Have you ever found yourself doodling absentmindedly and suddenly feeling a bit more at ease? That’s the magic of mindful drawing! It’s not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about being in the moment, letting your hand and mind flow without judgment. Today, let’s dive into how mindful drawing can bring a sense of calm to your everyday life, and I’ll share some tips, tools, and courses to help you get started.
Tips for Enjoying Mindful Drawing
Mindful drawing is all about being present with every stroke, line, or swirl on the paper. The goal here isn’t to create a masterpiece—it’s to lose yourself in the act of drawing and let your mind relax. So, let’s talk about some easy ways to really get into the groove of mindful drawing:
Set the Mood
Before you even start drawing, create a little ritual. Find a cozy spot, maybe light a candle or diffuse some essential oils, play some calming music, or even brew a cup of your favourite tea. The idea is to create a peaceful environment that’ll help you ease into a mindful state.
Choose Your Tools
Don’t stress about having the “right” supplies. Grab whatever you have on hand—whether it’s coloured pencils, pens, markers, or just a simple pencil. If you like the feel of smooth lines, maybe a fineliner or gel pen is for you. Or if you’re into blending colours, go for some soft pastels or watercolours. The important part is to pick what feels comfortable and enjoyable to use to you.
Warm Up Doodles
Start with a few simple doodles to warm up. Try drawing circles, spirals, or lines in different directions. Let your hand move freely without overthinking it. It’s like stretching before a workout—it helps get you into the flow!
Focus on the Process
As you draw, pay attention to how the pen or pencil feels against the paper. Notice the sound it makes or the sensation of your hand moving. The key is to stay focused on these little details and not worry about the final result. It’s all about being in the moment.
Use a Prompt
Sometimes a little inspiration can help kick things off. Try prompts like “draw how you feel today” or “create a pattern using just circles.” These are simple ideas that keep your mind engaged without adding pressure.
Take Breaks
Mindful drawing isn’t a race. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or tired, pause for a moment. Take a few deep breaths or stretch your fingers, then come back when you’re ready. Remember, this is supposed to be a relaxing activity, not a task.
Experiment with Patterns
Explore repetitive patterns like mandalas, geometric shapes, or even simple lines and dots. There’s something calming about repeating the same shape over and over. It’s almost like your hand goes on autopilot, and you get lost in the rhythm.
Try Drawing with Your Non-Dominant Hand
This might sound silly, but drawing with your non-dominant hand can help you let go of perfectionism. The wobbly, unexpected lines can actually be pretty fun and give you a new perspective on the process.
Close Your Eyes
For an extra mindful twist, try drawing with your eyes closed. Let your hand move across the paper without seeing the result. It’s surprising how freeing this can be and how it helps you stay present in the moment.
Reflect
After your drawing session, take a moment to look at what you’ve created. Not with a critical eye, but with curiosity. Notice how the act of drawing made you feel and any thoughts that came up during the process. This reflection can deepen your sense of mindfulness and help you appreciate the time you took for yourself.
My reflection from mindful drawing exercises: I thought as someone that works in Corporate Finance, I would love a straight line or ten…nope, I’m a total curve / circle gal! I relax with a curve and I’ve found that fascinating on reflection.
Mindful drawing is such a lovely way to unwind, especially if you’re looking to sprinkle a bit of creativity into your daily routine. Give these tips a try and find what makes you feel the most relaxed!
Where to Find Inspiration and Guidance
When it comes to mindful drawing, inspiration is everywhere. But sometimes, having a little guidance can make the process even more enjoyable and help you stay consistent. Here are some great places to find inspiration, learn new techniques, and nurture your creativity.
Skillshare: Your Creative Playground
Skillshare is packed with courses on drawing, art journaling, and mindfulness. It’s a fantastic starting point if you’re new to mindful drawing or want to explore different styles. Look for classes like “Drawing Patterns, 14 days of Mindful Drawing for Self Care” or “Drawing as Meditation: 10 Days of Patterns Inspired by Objects.” The best part? Many courses are bite-sized, so you can fit them into your schedule without feeling overwhelmed.
