September 1, 2014 at 11:39 a.m.
Zentangle class coming to ArtStart
Zentangle class coming to ArtStart
By Kayla Thomason-
Zentangle combines relaxation with drawing. The class will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will be a beginner's class and no artistic talent is required.
Classic Zentangles are black, gray and white. A 3.5-inch square of heavy white paper, special black ink pen, a soft graphite pencil and a tortillon (artist's smudge stick) are used to create the cards.
Most of the work is done directly with pen, there are no pencil guidelines.
"If you make a mistake there's ways that we'll just finagle it around to fix it up as we go along because there are no mistakes in Zentangle, there's just ways to fix things or the pattern just changes a little bit," said Ginny Stiles, certified Zentangle teacher (CZT). "We are interested in the process, not the product."
Those who are taking the class will learn six or so of the over 1,000 named patterns.
"It is free flowing but the patterns are designed to be used exactly as they're taught and then afterwards you can add your own modification and make your own patterns if you wish," Stiles said. "Once you see patterns like this you will begin to see patterns everywhere in your life."
Stiles will teach a pattern step by step. Some patterns are so simple that someone could go answer their phone and pick up right where they left off, while others are more intense and require a bit more attention.
Each design is different, some have more shading, lines, curves etc. than others, Stiles said.
"It's not meant to look like anything, it is a semi-abstract art form in its purest most classical sense," she said. "You should be able to look at a Zentangle and hold it in any direction and enjoy it from any view. That is not to say that some people don't carry it on and do more realistic artwork using Zentangle."
Shading is big part of the art form, it gives the piece more life, more pop and catches the eye of the viewer.
Stiles spends time talking about shading, where it is appropriate to do and why it is done.
"If you take a good look at a well done Zentangle it will pop right off the card, it has dimensionality to it. It fools the eye and that's a little skill that you have to learn," Stiles said.
One of the most common questions she gets is "how long did (it) take you to do (that)?"
The answer is approximately 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the design.
In the advanced classes participants have more intricate patterns and they can use circular paper instead of squares.
Some people add different colored ink, paper, paint etc. but that isn't classic Zentangle and the ArtStart class will focus only on the classics.
People have created jewelry using Zentangle while others have carried the art over onto their cookies, Halloween pumpkins and other crafty things.
"It's a beautiful meditative approach to pen and ink drawing for people who have not necessarily any experience in art at all. In other words, no experience in art is necessary," Stiles said.
She said creating a Zentangle drawing is kind of like participating in a ceremony. Working on a piece is quite relaxing and is a lesson in mindfulness.
"Zentangle is different from doodling. This is not doodling, doodling is something you do while you're on the phone or watching TV or you're at a meeting and you make little designs with a pen or a pencil, and those are nice, but Zentangle is something that you concentrate on, that you are focusing on," she said.
Art allows a person to disconnect from the bombardment of technology and just be aware of the present, to enjoy the now of life, according to Stiles.
"I think that's part of the reason why Zentangle has gotten so much excitement because all of a sudden there's a way - a fun way - to get back into the moment," she said.
All the tools used in Zentangle are easy to find at any art stores or by visiting www.zentangle.com.
Another good thing about this art form is that the tools needed are very portable and can be carried in a purse, Stiles said.
People can work on their Zentangle in a waiting room, at home or wherever they choose.
"It's very unintimidating, that's another one of the joys of it," Stiles said.
Children 10 and up are welcome to participate in the class.
They will be given a larger tile, around 4 inches square, and a less delicate pen than what the adults would use.
Stiles has books available for the class to look at to help them get ideas and to see examples of what Zentangle is.
She said Zentangle is hard to explain and it's easier to understand after doing it.
She was trained in Providence, R.H. The training classes are held only four times a year and there is a waiting list.
"I have been trained by the people who started the Zentangle movement and I've taught over 200 people to do this," she said.
Stiles has been involved with Zentangle for three years and has her own blog, ginnystiles.blogspot.com.
The cost of the class is $35. Supplies are included and space is limited. Participants are asked to sign up before Sept. 8.
To register, email Stiles at [email protected].
There are Facebook pages and groups people can join if they want to stay in contact with other Zentangle artists.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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