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How To Color Zentangle Art For Beginners

This article will cover using Procreate to make colored Zentangle art for beginners.

colored zentangle

Can Zentangle art be Colorful?

Absolutely! Zentangle art, known for its intricate black-and-white patterns, can be just as mesmerizing when you introduce color. Adding color to your Zentangle designs can elevate them, adding depth, emotion, and a whole new layer of creativity. It’s a fantastic way to learn color theory and enhance your artistic skills.

Tips for a Beautiful Colored Zentangle

Coloring your Zentangle designs can be an exciting adventure, but where do you start? Here are a few tips to help you create beautiful, colored Zentangles:

  • Start with a Color Palette: Decide on a color palette before you begin. This helps maintain harmony and prevents your art from becoming overwhelming.
  • Balance and Contrast: Use contrasting colors to highlight specific areas and balance your design.
  • Gradients and Shading: Experiment with gradients and shading to add depth and dimension to your patterns.
  • Consistency: Be consistent with your coloring techniques to ensure a cohesive look throughout your piece.

Use the color wheel

The color wheel is an essential tool for any digital artist. It helps you understand how colors interact and complement each other. Using the color wheel can make your Zentangle art more vibrant and visually appealing. Here’s how you can use it effectively:


Color Wheel Combinations

2 Color Combinations

Using two colors can create a striking and simple design. Here are some popular two-color combinations:

  • Complementary Colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange, create high contrast and make each color pop.
  • Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other on the wheel, such as blue and green, blend well and create a harmonious look.
complementary colors list

3 Color Combinations

Three-color combinations can add complexity and richness to your Zentangle art. Consider these combinations:

  • Triadic Colors: Equidistant on the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue, provide a balanced and vibrant look.
  • Split-Complementary: A base color and the two colors adjacent to its complementary color, like blue, yellow-orange, and red-orange, offer high contrast with less tension than complementary colors.
2 color cobmbinations
2 Color Combination
3 color combinations
3 Color Combination

Beginner Colored Zentangle Art in Procreate

Creating colored Zentangle art in Procreate is a fantastic way for beginners to explore digital art and color theory. Procreate offers a wide range of tools and features that make it easy to dive into the world of colorful Zentangle designs. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Start Small: Begin with small designs and fewer colors. This helps you get comfortable with the process without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Choose Your Brushes: Procreate has a variety of brushes, but for Zentangle art, fine liner brushes and calligraphy pens work best. Experiment with different brushes to find the ones you like.
  • Create a Base Layer: Begin by drawing your Zentangle patterns in black and white on the base layer. This will give you a solid foundation to add color later.
  • Add Color Layers: Create new layers for adding color. This allows you to experiment with different colors without affecting your base design. You can name each layer for better organization, like “Background Colors” or “Highlight Colors.”
  • Use the Color Picker: Procreate’s color picker tool is invaluable. It allows you to select and experiment with colors easily. Start with a simple color palette and expand as you get more comfortable.
  • Experiment with Blending Modes: Procreate offers various blending modes that can add depth and texture to your colors. Try out modes like Multiply, Overlay, and Screen to see how they affect your design.
  • Adjust Opacity: Use the opacity slider to create gradients and softer color transitions. This can add a sense of depth and dimension to your Zentangle patterns.
  • Use the Alpha Lock: Lock the transparency of your layers to keep your colors within the lines of your Zentangle patterns. This makes coloring more precise and neat.
  • Try Different Effects: Procreate has many effects like Gaussian Blur and Noise that can add interesting textures to your colors. Play around with these effects to enhance your artwork.

Related Post: How To Create a Color Palette in Procreate


Bright Colored Zentangle Patterns

Bright colors can make your Zentangle patterns stand out. They evoke energy and positivity. Here are a few tips for using bright colors:

  • Choose a Bold Palette: Pick colors like bright reds, yellows, and blues.
  • Highlight Details: Use bright colors to highlight intricate details in your design.
  • Balance with Neutrals: Balance bright colors with neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the viewer.
dark colored zentangle
Dark Colored Zentangle
bright colored zentangle
Bright Colored Zentangle

Dark Colored Zentangle Patterns

Dark colors can add a sense of mystery and sophistication to your Zentangle art. Here’s how to use them effectively:

  • Deep Hues: Opt for deep blues, purples, and greens for a rich look.
  • Contrast: Use light colors sparingly to create contrast and highlight important areas.
  • Texture and Depth: Dark colors can add texture and depth, making your designs more intricate and captivating.

Embracing color in your Zentangle art opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you prefer bright, vibrant patterns or dark, moody designs, understanding and experimenting with color will help you create stunning digital art.

Happy Creating!

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