Thursday, December 2, 2010

Zentangles



I recently discovered Zentangles, a calming, creative process developed by Suzanne McNeill. Her blog is http://blog.suzannemcneill.com/. Zentangles are doodle drawings that help you to focus and relax your mind! They can take a shape or they can also just travel across a paper. Some designs can be shaded in, some can be left in line! The purpose of this activity is to find calmness through a creative process. Zentangles can be made anywhere!

I haven't purchased any of her books (there are a few listed on Amazon) but I did check out her blog. Some other artists describe this process as Zendoodles. Taking time to search the internet will provide you with many resources. I made a handout for my students with ideas, and after explaining this process to them, they couldn't wait to try! I turned on music, told them that for 45 minutes they could let their minds relax, listen to music, and let their imaginations carry them. They LOVED this process and we had such a peaceful art class. I think from now on when I have students finish early or I have a substitute, Zentangles will be the favored activity!

2 comments:

  1. Megan,
    I just learned about Zentangles too. I purchased the first book and was happy with it, it has good step by step directions.

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  2. Megan,
    Would you be willing to share your handout that you used? I am looking to introduce it to GT students and am struggling with how to get started. Thanks!

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