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.

white carboard circle with black radial marker designs on table with paint.

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

lightlysketched.com

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.

mandala art project with blue, orange and green paint on a cardboard circle.

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".

www.kitchentableclassroom.com

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.

blakc and white radial designs on paper plates.

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).

picklebums.com

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.

sustainmycrafthabit.com

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.

makeandtakes.com

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.

www.tonyastaab.com

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.

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 design, especially if you are trying to get your design as close to symmetrical 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 students and artists who want to 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 inspires your next drawing. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Just start creating!

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