9+ Simple Mandala Art Drawing Ideas For Beginners
There is no need to have an art degree when designing your own mandala. See how drawing can help you create a relaxing feeling with these 9+ mandala drawing ideas that are perfect for beginners!
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What is a mandala?
According to Britannica, mandala comes from the Sanskrit word for “circle” and is a “symbolic diagram used in the performance of sacred rites and as an instrument of meditation.” The Asia Society also notes, “that mandalas can come in many forms.” From paintings on scrolls to temporary sand mandalas there are amazing examples throughout Art History.
Beginner-Friendly Designs
Mandalas are a great inspiration for beginners and children because there really is no wrong way to make your own mandala. Repetitive lines and shapes can help calm the inner artist.
Recommended Supplies
The best tool to start with is just a pencil to get sketching. After that, you will only need basic supplies.
You can always elaborate and add more expensive materials such as fine liner pens, gel pens, dotted graph drawing paper or different paints for color as you see fit.
Creative Mandala Art Drawings
There are a lot of ways you can start making your own mandalas. No matter what level your artistic skills are at, you can use simple techniques and basic lines to express your creativity.
Easy Mandala Designs With Templates
If you are nervous about creating a complex abstract design then a template is a great way to start a new design. This drawing guide is unique because it only shows a partial circular pattern and adds an extra motto or saying of your choice in the negative space.
Easy Mandala Art For Kids and Beginners
Kids and beginners will love this simple way to create colorful mandala art. This drawing tutorial is an easy way to see how a simple shape can repeat to create fun ideas and imagery.
The main goal of this project is to just create. No need to worry about measuring and putting everything in the "right place".
Colorful Mandala Drawing
A paper plate is the perfect circular shape to begin your design. Kids of any age will love making their own scratchboards for their beautiful mandala art designs.
Simple Radial Symmetry Art For Kids
Use those paper plates in a different way to create drawings using black markers. Whether you use this plate as a stand-alone project or part of a different one (see our awesome food sculpture lesson for kids).
Simple Shape Mandala
A simple template using concentric circles can help give any beginner a starting point. Gel pens are a fun way to stop worrying so much about getting all the pencil lines exact.
While older kids will try to be super precise, younger students can enjoy just trying to repeat shapes.
Painting Rocks with Love: Painted Mandala Hearts
This is a fun twist on mandala designs that will get you painting heart shapes and polka dots.
Easy Mandala Watercolor Art for Beginners
This drawing and watercolor tutorial is different than a few others in this post. Instead of using concentric circles to start, you use a compass to add smaller circles to fill your designs.
You can then use watercolor paints, acrylic paints or markers to express your inner self.
Simple Oil Pastel Mandala Sun Art
If you love when that sunshine shines on your face, then this idea may be for you. See how you can blend oil pastels to get warmth all year long.
Simple Mandala Design Using A Grid Journal
Using a grid journal or paper can help you get symmetry in your design. We love that these grid papers can also be purchased in smaller sizes. Sometimes working on smaller projects can be just as fun as working on large pieces.
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Tips For Drawing With Kids
Be Inspired But Not Copy
It is important that young artists learn the value and reasons for other cultures creating artwork. They should not aim to copy famous mandala designs that they see but rather work to create a circular design representing their spirit and ideas.
Be Unique
Whether you make intricate designs or just basic shapes in your art journal, making your own mandala should represent you and your artistic journey.
Sketch Lightly
You will erase as you are designing, especially if you are trying to get your design as close to symmetrically as possible. Don’t try to be perfect and remember to sketch lightly so you can fix any mistakes.
More Drawing Ideas
- Easy Chalk Heart Art Lesson: This project is great for upper elementary school and artists looking to just have fun with chalk pastels.
- Op Art Drawing Tutorial For Beginners: Continue learning how repetition can help you create visual interest with basic drawing supplies.
- 21+ Simple Drawing Ideas Perfect For Beginners
We hope this list of mandala drawing ideas helps inspire your next drawing. Don’t worry about making it perfect and just start. Happy creating!