How to Draw a Tangle

Tangles

A "tangle" in general terms is used to describe art that is contains sections of repeating patterns.

Steps to create a tangle:

• Create art that has some patterns in it

Congratulations! You've created a tangle!

There are many sources for tangle patterns if you need inspiration. If you need more structure, start with a large shape (such as a circle, outline of an elephant, big blob, etc.), divide the shape into sections, and fill each section with some type of pattern.

Step 1: Outline a shape.

Step 2: Divide the shape into sections.

Step 3: Fill one of the sections with a pattern.

Step 4: Fill remaining sections with patterns.

It is a good idea to write your name and the date on the back of your tangle. You can also add a signature or your initials to the front (anywhere in or around the tangle!).

Zentangle Method

The creators of the Zentangle® method define a tangle as an "abstract, patterned drawing created according to the tenets of the Zentangle Method." I think of the Zentangle Method as a combination of mindfulness and art creation with a specific sequence with many restrictions thrown in (no coloring, small size, draw in pen) to help focus on process rather than result (see www.Zentangle.com). Based on the the marketing I have seen, I assume that the creators of the Zentangle method make money through book sales, certification courses, supplies, and classes.

If you would like a detailed description of the Zentangle method with accompanying pictures, you could buy a book such as Joy of Zentangle or look online at WikiHow.

For my first two tangles, I largely followed the basic Zentangle steps (except that I used 6" by 6" paper tiles instead of 3.5" by 3.5" paper tiles and skipped the first step ("Get Focused" ).

My first tangle.

My second tangle.

Additional Resources

Of course the way each person approaches creating tangles varies. For the curious, here is How I Create a Tangle. Perfect for beginning tanglers who want useful tips but feel intimidated by YouTube videos created by people who do tangle drawings for hours every day.

For those who need inspiration for tangle patterns, try Finding and Organizing Tangle Patterns.

For those who want to try adding a little bit of perspective drawing to their tangles without spending time on a lot of theory, try Using Perspective in Tangle Drawings.