The History of Zentangles:

Zentangles were created less than a decade ago by calligrapher Maria Thomas and Native American flute maker and monk Rick Roberts. Rick was watching Maria create a detailed and elegant patterned background for one of her works of art when Rick was curious what influenced and inspired Maria's work. She explained to him the state of mind she gets in during her creation which reminded him of meditation. From this conversation, zentangles were born! They decided to make designs simplified for anyone to create and feel at ease. Zentangles is the art of drawing simple, repeating patterns in the state of relaxation, focus, zen, and meditation; something they call Yoga for the Mind. 

Do Now Activity:

In your sketchbook complete the following questions with today's date and the title Pattern. This will be a Do Now grade worth 50 points
  • Answer the following question in 2 or more of your own sentences in your sketchbook: 
    •  What is pattern? 
    • How can the elements of art affect pattern? 
  • Create 20 thumbnail rectangles on the same page of your sketchbook (See example below)
    • Fill each thumbnail with a different pattern varying the elements of art (line, shape, space, etc.) 
      • DO NOT copy the example 

                                                              Picture Steps:

Your Mission:

For this project, you are going to draw an object of choice from observation. 
The object you are drawing must be in class each day you are working on this project so pick something in the classroom (lamp, chair, mug, etc.) or something you will always have with you (headphones - Not earbuds, sneaker, sunglasses, water bottle, etc.) Sneakers, I think, are the easiest, and coolest to do! 
The object should also stay in one position and your view point is consistent. Just like in contour line drawing! 
Once your observational drawing is completed, you will lightly draw 10 or more segments, or sections, throughout the object. If you were doing a sneaker, the stitching and designs on the sneaker make this part super easy! 
Each segment will then be filled in completely with different patterns. You can use patterns from your do now activity or come up with new ones.
Once every segment is completed, it is up to you on whether you want the segments outlined or erased out completely.
Be Sure To:
  • Take your time
  • Use 10 or more different patterns 
    • ​Fill in each segment completely 
  • Fill your composition as best as you can
  • Read the lines in your drawing when making your segments for the pattern
  • Do not move the object being drawn or change the view point
  • Have fun!
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1. Draw a contour line drawing of your shoe
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3. You will need 10 or more patterns on your shoe design
As you are filling in each section with patterns, think of where the darks are on the shoe. These areas should have a high contrast pattern to help give your shoe depth. Lighter areas will have a low contrast pattern
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2. Outline the sketch in Black Sharpie
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3. A new pattern goes in a different section on the shoe
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4. You are finished once your entire shoe is filled in!

                Rubric:

_contour_zentangle_designs_rubric_.pdf
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File Type: pdf
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