7 Relaxing Drawing Ideas to Help You Unwind and Boost Your Creativity

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 8 min read

1. Zentangle Art: A Meditative Drawing Technique

2. Nature Sketching: Capturing the Beauty of the Outdoors

3. Doodle Art: Unleashing Your Imagination with Simple Strokes

4. Mandalas: Creating Symmetrical Patterns for Relaxation

5. Watercolor Sketching: Exploring Color and Emotion

6. Still Life: Observing and Drawing Everyday Objects

7. Collage Art: Combining Textures and Images for Unique Creations

Everyone needs a moment to unwind and boost their creativity, and there's no better way to do so than with some relaxing drawing ideas. Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking for a new hobby, the following suggestions will help you find a peaceful and enjoyable art experience. So grab your favorite drawing tools, clear your mind, and let's explore these seven relaxing drawing ideas together.

1. Zentangle Art: A Meditative Drawing Technique

Zentangle art is a popular and easy-to-learn drawing method that combines meditation with creativity. Its main goal is to help you relax and focus while creating beautiful, intricate patterns. Here's a quick overview of what you can expect when trying Zentangle art:

Structured patterns: Zentangle art consists of repetitive patterns called "tangles," which you can arrange in various ways to create a unique, intricate design.
No erasing or mistakes: One of the key principles of Zentangle art is that there are no mistakes. If you make a line you didn't intend to, simply incorporate it into your design—this teaches you to embrace imperfection and go with the flow.
All you need is a pen and paper: You don't need any fancy materials for Zentangle art—just a pen and a small piece of paper, usually a 3.5-inch square tile.
Focus on the process, not the outcome: Zentangle art encourages you to enjoy the act of drawing itself, rather than worrying about the end result. This can be a great way to let go of stress and anxiety.

So next time you're searching for a relaxing drawing idea, give Zentangle art a try. It's a fun and meditative way to boost your creativity while letting go of life's everyday stresses.

2. Nature Sketching: Capturing the Beauty of the Outdoors

Another relaxing drawing idea is nature sketching, which allows you to connect with the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of our natural world. With just a sketchbook, a pencil, and your favorite outdoor setting, you can create beautiful and calming works of art. Here's how to get started with nature sketching:

Choose a location: Find a quiet, comfortable spot in nature where you can sit and observe your surroundings. This could be a park, a forest, or even your own backyard.
Focus on observation: Before you begin drawing, take a moment to truly observe your environment. Notice the shapes, textures, and colors that surround you, and let them inspire your artwork.
Start with simple shapes: Break down the elements of your scene into basic shapes and lines, such as circles, ovals, and rectangles. This will help you capture the overall structure of your subject before adding details.
Add texture and detail: Once you've sketched the basic structure, begin adding details and textures to your drawing. Focus on capturing the unique characteristics of your subject, such as the pattern of leaves on a tree or the ripples in a pond.
Take your time: Nature sketching isn't about creating a perfect piece of art—it's about enjoying the process and connecting with the world around you. So take your time, relax, and let your creativity flow.

By practicing nature sketching, you'll not only create beautiful artwork but also develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. So next time you're in need of a relaxing drawing idea, step outside and let the beauty of nature inspire you.

3. Doodle Art: Unleashing Your Imagination with Simple Strokes

Doodling is a fantastic way to unwind and let your imagination run wild. Doodle art is all about enjoying the creative process without worrying about the outcome. You don't need any special skills or materials—just grab a piece of paper and a pen and start drawing! Here are some tips to help you explore the world of doodle art:

Start with basic shapes: Begin your doodle by drawing simple shapes like circles, squares, and triangles. These basic building blocks can be combined and transformed into more complex designs.
Experiment with patterns: Add interest to your doodle by incorporating a variety of patterns and textures. You can create patterns by repeating lines, shapes, or other design elements.
Let your mind wander: Doodle art is all about spontaneity, so let your thoughts guide your pen as you draw. You might be surprised by the fascinating designs your mind can create!
Add color: If you want to make your doodle art even more eye-catching, consider adding some color to your drawings. You can use colored pencils, markers, or even watercolor paints to bring your doodles to life.
Practice makes progress: The more you doodle, the more comfortable you'll become with this relaxing drawing idea. As you practice, you'll discover new techniques and styles that make your doodle art unique.

Remember, doodle art is all about having fun and letting your creativity flow. So next time you need a break from the daily grind, pick up a pen and start doodling—you might just find that it's the perfect way to relax and boost your creativity.

4. Mandalas: Creating Symmetrical Patterns for Relaxation

Mandalas are intricate, symmetrical designs that have been used for centuries as a form of meditation and relaxation. Drawing mandalas can be a calming and therapeutic activity, making it an ideal choice among relaxing drawing ideas. Here are some helpful tips to get started with creating your own mandalas:

Organize your workspace: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can focus on your mandala without distractions. Gather your drawing tools, such as paper, pencils, and a compass or protractor for creating circles and measuring angles.
Begin with a circle: Start your mandala by drawing a large circle in the center of your paper. This will serve as the foundation for your design.
Divide the circle: Use your compass or protractor to divide the circle into equal sections, like slicing a pie. This will help you maintain symmetry as you add patterns and shapes to your mandala.
Add layers and patterns: Work your way outward from the center of the circle, adding layers of shapes and patterns. You can use geometric shapes, organic forms, or a combination of both to create a visually appealing design.
Embrace imperfections: Remember that mandalas are a form of self-expression and relaxation, so don't worry if your design isn't perfect. Embrace any imperfections as a reflection of your unique creative process.
Experiment with color: Adding color to your mandala can enhance its visual impact and help you express different emotions or moods. Use colored pencils, markers, or watercolors to bring your design to life.

