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Zentangle
Lesson Plan, Grades 9-12, Art, Math, Social Studies, Sax
Description
The word Mandala means "circle" and has historically been used as sacred art in various spiritual traditions. Zentangle® is a contemporary art form that explores the use of pattern, shape and symbols and while in the process, beautiful and intricate designs emerge. The two forms have recently been merged with amazing outcomes. In this lesson plan, black canvas and metallic pencils are used, rather than the traditional ink and paper. The texture of the canvas creates a softer image, but is still based on geometric forms, with embellishment.
Objectives
- Students will incorporate repetitive, geometric shapes, patterns and/or symbols, using templates, hand-made stencils and drawing, to create an intricately, embellished Mandala type design.
Supplies Needed
Lyons Black Cotton Canvas, 11" x 14"
Caran D'Ache® Classicolor Water-Soluble Metallic Colored Pencil
All Purpose Template
Helix® Angle and Circle Maker, Protractor and Compass
Krylon® Gloss Varnish, 11 oz.
You May Also Need:
A 5/8" thick book
Vinyl eraser
18" or greater ruler
Pencil with vinyl eraser
Optional Art Supplies:
Sargent Art® Liquid Metal Metallic Markers, Fine Point, Set of 6
Square Template
Isometric Template
Circle Template
Any X-ACTO® knife and tagboard if you'll be cutting you own template shapes
Standards
CONTENT Standard #1:
Understanding and applying media, techniques and other discipline.
CONTENT Standard #6:
Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
Instructions
1
Using the book beneath the canvas as your working surface, mark the center of the canvas. An easy method is to line up the ruler diagonally from corner to corner. Draw a very light line with pencil between 8 1/2" and 9". Repeat on the opposite corners to form an X.
2
Place the center of the circular compass exactly on the center point, with 90 degrees at the top. Mark the canvas using the protractor on the compass, at the 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315 and the 360 degree marks. Lightly draw 4, 8" guide lines going from the marks, across from one another and through the center point, creating 8 sections resembling pie slices. You may also wish to lightly draw a few concentric circles with a traditional compass if you'd like to assist in placement.
3
Erase the X.
4
Using the metallic pencils create 8 shapes, positioned in the same place, 8 times around the circle and as close to the center as possible. Use templates, or your own drawn or hand-made template with tagboard and a X-ACTO® knife. The shapes may or may not touch, may be on the lies or between colored or filled with simple patterns or symbols.
5
At this point it helps to use a cover sheet to prevent smudges. For errors or smudges, use a vinyl eraser or a black colored pencil for small areas.
6
Continue with another 8 shapes, touching the first or perhaps connect shapes with drawn lines which create other shapes, then another and another, always making sure the placement is identical all 8 times around the circle.
7
For variety, you may wish to change the over-all design into just 4 shapes, placed in every other section. This will create a different movement within the circle and/or make it somewhat octagonal. The possibilities are endless. The art work is completed, when it is your desired size and shape.
8
Use your vinyl eraser to remove any pencil lines and to clean up smudges.
9
In a well ventilated area, spray your finished piece with the Krylon® Varnish.
10
You may wish to add some additional embellishment with the Liquid Metal Metallic Markers, which works better when applied over the varnish.
