You may think it takes a special skill to draw a mandala. But what if I were to tell you that you can draw one by using one simple shape throughout? That is exactly what I will be sharing with you in today’s post. A simple technique to create an impressive mandala and maybe even inspire you to start drawing one everyday.
Let’s Pick A Simple Shape
To start with we will choose a simple and versatile shape. My favourite one that works well in this method is a curved petal. The curve allows me to shape the petal to whatever space I need it to fit. It also gives me the freedom to make imperfect art. These petals are freeform and never the same twice. Perfect for us to use to draw a mandala.
Getting Ready To Draw A Mandala – Create A Simple Framework
I like to create all my mandalas starting with a framework. I start with a large circle within which I will be drawing the mandala. Then I divide it up into sections. These don’t have to be complex. I like mine to be symmetrical as that is my favourite style of mandala. A simple framework made from a few overlapping circles works great. You can download a free framework to get you started below.
In the images below are three very similar frameworks made from simply rotating a smaller circle shape around the larger circle’s centre. I then add in more circles and lines to divide it up even further. These can be made with a pencil, ruler and compass, or they can be created digitally on your computer or iPad.
NOTE: I like to create a framework on a separate page and then place a blank page over it to use it as a guide. Then I don’t have to erase out any lines and I can reuse my framework. I use regular copy paper to draw on and can see my grid through it just fine, however if you have a light box, that will make the guide even easier to see.
Draw A Mandala One Section At A Time
Once you have your framework divided up and ready to go, you can start to draw in your shapes. It is much easier to start now that you only have one small section to think about at a time. I like to draw my petals in so they curve and flow with the size and shape of the section I’m working in. You can use one shape to fill the entire section or you can draw a couple shapes into that section. As you work through the sections you will find they will start to work together to create their own patterns.
One Wedge Section Is All You Need
We draw a mandala in a circular shape. By evenly dividing up our circle into “pie” like wedges, we can make it symmetrical. In the image below on the left you can see in pink the sections that work into one “pie” like wedge for my framework. These sections repeat around the circle, in the image below, they repeat 8 times total. It may appear as though there are many sections to fill in, but really you only need to fill in the ones that are within one pie wedge and then repeat the same thing all around your mandala.
The Calming Effect of Symmetry
Working a design in symmetry seems to have such a wonderful feel to it. You can fill in one entire wedge section and then repeat, or you can just fill in one section at a time repeating as you go. I find this part of the process very relaxing as you can disengage that thinking mind and just draw, repeating your shape over and over.
Remove Grid and Voila – Mandala
When you have all your shapes drawn in, erase out your grid, or remove your grid from behind your page there you go. You now have a beautiful hand drawn, symmetrical mandala. Go ahead and add some detail in or fill in your petals with a solid colour. You now know how to create a mandala by using only one shape.
Simple Ways To Draw A Mandala
Drawing mandalas is a calming and relaxing art form. So go ahead and download the free framework above. Take this idea and play around with it. You can use two or three of your favourite shapes together. Add in some circles and some spirals. Make an entire mandala out of your favourite daisy doodle. Now it’s up to you and your imagination.
If you share your creations on social media, be sure to tag me or hashtag #jspcreate. I would love to see what you are up to.
Try A Full Class on This Technique with Handouts and Frameworks
Thanks for joining me and getting creative. ~ Jane ~
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
