a unique art form really set me off. Many cultures have used repetitive designs, where are their mentions/credits?
If this book does help someone get 'in the zone' and relax, I'm sincerely happy for you. But it did the opposite for me.
January 31, 2025
Poorly Executed…
The Artist is Not merely lazy, but she seems to encourage laziness ( ! )
The principle net effect of Zentangles is to apply a very small effort to create fantastically complex designs, but The approach provided here is to neglect exploring new foundations, & then fail to ‘fill them in’ to finish The compositions.
Another element of this form of Doodling is to apply this to something worth showing to others by some mechanism, which is entirely neglected as well — ?
Such as decorating junk mail envelopes for reuse, decorating T-Shirts or Jeans, or fabric dying or Egg Decorating for holiday festivities ( ? )
There are other venues that treat this ArtDoodling much more thoroughly than this; seek those out — this book only demonstrates how Not to do this ( ! ) !
The Artist is Not merely lazy, but she seems to encourage laziness ( ! )
The principle net effect of Zentangles is to apply a very small effort to create fantastically complex designs, but The approach provided here is to neglect exploring new foundations, & then fail to ‘fill them in’ to finish The compositions.
Another element of this form of Doodling is to apply this to something worth showing to others by some mechanism, which is entirely neglected as well — ?
Such as decorating junk mail envelopes for reuse, decorating T-Shirts or Jeans, or fabric dying or Egg Decorating for holiday festivities ( ? )
There are other venues that treat this ArtDoodling much more thoroughly than this; seek those out — this book only demonstrates how Not to do this ( ! ) !
November 30, 2024
I've always been fascinated by Zentangles, the step-by-step creations that get more complex as you add more details. Author Beckah Krahula takes the reader through 11 steps to create amazing designs. I love the first two steps: Relax, Breathe!
Krahula starts basic and simple and takes you to the use of color, shading, choice of tile colors, types of pens and pencils, and ultimately, items to enhance with Zentangles. There's also a "gallery" of designs for inspiration.
This book is one I pull off the shelf periodically for a fun reread!
Krahula starts basic and simple and takes you to the use of color, shading, choice of tile colors, types of pens and pencils, and ultimately, items to enhance with Zentangles. There's also a "gallery" of designs for inspiration.
This book is one I pull off the shelf periodically for a fun reread!
April 9, 2025
Helpful, but ambitious
I’m glad I used this book to learn a few of the basic Zentangle forms and some of the jargon of the art form. However by combining the forms with art techniques such as tones and shading, it became unhelpful. As a beginner all I wanted was to learn and practice One Zentangle a Day. The author can easily rework this book into two or three more helpful versions.
I’m glad I used this book to learn a few of the basic Zentangle forms and some of the jargon of the art form. However by combining the forms with art techniques such as tones and shading, it became unhelpful. As a beginner all I wanted was to learn and practice One Zentangle a Day. The author can easily rework this book into two or three more helpful versions.
August 19, 2017
I highly recommend this book if you want to know more about Zentangle. Zentangle is a meditative art form where everything comes together by following very simple repetitive stroke patterns. You can create amazing art and the process itself is very soothing. This book goes into detail about the process and the different patterns or 'tangles' that you make.
October 16, 2017
I needed a quick art project for my daughter's 3rd grade class as a sort of bonus project once they finished a different art project from the week before. This book gave an easy and quick intro to zentangle and I was able to leaf through the book to try out different patterns and start making my own zentangles within a day or two.
July 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this. The format of having a few tangles to learn each day is really good. My drawing technique has really improved. I also really enjoyed the last few chapters that offered ways of being more creative and using the zentangle patterns in different ways, which was very inspiring. A really helpful book, I honestly can’t think of a way it could be improved.
June 23, 2020
I love this book! I am NOT an artist at all, but this is so fun and meditative. This book is so well written and the examples are amazing. Don't skip the front matter - or any of the reading - as you will find all kinds of gems for enjoying your Zentangle creating. Any skill level will get something from this book.
May 23, 2018
A very "do-able" sequence for design and enhancements. I LOVE this book. I will use it with my art students. Great for beginners as well as experienced designers.
Bravo! Have it on Kindle. Am buying the hard copy. Will suggest it as a "text" for my senior art students.
Bravo! Have it on Kindle. Am buying the hard copy. Will suggest it as a "text" for my senior art students.
July 30, 2018
I love learning more and more about the whole Zentangle phenomenon. I'm going to get myself a copy of this book at some point down the line and go through the whole 6 week course, but I mainly wanted to see if this was interesting enough to do so for now. And it is.
March 31, 2019
This book was great at getting me started with doodling and drawing. It was kind of overbearing sometimes, like giving very exacting instructions on how things should be done. But I just ignored that stuff and got the ideas I wanted from it.
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