A Mindful Drawing Activity

Create a Mindful Radial Drawing

The circular radial pattern has long symbolised balance, harmony, and focus. You can find these forms throughout art history and across cultures — from mandalas and stained-glass windows to natural patterns like flowers and snowflakes.

This activity takes a festive twist, inspired by the design of a wreath.

According to research from Harvard Health, just 20 minutes of doodling can reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not creative,” set that aside for now. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll naturally find your way into a creative flow state. This practice is accessible to all — no artistic experience required.

If your inner perfectionist or art critic shows up, simply return your focus to the process. Notice how your body and mind begin to settle. Engaging your hands in a mindful, rhythmic activity helps you slow down, soften, and feel grounded. See if you can ease into a flow that feels almost like a moving meditation — where thoughts come and go, and your attention gently returns to the act of creating.

You might enjoy relaxing music, the ambient sounds around you, and sips of water or herbal tea as you work.

Take this time as a creative moment just for you — for the calm of it.

All you need is paper and a fineliner pen (even a pencil will do)

Here’s how to create this step-by-step

Step 1:
Trace something round — a cup or saucer works perfectly.

Step 2:
Draw two simple leaf shapes at the top of the circle (12 o’clock). Repeat at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. Add a line through the middle of each leaf.

Step 3:
At each position, draw three swirling shapes.

Step 4:
Draw a wavy line around the circle, letting it overlap your existing lines. Repeat this five times, allowing the lines to intersect naturally.

Step 5:
Add small groups of three dots of varying sizes around your wreath.

Step 6:
Notice how the intersecting lines create small abstract shapes. Begin shading them in — you can focus on one section at a time or work symmetrically around the wreath.

Step 7:
Experiment with different shading styles — solid fill, stripes, dots, or simple patterns.

Step 8:
If you’re feeling inspired, add details from nature or a festive theme — think leaves, berries, flowers, fruit, or even candy shapes.

Extension

Now that you have a black-and-white design, imagine the harmony and balance colour could bring. Use coloured pencils, markers, or watercolours to enhance your creation.

If you’d like to explore this mindful art style further, look into Neurographic Art, Zentangle, and Doodle Design — creative practices known to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this calming art activity.
— Em