I enjoy making zentangle-inspired patterns and designs. I have shared many different simple zentangle to learn patterns over the years. This set is all about dots and circles. When I sit to doodle, I always start with a circle, do you? Everything seems to flow from a circle, for me. I think that's why I love this little collection of dot and circle zentangle patterns so much.
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Okay, what is a zentangle? Originally, I thought that a zentangle was just doodling…I was wrong. The zentangle method is a trademarked process based on a theory developed by founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. You have undoubtedly seen this patterning art form before, it has become incredibly popular. “ZEN” means calm, and “TANGLE” means a collection of overlapping patterns. ZENTANGLE is the bringing together of the calm and the pattern. It was originally based on using a 3 ½ inch square of heavy stock paper and a black fine marker and various patterns that turn into a creative piece of art. We didn’t follow the exact Zentangle method, but we had a lot of fun experimenting.
Table of contents
As I said, when I doodle, I usually start with a circle. While I do love a good line doodle pattern, there is something very natural about using circles and dots. What is the difference between a dot and a circle? Well, I think the difference is that a dot is a circle that has been colored in. If you are just starting out with doodle art you might want to check out the post I wrote where I explain all the pens and paper that I like to use when I doodle. When doodling circles and dots, I do like to switch up the tip size of my pens.
Learn How to Draw 4 Easy Circle Zentangle Patterns to Draw
our printable step-by-step 4 easy circle zentangle-inspired patterns worksheet
our blank circles for zentangle doodles
micron black ultra-fine tip pens
white cardstock paper
Jumbled big and small circle pattern
I'm going to start with the easiest circle pattern - combining big and small circles in a beautiful jumble. Begin by drawing one larger circle. Draw it anywhere in the space. Then start adding more and more big circles. You don't want the big circles to touch; you need spaces between the big circles. Once you've drawn as many big circles as you like, it's time to add the small circles. Fill all the gaps between the big circles with little circles. Squeeze them into every open space. You will want these circles to be touching. The idea is to absolutely fill the space with a jumble of big and small circles.
Dark Dots Pattern
Next up is what I'm calling the dark dots pattern. With this pattern, we are playing with size and shading. Light and dark. Again, we will start by drawing big circles all around the open space. You can vary the size as you like. As you draw the circles, you will now fill them with color. When I fill in shapes in my zentangle patterns, I like to switch to a 05 pen tip. It's a little larger and makes your coloring more dense. Once the space is filled with large dark dots, it's time to add the small dots. For mine, I simply added the small dots between the big dots. You could totally fill the voids between the big dots with color, but I loved the look of the little polka dots.
Rivers of Big and Small Circles
The next couple of patterns remind me of the work of Yayoi Kusama. If you aren't familiar with her amazing artwork (you probably are, but you didn't know her name), I suggest you take a look at the post I wrote about her and her polka dot art. Anyhow, this next pattern starts with creating a "river" of large circles across your open space. You can draw multiple lines of large circles if they will fit in your space. When your rivers are done, it is time to add the smaller circles. I think of these smaller dots as the shoreline around the rivers. Like a riverbank made of small rocks and pebbles. This zentangle pattern feels very organic to me.
Radiating Big and Small Circles Doodle Pattern
Finally, we have a fun pattern that comes to life as you draw it. Begin by drawing one larger circle. This circle will be the point where your pattern emanates from. I liked keeping mine a little off center, but you could place this starting circle anywhere that you like. Now draw a few rows of smaller circles around your center circle. Then draw a few rows of smaller circles. Keep adding rings of smaller, larger, and medium-sized circles around and around. Until you completely fill the space. As you add the rows of circles, you will see how the size of the circles creates ripples in your design. How cool is that?
Check out all of the easy zentangle patterns I've shared
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