3 EASY Steps to DRAMATICALLY Improve your Zentangles (and ALL of your ART)!

No matter if you're drawing a cartoon elephant or a house or a portrait, there are three things you can implement in EVERY drawing you do to make a dramatic difference!! Those are Lineweight, Shading and Highlights. But let's not just get a mental understanding of what those are, let's DO IT on paper so you can truly experience the difference. So, yeah, draw with me!! Because we are using an easy zentangle for our lesson today, it should be easy and FUN :)
Follow me step by step and check out these videos if you want more zentangle fun in your life (including the cute little swimming mermaid shown in this video)!
👉🏽 • Easy Zentangle & Zen D...
Interested in learning how to draw on Toned Paper? You'll want this Playlist:
👉🏽 • How to Draw on Toned P...
And this video (from my Mixed Media Art Channel) where I show you exactly where to put highlights on your whimsical girls!!
👉🏽 • Where to place HIGHLIG...
❤️ Learn more about my Fun Fab Drawing art club where we do new and exciting drawing projects each month every month: awesomeartscho...
Supplies I used today: Assorted Copics, Cheap Fineliners I do not recommend and Copic Opaque White and a White Prismacolor Pencil on Grey Toned Mixed Media Paper by Strathmore.
For more on this video, check out my blog www.karencampb...
Thanks for watching!
#karencampbellartist #zentangle #zentangleartforbeginners
Music by Epidemic Sound
Disclaimer: This video description box contains affiliate links, and I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. With that said, I only promote products that I’ve made with my own two hands, or bought with my own money, and genuinely and whole-heartedly believe in.
Who the heck am I?
Hi! I'm Karen Campbell! Since founding Awesome Art School in 2016 I've dedicated my life to teaching fun and easy ways to make freaking AMAZING art so you can wow your family and friends!!! Life's too short not to make awesome art (and honestly? It's not hard if someone shows you how)!!
📚 I'm also the author of 19 art books www.amazon.com....
🖌️ Founder of awesomeartscho...
🔥 Connect with me across all social media platforms @karencampbellartist
🎥 Learn to PAINT with me too at www.youtube.co...
License music:
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:
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Let me know what you think!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Not really sure how to even get started in zentangle or even what it means?! Watch this: 👉🏽 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpWlcomFdpprgaMsi=xzvU__A_l2pde8Vy Interested in learning how to draw on Toned Paper? You'll want this Playlist: 👉🏽 kzbin.info/aero/PLV6kGAGmDy5LRu_UgfYqxs1N7zT1-n4rr And this video (from my Mixed Media Art Channel) is where I show you exactly where to put highlights on your whimsical girls!! 👉🏽 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3rVipx8ftqhaK8si=sUVkEdubrdSljSXx

[@alisonmeier5826]

Soooo...I don't care if it's a big z or a little z or a "pure" zentagle or not, but this is so liberating and beautiful. Thanks for being your beautiful, cray-cray self! You are inspiring another cray-cray person!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you! 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@patriciap6353]

You are really helping me appreciate zentangle more. Thank you for your time and talent. You are a good teacher.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad this information was helpful!

[@EraLuna13]

I love, love Zentangleling. The ones with gems look like metal jewellery pieces. Also, I really like doing the black and white tubes they remind me of Beetlejuice. 💜

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Oh yes!!! Love that!! Thanks for watching!

[@velvetbees]

The free flowing organic lines are really pretty. Thank you for teaching about highlights and shadows on a 2D drawing. I really needed this.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wendyhicks1973]

Karen, this is the first time I've seen your video's. I love your teaching method and can't wait to try this gem technique. Thank you and I will be subscribing.🥰

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

I am so glad you are enjoying my content! I love teaching art! So glad you are here! I have an upcoming FREE drawing and watercolor workshop if you are interested!! The drawing lesson is already available on my website, and the watercolor tutorial will take place on KZbin live on July 28th! awesomeartschool.com/p/wee-fairy-watercolor-workshop

[@debrahorn1938]

LOVED this tutorial! My Zentangle prowess is not very developed, but this Really helped me understand how to bring my si.ple designs to the next level! Thank you so much. I'm a fan of your mixed media tutorials, as well.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizfunderburk4699]

Awesome lesson. Thank you.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Glad you liked it!

[@DRN]

Love your work, ❤❤ I´m a CZT Certified Zentangle Teacher, and eventhough this is beautifull, it isn’t Zentangle

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Yes! I just used this as an example of how to improve your depth and shading in any design. I should use the lower case z! It’s a keyword so I can help others. Not my profession for sure!

[@alisonmeier5826]

OK. You are such a crazy, gifted person. I have earned such a lot about Zentangle drawing by just watching this one video! Instant lurve, instant follow!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you so much 😀. I am so happy to hear you got something from this video!

