Mindful hand drawing: the calming joy of observing

Feeling overwhelmed? Explore the calming practice of mindful hand drawing, finding joy in observation and creativity.

Amid the hustle of motherhood, finding a quiet moment can feel like finding treasure. Picture this: a simple yet captivating exercise that offers you a space to breathe. As a fellow mom who’s experienced burnout, I’ve stumbled upon the magic of creative self-care.

Let’s explore an exercise that’s not just about drawing – it’s about taking a closer look at the intricate details of your own hand. A journey that’s mindful, nurturing, and oh-so grounding.

Through this exercise, you’re not just drawing; you’re cultivating mindfulness. The act of observing your hand’s intricacies is a meditative journey. It’s an invitation to be present, to let go of the outside world and fully immerse yourself in the moment.

It is also more than a creative endeavor; it’s an act of self-nurturing. Embark on this mindful art journey and witness the wonders of close observation and mindful expression. Beyond the artistic realm, this exercise can nurture your cognitive skills, patience, and ability to focus.

Have fun with this mindful hand drawing 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:

Bristol paper (Winsor & Newton), alcohol markers (ohuhu), fineliner 0.3, 0.1 (Ohuhu), mechanical pencil (Pentel), washi tape, and of course, your hand.

Alternative supply suggestions:

You can use any material for this exercise, such as colored pencils, crayons, or a pencil. 

Instructions:

Step 1 – Tracing your hand

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.

Our hands, these remarkable tools that guide us through daily life, hold untold stories. To kickstart this artistic adventure, place your hand gently on a piece of paper and trace its outline. Don’t worry if the lines are a bit wobbly or the proportions slightly askew; these imperfections are all part of the charm.

Step 2 – Observe and sketch the details

Now, it’s time to embark on a visual journey within yourself. Gaze at your hand and take in every tiny nuance – the lines, creases, and even the intriguing color variations. Sketch out these intricate details. As you do, you’ll notice the awe-inspiring intricacies that often go unnoticed.

Using a fineliner, trace over the pencil lines, refining the outline of your hand’s story. Use an eraser to gently remove the pencil marks.

Step 3 – Add your base color

Now, it’s time to add color to bring some vibrancy to your creation. Begin with a soft base hue, and then gradually intensify certain areas to bring depth.

Step 4 – Finishing your mindful hand drawing

Continue intensifying the colors. Don’t be afraid to add more layers. Shadows can be cast beneath knuckles, giving your hand a three-dimensional quality. Play with highlights on nails or a shimmering piece of jewelry.

This is more than art; it’s mindfulness. As you observe each detail, the world quiets down. It’s a moment to be fully present.

This is self-nurturing in action. Dive into mindful art and witness the wonders of observation and expression. Beyond art, this exercise sharpens focus and patience.

For you, dear mom, this matters. In mindful hand art, you nurture not just paper but your spirit. Grab that pencil; let’s journey together, cultivating creativity, self-care, and serenity amidst the everyday bustle. Your hand whispers stories – let’s unfold them, stroke by stroke.