By focusing on the process of creating a mandala, you'll find that your mind becomes more relaxed and your creativity flourishes. Give this relaxing drawing idea a try and discover the calming benefits of mandala art for yourself.

5. Watercolor Sketching: Exploring Color and Emotion

Watercolor sketching is a soothing and expressive way to unwind while exploring the world of color. The fluid nature of watercolors allows you to create dreamy, ethereal effects, making it a perfect medium for relaxing drawing ideas. Here are some tips to help you get started with watercolor sketching:

Gather your materials: You'll need watercolor paper, watercolor paints, a variety of brushes, a jar of water, and a palette or plate for mixing colors. Beginners might want to start with a basic set of watercolor paints, while more experienced artists can explore a wider range of colors and pigments.
Start with a light pencil sketch: Before you begin painting, lightly sketch your subject or composition on the watercolor paper. This will provide a guide for your painting and help you plan your color placement.
Experiment with wet and dry techniques: Watercolor painting can involve a variety of techniques, from wet-on-wet (painting on a wet surface or with wet paint) to wet-on-dry (painting on a dry surface or with dry paint). Each technique produces different effects, so experiment to find what works best for your desired outcome.
Build up layers: Watercolor paintings often involve building up layers of color to achieve depth and complexity. Start with lighter colors and build up to darker tones, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
Embrace the unpredictable: One of the joys of watercolor painting is the unpredictable nature of the medium. Instead of trying to control every aspect of your painting, allow the water and paint to interact organically, creating unique and unexpected effects.
Find inspiration in your surroundings: Watercolor sketching is an excellent way to capture the beauty of nature, the energy of a bustling city, or the quiet moments of everyday life. Look for inspiration in your surroundings and use your watercolor sketches to express your personal perspective.

Watercolor sketching offers a relaxing and creative way to explore the world of color and emotion. Give this versatile medium a try and see how it can enhance your relaxing drawing ideas and boost your artistic skills.

6. Still Life: Observing and Drawing Everyday Objects

Still life drawing is a timeless and calming way to practice your artistic skills while appreciating the beauty of ordinary objects. By focusing on the details and textures of everyday items, you can create stunning and relaxing drawing ideas that capture the essence of your subjects. Here are some tips for getting started with still life drawing:

Select your subject: Choose items that have interesting shapes, textures, or colors. Objects like fruits, flowers, or household items are common choices for still life compositions. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and choose unconventional subjects that appeal to you.
Arrange your composition: Once you have selected your objects, arrange them in an interesting and balanced composition. Consider factors such as lighting, perspective, and the relationships between the objects when creating your setup.
Observe carefully: Take the time to truly observe your subjects, noting their shapes, textures, and shadows. Pay attention to the way light interacts with the objects and how it affects their appearance. This careful observation will help you create a more accurate and captivating drawing.
Use a variety of drawing techniques: Experiment with different drawing techniques, such as shading, cross-hatching, and stippling, to achieve a range of textures and depth in your still life drawing. This will not only add visual interest to your artwork but also help you develop your drawing skills.
Be patient and enjoy the process: Still life drawing requires patience and focus, which can be incredibly relaxing and meditative. Take your time with the drawing, allowing yourself to become fully immersed in the process and enjoying the tranquility it brings.

Still life drawing is a wonderful way to practice your artistic skills while connecting with the beauty of everyday objects. With a little patience and observation, you can create stunning and relaxing drawing ideas that showcase the hidden elegance of the ordinary.

7. Collage Art: Combining Textures and Images for Unique Creations

Collage art is a versatile and imaginative way to create unique, relaxing drawing ideas. By combining different textures, images, and materials, you can unleash your creativity and produce one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Here are some tips for getting started with collage art:

Gather your materials: Collect a variety of materials to use for your collage, such as magazine clippings, colored paper, fabric, or even photographs. The more diverse your collection, the more interesting and unique your collage will be.
Choose a theme or concept: To give your collage a sense of coherence, consider selecting a theme or concept to guide your artwork. This could be something as simple as a color scheme or as specific as a narrative or message you want to convey through your collage.
Experiment with composition: Arrange your materials on your canvas or paper in various ways to create a composition that is visually appealing and tells a story. Play with the placement of different textures and images, and don't be afraid to rearrange and adjust as needed until you find the perfect layout.
Add finishing touches: Once you have your collage arranged, add any final touches to enhance your piece. This could include additional drawings, paint, or decorative elements that complement the overall theme and style of your collage.
Embrace imperfection: Collage art often has a raw, organic feel to it, so don't worry about making everything look perfect. Embrace the imperfections and quirks of your materials, as they contribute to the unique charm of your artwork.

Collage art is an enjoyable, low-pressure way to explore relaxing drawing ideas and experiment with different materials and techniques. By combining textures and images, you can create a unique piece of art that reflects your creativity and individuality.

If you found this blog post insightful and wish to explore the therapeutic aspects of art, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'From Scribbles to Art Therapy' by Shannon. This workshop will provide you with a deeper understanding of the healing power of art and guide you through the process of transforming your scribbles into art therapy.