TANGLE WITH ANN
Discover the Beauty of Zendala
A relaxing and creative course exploring the elegant world of Zendala drawing with Certified Zentangle Teacher Ann Diane Tai.
🖌 Through simple patterns, gentle repetition, and mindful drawing, you will learn how to create beautiful circular compositions that calm the mind, focus attention, and awaken creativity.
💛 No artistic experience is required — just a pen, paper, and curiosity.
Meet Your Teacher
Ann Diane Tai (CZT #11) is a Certified Zentangle Teacher based in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a deep passion for Zendala drawing.
She co-authored Zentangle books in Mandarin Chinese together with her mother Laura Liu (CZT #4), who introduced the Zentangle Method to the Chinese-speaking community.
Ann is known for her elegant Zendala compositions and her ability to guide students through patterns with clarity, patience, and creativity.
In this course, Ann shares the techniques and philosophy behind her Zendala practice.
What Is Zendala?
Zendala is a circular form of Zentangle drawing that combines structured patterns with the meditative rhythm of mandala art.
Working inside a circle invites balance, flow, and harmony.
As patterns repeat and grow, the drawing becomes both a creative expression and a calming practice.
Zendala helps cultivate:
• focus and presence
• relaxation through repetition
• creative confidence
• appreciation for patterns found in nature
It is a gentle way to explore art while allowing the mind to slow down.
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What You Will Learn
Inside this course, Ann will guide you through several beautiful approaches to creating Zendalas.
You will learn how to:
• work with Zendala tiles and circular compositions
• use patterns to build rhythm and structure
• create elegant borders and decorative frameworks
• develop dimensional effects using shading
• explore patterns inspired by nature and movement
Each lesson introduces patterns step by step so that you can follow along and build your own Zendala tiles.
Techniques You Will Explore
Border Design
A refined approach where patterns grow from the edge of the Zendala inward, leaving elegant white space at the center.
You will learn the Betweed pattern, creating structured borders that frame the drawing beautifully.
This technique teaches the power of simplicity and balance.
Single Pattern Zendala
Also known as monopattern Zendala, this technique fills the entire tile with one pattern.
You will explore the Meer pattern, creating flowing leaf-like structures that develop into striking three-dimensional designs through shading.
This approach demonstrates how a single pattern can transform into a rich and dynamic composition.
Spiral Zendala
Spirals are found throughout nature — in shells, plants, weather systems, and galaxies.
In this lesson you will explore the mesmerizing Aquafleur pattern, where delicate hooks spiral inward to form a dynamic flower-like structure.
Through shading and contrast, the spiral becomes a captivating focal point.
S-Line Composition
Inspired by the flowing movement of the yin-yang principle, the S-line divides the Zendala into two harmonious areas.
In this lesson you will learn the Squid pattern, combining organic shapes and layered forms that create a lively, almost sunflower-like structure.
Border patterns such as Cadent will also be used to complete the design.
A Creative Practice That Calms the Mind
Zendala drawing combines creativity with gentle focus.
The repetitive nature of the patterns helps quiet mental noise while allowing intuition and playfulness to emerge.
Many students find that Zendala drawing brings:
• a sense of calm
• focused attention
• creative joy
• a deeper appreciation for pattern and form
Each tile becomes a small work of art created through presence and patience.
Who This Course
Is For
This course is perfect for:
• beginners curious about Zentangle or Zendala
• artists looking for new pattern techniques
• anyone seeking a relaxing creative practice
• Neuro Art School members interested in expanding their pattern vocabulary
No previous drawing experience is required.
Course Format
Inside the course you will find:
• step-by-step video lessons
• pattern demonstrations
• shading techniques
• several complete Zendala drawings to follow
You can pause, rewind, and practice each pattern at your own pace.
Join Us at
Neuro Art School
“Tangle with Ann” brings the beauty of Zendala into the Neuro Art School community.
It is a gentle invitation to slow down, explore patterns, and experience the quiet joy of mindful drawing.