A Sacred Geometric Design
A mandala is a sacred geometric design that has been used in art and architecture by various cultures around the world. Mandalas are often thought to represent spiritual or mental balance, peace of mind, and harmony, but the exact meaning of a mandala varies from culture to culture.
Basic Principles and Easy Drawing
There are many different styles of mandalas, but the basic principles remain the same. These include circular patterns, lines, and colors that are symmetrical and follow specific guides. These elements make a mandala look very complex, but they are also very easy to draw.
Setting up Your Canvas
First, set up your canvas and choose your tools. A square canvas works best for this type of drawing because everything in a mandala is symmetrical, and it's easier to keep that symmetry when you work on a square canvas.
Drawing Circles
Next, use a compass or string to draw circles on your paper that are smaller than the size of the circles you've drawn so far. These circles can be made with a pencil or crayon, and they help create the shape of the mandala.
Adding Lines and Shapes
Once you have a good starting point, start drawing lines and shapes within each circle. This will help keep your drawing symmetrical, and it will also help you get a feel for the shape of the mandala as a whole.
Coloring Your Mandala
When you have all of the lines and shapes drawn, it's time to fill in your mandala with colors. You can use watercolor for a soft and gentle look, or you can use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to draw the mandala with more detail.
As you're coloring, try to draw small designs like tear-drops and diamonds in between the larger ones. This will give the mandala a more intricate look, and it will be easier to draw than using only large shapes.
Another way to add color is by painting the mandala in different colors. You can paint a mandala in one color and then color it again in a completely different color, or you can mix colors in the same color family to create a new color.
If you choose to paint the mandala in multiple colors, be sure to layer your watercolors so that they don't mix together. This is especially important if you're using watercolors that can bleed over the lines of your drawings.
Finishing Touches
Lastly, be sure to wipe your brush off when you're done painting. This will prevent your brush from bleeding through the lines and leaving a mess.
A Practice for Self-Reflection
Creating a mandala is a great way to focus on yourself and your spirituality while enjoying some self-reflection time. It is an excellent practice to use for meditation and will help you to relax and calm your thoughts, allowing you to become more focused and positive in your everyday life.