It was Mel Rye’s Drawing Patterns Skillshare class (linked above) that rekindled my love for art and became a key part of my own art therapy routine at home. I can’t recommend Mel enough—her class content is clear, relaxing, and an absolute joy to follow. It never felt like a chore, and even after finishing the 14-day course, I’ve kept up with my own mindful drawing, using her tips to stay grounded and creative.
Domestika: Art Classes with a Personal Touch
Domestika offers beautifully crafted courses taught by professional artists. If you’re looking to dive deep into specific drawing techniques or explore different forms of art, Domestika is a treasure trove. You can find classes like “Illustrated Life Journal: A Daily Mindful Practice” or “Drawing for Beginners – Level 1” or “Botantical Sketchbooking: a Meditative Approach” can guide you to create your own mindful masterpieces.
YouTube: Free and Fun Learning
If you prefer a more casual, free way to learn, YouTube is full of art tutorials and drawing prompts that focus on mindfulness. Channels dedicated to art journaling, doodling, and mindful creativity can offer you both inspiration and practical tips. Just grab your sketchbook and follow along with a tutorial that catches your eye.
Local Art Classes and Workshops
Sometimes, a hands-on approach is just what you need. Check out local community centers, art studios, or wellness retreats offering in-person classes or workshops. These can be a wonderful way to connect with others, find inspiration, and get personalized feedback on your work.
Mindful Drawing Books and Journals
If you enjoy learning at your own pace, consider picking up a book on mindful drawing or guided art journals. Books like “Draw Yourself Calm” offer exercises and prompts to explore your creativity while staying present.
The key is to explore different resources and see what resonates with you. Mindful drawing isn’t about getting it perfect; it’s about enjoying the process, so try out various classes, prompts, or techniques until you find your groove!
What You’ll Need for Your Mindful Drawing Session
One of the best things about mindful drawing is that it doesn’t require much to get started. You only need a few basic items to dive into your creative flow. Here are some essentials that can elevate your drawing experience, along with some recommendations for quality supplies…buy once! (And if you find something you love, using the links helps support my content, at no extra cost to you!).
Sketchbook or Drawing Paper
Having a dedicated sketchbook can help keep your mindful drawings together, making it easier to track your progress and reflect on your creative journey. I recommend choosing a sketchbook with high-quality paper that feels smooth to the touch however choose what you can afford (and remember you can sketch on the back of an envelope or in your children’s colouring books). Brands like Derwent and Moleskine Art Sketchbooks offer great durability, and you can find different sizes that are easy to carry around for spontaneous creativity.
Pens and Pencils
The right tools can make all the difference in your drawing experience. For mindfulness, I recommend using pens or pencils that feel comfortable in your hand and glide easily on the paper. My firm favourites are the Fabre Castell Pitt Pens; this is after a lot of trial and error. Start off by buying a pen from a few different brands (visiting a local art shop is an easy way of trying different brands); see which one you feel more comfortable; one you have a firm favourite…purchase a few more happy colours from your favourite brand.
Coloured Pencils or Markers
Adding colour to your mindful drawings can bring an extra layer of relaxation and creativity. A simple set of Prismacolor Colored Pencils or Crayola Markers (pinch your kids!) can do wonders for brightening up your sketches. They’re easy to use, blend well, and allow you to experiment with colour without needing advanced skills.
A Good Eraser
Even in mindfulness, it’s nice to have the option to start fresh. A good quality eraser, like the Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser, can remove pencil marks without damaging your paper, letting you adjust your work with ease and keeping everything neat.
Mindful drawing is such a simple, yet powerful way to bring a little more peace and creativity into your day. Whether you’re sketching for a ten to fifteen minute self care break or getting lost in a drawing session, it’s all about enjoying the process, not perfection. So, grab your favourite supplies, pick a quiet spot, and just let your mind and pencil or pen wander!
With so many ways to explore and learn, like the courses on Skillshare and Domestika, mindful drawing can easily become a rewarding part of your self care routine. Ready to give it a go? You might be surprised at just how calming and fun it can be.
Happy drawing, and remember to enjoy the moment!