Journal Idea Week 5: Doodle or Zentangle

I have been working on doodle designs several of my 5th grade classes recently. We have looked at how patterns from doodles can connect to make more complicated designs. This is very similar to the art of Zentangle. A zentangle is a design that is created through steps and helps you relax. You can learn more about these here.

I started my design my drawing a rectangle and a squiggle line that divided up the space in pencil.

Next, I started adding different patterns within the shapes.

After filling in all of the spaces, I traced over my patterns with Sharpie marker, and erased. I love how complex the design turned out, and the contrast between curved lines and straight lines. You could add color if you would like, but I think the black and white look nice together!

What to put in your art journal

 My junior high students are expected to keep an art journal while in art class. They are asked to create at least one drawing/ painting/ collage/ creation per week. The independent project could be of anything as long as it:

     - has color or shadow
     - includes a background
     - takes at least 10 minutes of time to create
     - is created during free time, or at home

              I told the students that I like to start a fresh book out with a picture of my hand, as you always have one with you to observe and draw. Here are some examples of my 7th and 8th graders creating a picture of their hand in a unique way.       

Some other ideas include:

       

• draw your room
• color a drawing with non-realistic colors
• copy or enlarge a comic strip
• redesign your favorite album cover/ brand logo
• create a monster
• sketch out your favorite outfit
• draw your favorite vehicle
• cut out pictures of what you ate for dinner
• create a coat of arms for your family
• use alternate supplies to paint/draw with (tea, coca-cola, berries, make-up)
• self-portrait
• draw or paint your pet
• cut out a picture of a face, and draw the body and background to complete it
• cut out half a picture of an object and draw the other half
• draw yourself in a video game
• make a flip book
• finger print value drawing
• create a perspective drawing from an interesting view point
• sketch where you are
• turn your name into a design
• draw with tape
• glue fabric scraps to paper to create part of an image
• illustrate poems or quotes
• create a zentangle
• find textures from around you and apply them to new things through drawing or rubbings