Discover mindful drawing for busy moms with this simple cactus drawing tutorial. Learn how to reduce stress and boost creativity today.
Hey busy moms! Life can get pretty hectic with all the daily responsibilities we juggle. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and in need of a bit of escape. That’s why I want to share a simple yet effective creative exercise that can help you find a moment of calm and joy in your day: drawing a cactus!
Why Mindful Drawing?
Mindful drawing is a wonderful way to relax and center yourself. You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy it. This cactus drawing tutorial is all about the process, not the final product.
The repetitive nature of drawing can be incredibly soothing, helping to calm your mind and reduce stress. Plus, it’s a great way to tap into your creative side without any pressure. With just some simple calming shapes, you can easily create this simple succulent.
Have fun with this cactus drawing tutorial! 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 (Fabriano), neocolor II crayons (Caran d’Ache), fineliner 0.3 (Ohuhu), fineliner 0.03 (Staedtler)
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use any supplies you have: colored pencils, crayons, markers, watercolors, etc.
Instructions for this cactus drawing tutorial:
Step 1 – Draw the Plant Pot
If possible, find a quiet corner where you won’t be disturbed for a while. Lay out your supplies and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
Start by drawing a simple plant pot at the bottom of your paper. This can be a basic oval or rectangle shape. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the goal is to enjoy the process.
Step 2 – Create the Cactus
Start drawing the cactus segments on top of the plant pot using oval shapes. Draw the ovals in various sizes and stack them on top of each other, creating the body of the cactus.
There’s no need to make them perfect. To be honest, imperfections make this drawing even better.
Step 3 – Add the Spikes
Draw tiny circle squiggles all over the cactus to add texture and character. These represent the sharp parts of the cactus and give it a more realistic look. Again, there is no need to focus on perfect spikes; imperfections add extra character to your drawing.
Step 4 – Add color
Once you’re happy with your cactus shape, add some color. Use green for the cactus and any color you like for the plant pot. This is your creation, so have fun with it!
Remember, the goal isn’t to create a perfect piece of art but to enjoy the process. Let go of any perfectionism and allow yourself to simply play with the shapes and colors.
Final thoughts
Remember, it’s not about the end product but about taking time for yourself and enjoying the creative process. Give this cactus drawing tutorial a try and see how it makes you feel.
And if you’d like to share your creations or have any questions, feel free to comment below or send me a DM. Let’s embrace mindful drawing for busy moms and nurture our minds while bringing a little more joy and balance into our lives.
Happy drawing!
You might also like my Peony Doodles exercise if you enjoyed this exercise.