[@beatricenowell8207]

AWESOME!!!! I so love the portion of the tutorial depicting shading. Placing an actual source (phone) and object (eraser) on the page was absolute genius. Big ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 2 U.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Glad it was helpful! Thx so much for your kind words!

[@WandaMartingaga]

When I was in school I did these all the time. I could listen to lectures and do this. I often did elaborate fish. lol I will try to remember.😊

[@WandaMartingaga]

P S mine were never this pretty. Thanks for ideas

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Oooo I bet they were beautiful! And yes! I find doodling is possible while listening to podcasts!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

They can be! Hope these tips help you! Thanks for watching!

[@susanmartin3762]

. I don't have to buy toned paper ( I think that's what you called your gray paper) I don't have to because by the time I'm finished drawing and eracing, i can turn ANY WHITE PAPER gray!🤗 I have the same effect on my erasers. You know how the plastic style erasers are so white and clean they are when you first unwrap them? Well, in only a very short amount of time, they also turn solid grey. I use a rough paper to "clean" up my eracers. I am going to learn how to paint/ draw and WHITE-HILIGHT THE CRAP OUT OFMY JEWELS!! I can't wait to get started. I love lettering so I have every color brush pen Tombow EVER MADE as well as Karin and Pentel BrushTouch brush pens. So ok... I'm ready to start shadowing! Wish me luck!...( I know I "talk" a lot...nervous energy, I think... or the 4 Lattés I made with my new espresso maker! ☕️Now THAT I'm good at!😂🙂... we "shadow"everything on the right side of.. whatever we're shadowing, right? Yeah.. right.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

YUM! Must be some great espresso!! So excited for you to get started!

[@tracylamb]

The shading and highlights are awesome. I think the most powerful highlights were on the "arms"

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you! Both are super powerful!

[@susanmartin3762]

😳😲oh my.....GAWD!! Girl! Your art is mind blowing! How can I ever dare try to do this?.. I gonna try.. wish me luck

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You can do it!

[@Lisa-xt9ne]

Love this video❤ great tips for a beginner like myself

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lornahambling9794]

Thankyou for explaining shadow and highlights. It's awesome ❤

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@DMPaulArt]

Dude. This is so pretty, and lifts right off the page! Aaaaaamd you are SO smart!💖💕

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

This is the sweetest compliment! Thank you!!!

[@DMPaulArt]

@@KarenCampbellDRAWS 💕

[@dianeo]

Fabulous!! I appreciate your detective work and decoding the mystery of gorgeous Zentangles. Darkening plus adding highlights for added contrast really levels up the design. Excited to try this and post to the FB group.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Yay! I am glad you enjoyed it! Can't wait to see!!!

[@hurstliliana]

Beautiful Karen I love Zentangle as well ❤️

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

They are so fun and relaxing! Thanks Liliana!

[@Jill-the-Meatlover]

Love your energy. And ideas, of coarse!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you so much!

[@lindahitchcock5714]

Beautiful, Karen.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

thank you Linda!

[@user-cj6yw5fu4l]

Thankyou one of the best explanations on zen art , and your work is great

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you so much 😀

[@amyschmidt1113]

That was GREAT!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@mariacruse6195]

It’s really pretty

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you so much Maria!

[@LoriLClark]

Thank you for this! I love Zendoodling!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You're so welcome!

[@ChrisW228]

I love this content, but I’d also love a video tutorial of your gorgeous eye makeup.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You are so sweet! Thank you!

[@clairemillette4645]

Wow c'est la première fois que je regarde votre site et je suis bien impressionné par ce que j'ai vu, c'était magnifique et je vous félicite et remercie de partager votre savoir-faire et expérience. ❤👍👍👍🥰💚🧡

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

I am so glad you enjoyed this video! Thanks for watching!

[@carrie8751]

That’s really ly cool looking. I love it, so fun . Can’t wait for more❤️👍😊

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

I am so glad you like it! Thanks for watching!

[@dilemmix]

Thank you very much, great advice!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You're very welcome! SO glad you found it helpful!

[@magic-view7209]

Wwhhhooooowww....😮 Thank's. Absolut fascinating. 👍👏

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gloriasterrett2239]

TY that was fun !

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

I’m so glad you enjoyed!

[@maryjones3369]

You have an amazing personality! So glad I found you! Beautiful ending!❤️

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you so much!!

[@johannebrun3409]

You should teach drawing for a living. You’d be good at it! 😜

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

HAHA! I'm glad you think so! I do and it's a dream!!!

[@aminutewithbonblouzorba6350]

I love you❤

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Right back at ya!

[@robyndavis8166]

I love it it’s really cool!❤❤❤❤

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you Robyn!!! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@julieanderson2428]

Awesome!!!! Loved the video!!!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Yay! Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@AKpaperpirates]

I just found your channel and you are my girl!11

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

YAY!!! Welcome my friend! So glad you are here!

