A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Beautiful Mandala Art

Are you ready for a meditative session of drawing beautiful mandala art? If yes, then hop on for a joy ride where we tell you some suggestions to begin your mandala art journey. Hold on! What are mandalas? Well, mandalas are geometric patterns, used for meditation and spiritual symbolism. They represent wholeness, unity, and the balance of the inner and outer self. Now, let’s get started with some ordinary shapes to help you draw extraordinary mandala art. 

So, here is what you may call a “A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Beautiful Mandala Art”. 

Get creative with circles 

Begin your mandala by drawing a circle. You can treat this circle as the core and radiate outward with additional circles. You can also create layers that are intricate and geometric or organic and free-flowing, depending on your artistic vision. Circles can be adorned with patterns, symbols, and shapes, with each concentric ring contributing to the overall harmony and balance of the mandala. Experiment with varying sizes and positions of circles. 

Source: Breaking the Patterns/Offshoot Books

Source: Breaking the Patterns/Offshoot Books

Source: Dream Weaver/Offshoot Books

Innovate with squares

Begin by placing a square in the center as a foundational element. From this square, extend lines and additional squares outward, creating a geometric framework that can be both intricate and visually captivating. 

Source: Breaking the Patterns/Offshoot Books

Experiment with varying sizes and orientations of squares, allowing them to intersect and overlap to form complex patterns. Consider incorporating smaller squares within larger ones or arranging them in concentric layers to add depth and dimension. Squares can also be adorned with patterns, symbols, or intricate designs, further enhancing the richness of your beautiful mandala.

Source: Of Symbols and Mandalas/Offshoot Books

The juxtaposition of the angular nature of squares with the circular form of the mandala creates a dynamic visual contrast, offering a unique and engaging artistic experience.

Get dynamic with triangles

The interplay of triangles within a mandala can convey balance and symmetry when carefully arranged. Experiment with various sizes, orientations, and patterns within the triangles, allowing them to intersect or overlap to form intricate designs. Play with the orientation of triangles by varying their angles to create a sense of movement and depth. Additionally, experiment with shading or gradients within the triangles to add a dimension of light and shadow, enhancing the overall visual interest of your mandala.

Source: Explore-o-Holic/Offshoot Books

Flowers and petals be your muse

Incorporating flowers into mandalas adds a touch of natural beauty, symbolism, and intricate detail. Start by placing a floral element on your art paper, acting as the core or focal point. From there, draw floral shapes, petals, and blooms, creating layers of organic patterns. You can experiment with different types of flowers, each carrying its own symbolic meaning—roses for love, lotus for purity, and daisies for simplicity, for example. Arrange the flowers symmetrically or asymmetrically, allowing them to intertwine and create a harmonious composition. Apart from this you can try placing flowers or floral elements on other shapes, i.e, circles, squares and triangles.

Source: Breaking the Patterns/Offshoot Books

Get decorative with dots

Extend your creative use of dots in mandalas by scattering them across the design. Disperse dots in various sizes and densities, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity. Experiment with irregular arrangements to form unique patterns, contributing to an intricate and visually engaging mandala. The versatility of dots allows them to serve as connecting elements, outlining shapes, or filling spaces throughout the composition, fostering a meticulous and contemplative artistic process. 

Source: Eclectically Yours/Offshoot Books

Let your imagination fly with feathers

Diversify your use of feathers in mandalas by dispersing them throughout the design. Scatter feathers in various sizes and directions, creating a dynamic and flowing energy. Explore asymmetrical arrangements, allowing feathers to weave through the mandala in an organic and spontaneous manner. Experiment with different feather styles and placements to achieve a balanced and visually captivating composition.

Source: Eclectically Yours/Offshoot Books

Utilize feathers as embellishments, intertwining with other elements or serving as delicate accents across the mandala, enhancing its overall intricacy and charm. This approach allows feathers to contribute to the mandala's aesthetic appeal without being confined to a central role, offering a versatile and creative expression within the realm of mandala art.

Source: C’est la Vie/Offshoot Books

Take the help of animals and birds

Broaden your exploration of animals and birds in mandalas by incorporating them throughout the design. Integrate diverse creatures into symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements, allowing them to gracefully interact with other elements.

Source: Anomaly/Offshoot Books

Experiment with different types of animals, distributing them strategically across the mandala to create a harmonious and visually engaging composition. 

Source: Anomaly/Offshoot Books

Explore the use of animals as border elements, intertwining with patterns or serving as accents around the periphery. By adding animals and birds throughout the mandala, you infuse a dynamic and lively energy, contributing to the overall narrative without relying on a central role, fostering a captivating and expressive exploration within the realm of mandala art.

Source: Anomaly/Offshoot Books

Embellish your art with sun, moon and stars.

Diversify your mandala by incorporating the sun, moon, and stars in dispersed fashion. Scatter celestial elements throughout the design, allowing them to subtly embellish different sections. 

Source: Dream-o-Holic/Offshoot Books

Consider using the sun, moon, and stars as accents, adorning the edges or weaving through intricate patterns. This approach adds a touch of celestial magic to your mandala, contributing to the overall atmosphere without confining these elements to central roles.

Source: Dream-o-Holic/Offshoot Books

So, there you have it, a list of easy symbols and decoration ideas to guide you through your mandala journey. Select from the list and make your masterpiece. But remember, the best ideas reside inside your imaginative mind. Take a little while, relax and contemplate your own thoughts. You will see beautiful designs unleash in your mind. Moreover, feel free to explore our blog on where to find inspiration for mandala art. To complement your artistic instincts, Offshoot Books has a wide array of mandala art books. Do not forget to grab them.