In the busyness of daily life, we often forget to take a few minutes just for ourselves. This simple curved line painting exercise is a relaxing way to bring a little calm into your day, even if you only have ten minutes to spare.
It doesn’t require any fancy art skills or supplies—just a few colors and a willingness to let yourself unwind.
Why curved lines?
Curved lines create a natural flow that can feel almost meditative to follow. They’re gentle, they’re soothing, and they don’t demand perfection. Following each curve with new colors is a quiet reminder that there’s beauty in simply going with the flow—something we all need as moms!
Have fun with this curved line painting 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), flat brush, cup of water, paper towel, washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You don’t need any fancy materials—whatever you have on hand works fine. Watercolor, markers, or crayons—it’s all about the process, not the result.
Instructions for this curved line painting exercise:
Step 1 – Start with a Curved Line
Grab a paintbrush or marker, choose a color that speaks to you, and paint a large, gentle curve across your page.
Don’t overthink it; just let your hand flow naturally.
Step 2 – Add the Next Color
Pick a second color, and starting from one side of the page, paint a parallel line along the curve you just created. Leave a small gap between each line.
This space allows each color to stand out and makes the composition feel balanced and intentional.
Step 3 – Continue Filling the Page
Keep choosing colors and adding lines along the previous ones. Allow each color to hug the curve before it. Let the process unfold in its own time—no rushing needed. You’ll begin to see a beautiful pattern forming, and as your page fills, so does your sense of calm.
There’s no rule about keeping the spaces exactly the same or using particular colors. Feel free to let some lines be closer together and others more spaced out. The variation makes it visually interesting and more personal.
Once you’re done with the lines, take a moment to look at the page as a whole. You could add small embellishments in the spaces or leave it as a study in color and flow.
The Mental Health Benefits
This exercise is simple, but the repetitive motion of following a curve and switching colors can be incredibly grounding. The rhythmic movement and focus on color choice help to quiet the mind, pushing away the constant mental noise that many of us carry.
When you engage in this mindful practice, you’re giving yourself permission to slow down. Focusing on the lines and colors brings your attention to the present moment, letting you take a mental break from all the things that might usually be weighing on your mind. Plus, the satisfaction of seeing your page fill up with colorful lines is a gentle reminder that, sometimes, the small steps—just one line at a time—are enough.
This exercise doesn’t need to look “perfect” or be shared with anyone. It’s a personal process that’s all about you and the colors you choose. Embrace the gaps, the quirks, and the simplicity, and let yourself just enjoy the process.
Give it a try the next time you have a few minutes free, and see if these gentle curves can help bring a little calm into your day.
Happy painting!
You might also like my Draw your breath autumn edition exercise if you enjoyed this.