[@lotusflowerpassion]

Lovely dear what Fun 💖

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@MissRedWine]

Oh wow that zen you made is very beautiful!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you! 😊

[@teresazade7496]

Still unsure about where to add shading. Love the tip of adding the phone light but not clear on how to use it really. Do you have another tip? Thank you.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

It’s a tricky one to be sure. See if this one helps you any kzbin.info/www/bejne/p53be4yfq5d_adUsi=G4r87po0fWTi-MQn

[@Sunny-rh1yp]

Newbie to your channel and Tangles. May I ask how long you have been drawing as you are so comfortable with your lines and the flow there of. Was wondering how long it might take myself to have some fluidity to my lines? I don't care to draw but I'm liking the Tangling way to get comfortable with lines and curves. Teach me Karen teach me. lol

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you and welcome!!! I have been drawing for just over a decade! Not a lifelong artist. It'll definitely come easier with more practice! 💖

[@Sunny-rh1yp]

@@KarenCampbellDRAWS Awesome you gave me so much hope!!! Yes Sensei!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You've got this!!!

[@susanmartin3762]

What brand is your white color pencil? Mine are cheap Crayola to learn with but I want a great brand white pencil. What's your favorite type?

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

It’s a Prismacolor pencil!

[@jillcrapo7159]

AMAZING! Ok, I’m still confused on the shading! So, on your main “legs” with stripes, why/how did you know to shade on both sides? It looks amazing, but I probably wouldn’t have know to do both sides. That didn’t seem like the same rule as the stone. You have such a grip on this. Mine always looks a bit “off”. I can copy yours, but to do it on my own, I’m lost!🤪🤪🤪🤷🏼🤷🏼🤷🏼

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

That’s such a great observation and question!! So any object that you want to appear as coming up out of the paper that is ROUNDED and tubular like those will need to be shaded on both sides. Rounded objects will appear darker on both sides as they wrap AWAY from the viewer. The farther from the eye as it wraps, the darker the shading. That’s why I used C4 on the edges for the first pass (farthest from the eye!) and then did a second pass with C2, as the rounded part came closer to me. And then I left it the toned paper in the middle. Then when we add the highlights down the middle it’s because that part is CLOSEST to us. So closest parts are the whitest and the farthest parts are the darkest. Does that help? I have other videos on this so let me know - And I can also do a follow up!

[@noemid1458]

I wanted to know where you got the markers that you use in your video😁

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Hi! I used a Molotow Fineliner, and a Copic Opaque White highlighter. Both are linked on this blog post! www.karencampbellartist.com/blog/3-easy-steps-to-dramatically-improve-your-zentangles-and-all-of-your-art

[@noemid1458]

Thank u ..🤗

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

You are so welcome!!!

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

I love the look of zentangles and mandalas, but any swirl I do looks flat on sides and are not symmetrical at all. Is there someway I can improve swirl making?

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Probably just good old fashioned practice (so lame! I’m sorry, I know!) but yeah, it’s true 😘 but also you can decide to embrace your natural style and just say that’s how they come out and that’s great too! 🤷‍♀️ it’s really all good! ❤️

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

@@KarenCampbellDRAWS Thank you! 🤗

[@jennienewton4675]

❤

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thank you! ❤

[@bu8483]

The light on the colored ones comes from the other side! Otherwise it looks nice.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Thanks!

[@cacevedo07]

Beautiful zentangle. What is the name of the white paint, that looks like nail polish at [15:56]? Many thanks.

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

It is the copic opaque white highlighter! Here is my amazon affiliate link! amzn.to/3GRLdSQ. Thanks for watching!

[@cacevedo07]

@@KarenCampbellDRAWS Thanks!

[@susanmartin3762]

What brand of markers are you using?

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Molotow! Here is my affiliate link for my favorites! amzn.to/3GOHkhJ

[@margaretmcmullen7926]

What toningnpens do you use?

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Hi! Sorry I’m not sure what the typo means?

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Everything i used is mentioned in this blog post! 😁 www.karencampbellartist.com/blog/3-easy-steps-to-dramatically-improve-your-zentangles-and-all-of-your-art

[@kathrynmoon8793]

🫤you’ve completely skipped the best part of Zentangling….the calming gratitude. Everyone has their own way of beginning a project. This tutorial is great for the specific aspects of drawing in general but Zentangling is meant to be a process that takes the artist through the project by drawing the tangles, adding embellishments like line weight, then shading/highlighting and ending with appreciation for the art that is created. I don’t mean to be disrespectful. Just trying to give you an insight into true Zentangling. Your project looks awesome but your process is rushed!

[@KarenCampbellDRAWS]

Oh totally! And I’m not a zentangle expert or certified teacher or anything. Just using it to illustrate these awesome universal art concepts!