In this calming watercolor circles exercise, we’ll discover the calming power of circles.
As a mom, taking care of your family is likely your top priority. However, it’s also essential to take care of yourself. Taking time to engage in creative self-care can be incredibly effective in relieving stress and improving your overall well-being.
One creative exercise that you can try is drawing circles with watercolor. Not only is this exercise easy to do, but it also provides a calming and meditative experience.
Did you know that circles have been associated with a sense of calm and balance for thousands of years? This is why mandalas, for example, have been used in many cultures as a tool for meditation and relaxation. The angleless shape of circles lets our brain know there’s no danger and makes us feel safe and secure.
This exercise is a great way to incorporate creativity into your life as a mom, even if you don’t have much time. You can complete it in just a few minutes, and the results are always unique and beautiful. Additionally, the process of creating something with your hands can be incredibly grounding and can help you stay mindful and present.
If you struggle with perfectionism, this exercise can be especially helpful. It encourages you to let go of the need to be perfect and instead focus on the process of creating something beautiful. Remember that imperfection is part of the beauty of this exercise, and it’s okay to make mistakes.
I hope you have some well-deserved creative me-time with this calming watercolor circles exercise!
Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Watercolor paper (Fabriano), ecoline (Royal Talens), paint brush (da Vinci), paper towel, water in a jar, and washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use your kids’ watercolor paints or other paint.
Don’t have any of those? Just skip the watercolor blending parts of this exercise and use the supplies you have to create circles.
Step 1
Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. Then, bring yourself to the present, away from all the day-to-day stress.
Choose colors that are soothing or give you a positive feeling.
Using your paintbrush, draw circles on the paper using watercolor paint. Don’t worry about making them perfect, as imperfection is part of the beauty of this exercise. You can vary the size and placement of the circles and experiment with different brushstrokes to create interesting textures.
Step 2
Now, we will first experiment with what’s called the wet-on-dry technique. This means that your first layer is completely dry before you add the second wet layer on top.
Once your first layer is dry, it’s time to add more circles! This time, slightly overlap your previous circles to create a layered effect. You can choose to use the same color palette or switch it up and try new colors.
This will create some fun effects.
Step 3
Of course, you can try the wet-on-wet technique as well. In this case, the first layer is still wet when you apply the second one.
As you add more circles, you might notice that the colors bleed and blend together in interesting ways. This can be a playful and unpredictable process that helps you let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
As you continue to draw circles, you may feel more relaxed and centered. The repetitive, circular motions of this exercise can have a calming effect on your mind and body, helping you to release tension and find a sense of balance.
When you’re finished, step back and admire your work. This simple exercise can be a powerful way to tap into your creativity, release stress, and have fun with color and shape.
So grab your watercolors, let your hand move freely, and see what kind of colorful circles emerge from your imagination.
If you liked this exercise, you might also like my comforting circle bundles exercise.
