Discover the calming effects of drawing vertical lines in this simple art exercise. Ideal for busy moms seeking mindfulness and mental balance.
Do you ever feel like you’re juggling too many roles? Mom, caregiver, worker, partner—the list goes on. It can be hard to find a moment of calm.
Today, we’re going to explore an art exercise that not only looks stunning but also helps ground your thoughts and emotions.
The act of drawing vertical lines is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s grounding. Each stroke allows for a momentary pause, a brief respite from the swirling thoughts or mounting stress of your day. It’s a simple yet effective way to connect with the here and now.
Moreover, the watercolor section provides a sense of openness and freedom, counterbalancing the structure below. Together, they make a perfect ensemble of emotional self-care.
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 300 grams (Arches), watercolor paint (Winsor & Newton), fineliner 0.3 (Ohuhu), paint brush (Da Vinci), pencil, tortillon, paper towel, and washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use your kids’ watercolor paints or other paint.
Don’t have any of those? You can also draw the top part with colored pencils, crayons, or markers.
You can use a cotton swab instead of a tortillon.
Step 1: Paint your wavy line
Before you start, take a deep breath. Let go of any thoughts that have been troubling you.
Take your brush and lightly sketch a wavy line across the middle of your watercolor paper. This line will serve as the border between your watercolor sky and the structured world below.
Feel free to let the line undulate naturally—this is your time to let go.
Step 2: Paint the top half
Choose your favorite watercolors and begin painting the top half of your page. Feel the brush glide across the paper and let your thoughts drift away.
Patience is a virtue, right, moms? Let your painting completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Add vertical lines
Take your fineliner and start drawing vertical lines below the wavy line. This part of the exercise is all about creating structure.
Feel each line as an anchoring point, grounding you in the moment.
Don’t worry about making the lines perfectly straight or evenly spaced. The beauty is in the imperfection.
Step 4: Add depth
Where your watercolor and lines meet, add a slightly darker line to create the illusion of depth. You can do this with a soft pencil and then blend it with a tortillon or cotton swab.
This small touch can make a big difference in your artwork.
This exercise is more than just a fun art project. It’s an opportunity to listen to yourself. To give yourself a well-deserved break and channel your focus into something beautiful.
If you liked this exercise, you might also like my Mark-making exercise.