Drawing mandalas is a meditative process. In this beginner workshop, participants will learn the basic background, the different applications and how to create their very own beautiful mandala. At the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a completed mandala and the skills to create their own at home as a form of meditation. Materials cost approximately $25 and will need to be purchased prior to the session.

Mandala Workshop – For Beginners

Course Description

Discover the calming and creative world of mandala drawing in this beginner-friendly workshop. 

Mandalas, rooted in spiritual traditions and geometric beauty, are more than just art—they are a powerful tool for mindfulness and meditation. 

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the background and significance of mandalas, explore their various uses, and be guided step-by-step through the process of creating your own. 

With a compass, ruler, pencil and a little focus, you’ll create a unique mandala design that reflects your personal expression and inner calm.

This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in combining creativity with relaxation. You don’t need to be an artist—just bring your curiosity and a few simple tools. By the end of the session, you'll not only take home a finished A3 mandala but also the skills to continue the practice on your own as a meditative ritual. 

Course Structure

The workshop begins with a gentle introduction to the history and purpose of mandalas, including their cultural and meditative applications. 

Participants will then be introduced to the basic tools and techniques needed to create precise geometric patterns, including how to use a compass, ruler, and protractor.

Once the foundations are set, students will be guided through the process of designing their own mandalas step-by-step, starting with a framework and building symmetrical, balanced designs layer by layer. 

Participants can choose to keep their artwork monochrome or embellish it using their own colour mediums such as markers, pencils, or watercolours. 

The session concludes with a short reflection and optional group share. 

Everyone will leave with a completed A3 mandala and the knowledge to continue mandala drawing independently at home.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the origins and purposes of mandalas
• Use basic drawing tools (compass, ruler, protractor) to create symmetrical designs
• Design and draw a complete mandala from scratch
• Apply mandala drawing as a mindfulness or meditative practice
• Choose and use additional artistic materials for personalising mandalas
• Develop confidence in continuing mandala creation at home

Course Requirements

Please bring the following items which will be required to create your mandalas:

• A compass
• A ruler
• A protractor
• An eraser and a 2B pencil
• Drawing material such as fineliner pens, markers, coloured pencils, watercolour paints and brushes - there will be time allocated to embellishing and decorating your mandala. 

These materials will cost approximately $25.

Your Tutor is Alison Russell

Alison Russell has been teaching at WEA since July 2023. 

Alison is a qualified Art Therapy Practitioner and Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT42) and has been an avid crafter since she was a child.

She has dabbled in many different arts and crafts and believes that art (and craft) is therapy for the overactive mind. She loves to teach people how to embrace their creativity for therapeutic purposes.