Zentangling has been credited a few times on this site as being my “gateway drug” to adult coloring books. I haven’t done as much of it since finding mixed media art, but Zentangles are actually starting to pop up on my Instagram feed so it seems to be having a bit of a resurgence in 2023.
Zentangling requires few supplies so if you are short on funds or on space, this is the perfect art practice to try. Just a pencil (or black pen), paper and some directions. Paper blending stumps or tortillions are helpful but you can use your own finger in a pinch to smear the pencil for shading.
For some specifics on how Zentangle began, its history and the official Zentangle supplies check our this article. I have noticed a bunch of new resources so it made sense to share those in a new post.
Around the World in 80 Tangles
Join MZ as she travels through 30 countries with 80 beautiful tangles. The book will go over the basics you need to know and will also share free online resources and videos so you can learn more. Mainly the book is full of detailed tangle step-outs for learning all 80 tangles. Click to Order on Amazon Worldwide.
Passion Zentangle Art Story IV
A 4 volume collection of hand-drawn Zentangle-inspired illustrations for adults to color in. The Passion 4th book was released at the end of 2022 and looks absolutely breathtaking.
Anna Zubarev, A Brooklyn, New York-based Illustrator, Anna Zubarev, welcomes you into her Zentangle art world. A place where floral illustrations will make you step into a realm of magical intricate beauty waiting for your artistry to breathe colorful life into each page.
My favorite books to learn to “Tangle” aka create Zentangles
The very first thing to do is find a follow a few CZT’s (Certified Zentangle Teachers) on social media. They often demonstrate tangles on their Instagram reels or have a youtube channel. Just use the hashtag #Zentangle #ZentangleArt and you will see hundreds of resources. However, for me, part of reaching a Zen state is to be OFF social media and my computer so I love having a book to follow along and learn with. (also the teachers go WAY faster than I could follow easily)
YOGA for your BRAIN by Sandy Steen Bartholomew teaches 60 tangles in this book with a handy reference guide in the back. She also does a wonderful job of teaching shading to untrained artists. She even has a section on Rock Zen Doodling CLICK HERE TO BUY
One Zentangle a Day: A 6-Week Course in Creative Drawing
High on the list would be the “One Zentangle a Day: A 6 Week Course in Creative Drawing” by Beckah Krahula
Beckah gives you lots of background about Zentangle and art in general and then has step-outs for 2-4 tangles a day and then practice ideas after you learn the tangles of the day. If you could only get one book, I’d probably get this one. I learned the most from the daily readings and practice.
JOY OF ZENTANGLE – as a newbie to Zentangling I really enjoyed this book. There are a ton of tangles to learn with great step-outs for them. This book started to irritate me with all of the rules and talk about copyrights of the tangles etc. but I enjoyed the instruction and just ignored the parts that declared you HAD to buy the kit and take a class to REALLY Zentangle.. Ridiculous!
Click to Order from Amazon US, UK, Mexico, Spain, France or Canada
Visit the links to below for more information on Zentangling supplies, tutorials and coloring books.
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