How to Draw a Mandala
Get a mandala template; if you don't have one, then draw a circle on a blank piece of paper with either a compass or something round (like a bowl) as a guide., Find the centre of your mandala., Keep your mandala symmetrical; this will make it look...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Get a mandala template; if you don't have one
On a mandala template, the centre will be marked.
If drawn with a compass, the hole in the paper is the centre.
If drawn with a plate, draw a light line in pencil from the top to bottom, and from the left side to the right side; where these lines cross is the centre. , Line up your motifs along directional lines. (Think of a compass, with lines North-South, East-West, NE-SW, and SE-NW.) If you have a mandala template, these will be marked on the paper.
If you're drawing your own template, you'll need a ruler and protractor to mark some lines lightly on your mandala.
Using 45° angles is a good standard; you will end up with 8 lines. (You can just imagine the lines, but it won't work as well.) , A diamond or square, a circle, or a star all work well. (These are your "motifs.") , (You can change colors at any point.) ,, Easy motif shapes include teardrops, flowers, fans, spirals, geometric shapes, and any other forms you like, such as butterflies, birds, dolphins, etc.
Repeat some of your motifs, and introduce new ones as you go.
Draw some shapes on the directional lines, and some shapes between the lines, to make a more satisfying design.
This is especially important as you move outward, where there's more space between the lines. , As you move outward, your motifs may be larger since you have more space to work with.
You can then start putting one shape inside another, again creating more interesting shapes. , That's fine.
The mandala is finished when it feels finished to you. , That way you can colour it more than once, and share it with others to colour. -
Step 2: then draw a circle on a blank piece of paper with either a compass or something round (like a bowl) as a guide.
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Step 3: Find the centre of your mandala.
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Step 4: Keep your mandala symmetrical; this will make it look nice.
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Step 5: Draw a small shape in the middle of the circle
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Step 6: with a pencil or a marker.
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Step 7: Draw another shape outside this first shape.
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Step 8: Repeat it in a ring all around your centre motif.
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Step 9: Keep going
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Step 10: drawing new motifs in expanding rings
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Step 11: as you work toward the outside circle of your mandala.
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Step 12: Try overlapping some motifs; this creates new and interesting shapes
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Step 13: which still harmonize with what you've drawn so far.
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Step 14: You may find yourself wanting to go back and add something to a previous ring.
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Step 15: If you've drawn in pencil
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Step 16: you may want to scan or photocopy it before coloring your mandala.
Detailed Guide
On a mandala template, the centre will be marked.
If drawn with a compass, the hole in the paper is the centre.
If drawn with a plate, draw a light line in pencil from the top to bottom, and from the left side to the right side; where these lines cross is the centre. , Line up your motifs along directional lines. (Think of a compass, with lines North-South, East-West, NE-SW, and SE-NW.) If you have a mandala template, these will be marked on the paper.
If you're drawing your own template, you'll need a ruler and protractor to mark some lines lightly on your mandala.
Using 45° angles is a good standard; you will end up with 8 lines. (You can just imagine the lines, but it won't work as well.) , A diamond or square, a circle, or a star all work well. (These are your "motifs.") , (You can change colors at any point.) ,, Easy motif shapes include teardrops, flowers, fans, spirals, geometric shapes, and any other forms you like, such as butterflies, birds, dolphins, etc.
Repeat some of your motifs, and introduce new ones as you go.
Draw some shapes on the directional lines, and some shapes between the lines, to make a more satisfying design.
This is especially important as you move outward, where there's more space between the lines. , As you move outward, your motifs may be larger since you have more space to work with.
You can then start putting one shape inside another, again creating more interesting shapes. , That's fine.
The mandala is finished when it feels finished to you. , That way you can colour it more than once, and share it with others to colour.
About the Author
Tyler Foster
A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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