The "Elemental Strokes": Mastering the Building Blocks of Every Pattern
Zentangle is built on the belief that "Anything is possible, one stroke at a time." Every complex pattern you see is made of just five simple strokes: i, c, s, o, and a dot.
The Five Elemental Strokes
The Straight Line
The foundation of geometry. Practice drawing confident vertical and horizontal lines. Let each stroke be deliberate and intentional.
A straight line is not rushed—it is simply sure of its destination.
The Curve
For organic, flowing tangles. Practice smooth crescent shapes that feel natural and effortless.
Curves mimic nature—they remind us to breathe and flow.
The S-Curve
Adding elegance and movement. Connect alternating curves to create graceful, ribbon-like forms.
The S-curve teaches us that change can be beautiful and fluid.
The Orb
Not a perfect circle, but a soft, human shape. Embrace the gentle irregularities that make it uniquely yours.
Perfection is sterile—human imperfection is where beauty lives.
The Dot
The starting point of focus. A single dot can anchor a composition or become the seed of an auras pattern.
Every great journey begins with a single point of intention.
The Wisdom of Elemental Strokes
By focusing on these five elements, you remove the fear of the "blank page." You're not drawing a masterpiece—you're simply making marks, one stroke at a time.
Ready to Practice?
Visit our Patterns Library and see how these five strokes combine to create beautiful, complex designs.
