5 Simple Mindfulness Art Practices to Bring Calm This November
- Nicola Visser
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
November can feel hectic, with the days lengthening and the world gearing up for the festive season. It’s a time when stress can easily creep in, leaving us feeling tense and overwhelmed. One of the simplest ways to find calm amidst the chaos is through mindfulness art practices.
These creative exercises help you focus on the present, express your feelings, and create a sense of inner peace. In this blog, we’ll explore five simple, beginner-friendly mindfulness art practices using five different mediums to bring calm this November.
Mindfulness Art Practices with Watercolors
Watercolors are a forgiving and fluid medium, perfect for letting go of perfectionism and embracing creativity.
The transparency and unpredictability of watercolor encourage you to focus on the process rather than the result.
How to practice:
Choose a few watercolor paints and a pad of thick paper.
Pick a theme for the day—like leaves, clouds, or abstract shapes.
Paint freely without worrying about staying inside lines or creating a realistic image.
Focus on the movement of the brush and the blending of colors.
The rhythmic motion of painting can be meditative, helping to slow your breathing and quiet your mind. Spending just 10–15 minutes on this exercise can help you feel grounded and relaxed.
Check out the Soul Art Expressive Art Course for a watercolour journey through emotions.
Mindfulness Art Practices with Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are ideal for detailed work and are easily portable, making them perfect for quick mindfulness sessions.
How to practice:
Select a simple subject, such as a leaf, a flower, or a geometric pattern.
Use shading, layering, and blending to slowly build depth and color.
Pay attention to the texture of the paper, the pressure of your pencil, and the colors you choose.
This type of mindfulness art practice encourages focus and patience. You’ll notice that your mind naturally quiets as you concentrate on small details and repetitive motions.
Mindfulness Art Practices with Clay or Modeling Mediums
Working with your hands can be incredibly grounding, and clay offers a tactile experience that engages both your body and mind.
How to practice:
Take a small piece of clay and knead it slowly, paying attention to its texture and temperature.
Shape it into simple forms, like spheres, leaves, or abstract shapes.
Focus on the sensation of molding the clay and the rhythm of your hands.
This practice is particularly effective for releasing stress and tension stored in the body. It’s a perfect offline activity to disconnect from digital distractions and tune into your senses.
Check out the Soul Art Creating with Awareness - A Blindfolded Exploration for an art experience involving modelling clay, blindfolded
Mindfulness Art Practices with Ink and Brush Pens
Ink and brush pens allow for expressive line work, calligraphy, or doodling. The bold contrast and fluidity of ink encourage mindfulness and spontaneity.
How to practice:
Use a smooth paper pad and a brush pen or ink pen.
Start with repetitive patterns, simple doodles, or mandala designs.
Focus on each stroke, the rhythm of your hand, and the flow of the ink.
This type of mindfulness art practice helps you cultivate presence, reduce mental clutter, and enjoy the meditative qualities of repetitive patterns.
Check out the Soul Art Zentangles - Mindful Doodling for inspiration on creating patterns with pencil and ink for mindful relaxation.
Mindfulness Art Practices with Collage or Mixed Media
Collage allows you to combine different textures, colors, and materials. It’s perfect for exploring creativity without any pressure to create a “perfect” piece.
How to practice:
Gather magazines, scraps of paper, fabric, or other materials.
Choose a theme or emotion to explore, such as gratitude, joy, or relaxation.
Arrange and glue pieces onto a page, focusing on the process rather than the final outcome.
The act of cutting, arranging, and layering materials can be surprisingly calming. It also helps you practice letting go of control, embracing imperfections, and enjoying playful creativity.
Check out the Soul Art Affirmations - Believe in Yourself through Art - for powerful creations to boost confidence and self esteem using mixed media.
Incorporating Mindfulness Art Practices into Your Daily Routine
The key to reaping the benefits of mindfulness art practices is consistency.
You don’t need to spend hours creating every day; even 10–20 minutes can make a significant difference. Consider setting aside a specific time each day, such as morning coffee, a lunch break, or before bed. You might rotate mediums throughout the week, keeping your practice fresh and engaging
It’s also helpful to create a small, dedicated space for your art. A cozy corner with natural light, your supplies within reach, and minimal distractions can make your daily practice more inviting.
Remember, the goal isn’t to create perfect artwork—it’s to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and connect with your inner creativity.
In conclusion, these five simple mindfulness art practices—watercolors, colored pencils, clay, ink and brush pens, and collage—offer accessible ways to bring calm and clarity this November. By dedicating a few minutes each day to mindful creation, you can slow down, focus on the present moment, and nurture your mental well-being. Start small, explore different mediums, and enjoy the process—your mind and creativity will thank you.
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