Calming Circles: A Simple Eye Art Exercise to Relax

Have you ever noticed how mesmerizing it is to watch colors blend on a page? This exercise takes that idea and adds a creative twist: drawing and painting a simple eye. It’s not about making the perfect eye or getting every detail right—it’s about enjoying the process of creating calming circles and letting the colors flow.

For busy moms, this exercise can be a beautiful way to slow down and reconnect with yourself. The gentle repetition of circles paired with the soothing act of watching watercolors blend makes this a mindful and relaxing activity. Here’s how to do it and why it’s worth your time.

Why This Exercise is Good for Your Mental Health

This exercise is more than just drawing and painting. It’s an opportunity to slow down, focus, and let go of the pressure to be perfect. Here’s how it helps:

1. The Power of Circles
   Circles are inherently calming. They symbolize completeness and unity, and the repetitive act of tracing them can feel grounding and meditative. When you focus on creating these simple shapes, your mind has a chance to quiet down and be present.
2. The Magic of Watching Colors Blend
   There’s something mesmerizing about watching watercolors flow and mix. It’s a reminder that not everything needs to be controlled or planned. This process encourages you to let go and simply enjoy the way the colors interact on the page.
3. Accessible and Judgment-Free
   This exercise doesn’t require any special skills or artistic talent. The goal isn’t to create a perfect eye—it’s to enjoy the process. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, making it a completely judgment-free zone.
4. A Mini Escape from Stress
   As moms, we’re often juggling endless responsibilities. Taking just 10 minutes for an activity like this can be a small but powerful act of self-care. It allows your mind to take a break from the constant “what’s next” and focus on something soothing and creative.

Have fun with this simple eye art exercise! Please let me know if you’ve tried it; I would love to see it.

You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown

Supplies used:

Watercolor paper 300grs (Arches), watercolor sheets (Viviva), brush, fineliner (Staedtler), gel pen white (Sakura), cup of water, paper towel, washi tape.

Alternative supply suggestions:

You don’t need any fancy materials—whatever you have on hand works fine. Paint of your kids, markers, or crayons—it’s all about the process, not the result.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Simple Eye Art Exercise

Step 1 – Start with the Pupil

Grab a small circular object, like a coin or bottle cap, and place it in the middle of your page. Trace around it to create a small circle, then color it in black. This will be the pupil of your eye. You don’t have to make it perfect—just let your hand move naturally.

Step 2: Add the Iris

Find a larger circular object (maybe a jar lid or small bowl) and trace it around the black circle to create the iris. Now, you have the basic structure of an eye.

Step 3 – Shape the Eye

To give your drawing the classic eye shape, add semi-circles to the top and bottom of your iris. These will form the outline of the eye, making it look more realistic but still simple.

Step 4: Wet the Iris

Using a paintbrush, wet the iris area with clean water. This will prepare the surface for your watercolors to flow and blend beautifully.

Step 5: Add Watercolor to the Iris

Choose a few colors for your iris—blue, green, amber, or even purple! Dab your watercolor brush into the wet iris and watch as the colors spread and blend together. Add more colors as you like, letting them flow naturally.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the paint is dry, add some white specks to the black pupil. You can use a white pen, marker, or even a little dab of acrylic paint. These specks mimic the light reflecting in an eye and add a nice finishing touch.

A Creative Pause That’s All About You