Draw Yourself Calm

Draw Yourself Calm welcomes readers into the mindful practice of slow drawing with 25 beautiful patterns inspired by nature. A practical and effective book for increasing creativity while reducing stress.

With all the stimulation and stress of daily life, we each need to find ways of slowing down. Drawing simple, repetitive shapes relaxes the brain: attention flows away from sources of stress and centres on the act of putting pen to paper.

The book is organized into three sections. The introduction covers slow drawing and mindfulness, and how to weave slow drawing into everyday life. Chapter 1 dives into slow drawing warm-ups and exercises aimed at helping readers notice what they see, feel, and hear while they draw. Chapter 2 takes the reader through 25 elegant and inspiring patterns of all kinds. These patterns can be approached in any order, and readers can choose how best to fit slow drawing into their lives, whether through daily or weekly drawing.

Amy Maricle offers a playful, no-right-or-wrong approach that empowers readers to slow draw in a way that is creative, but not pressure-filled. This book offers a space for readers to nurture themselves creatively and spiritually by providing all the tools and inspiration needed to develop a slow drawing practice.

Book Contents

Meet Amy 8

Introduction 10: What is Slow Drawing? 12; Tools and Materials 14; Weaving Slow Drawing into Your Day 16

Slow Drawing Warm-Ups 18: Intention-setting Visualisation 20; Drawing with Curiosity 22; Questions for Reflection 24; Looking for Inspiration in Natures 25

Slow Drawing Patterns 28: Slowing Down and Tuning In Through the Senses: Fan Pattern 30; Asking ‘What If...?’ Cobble Pattern 34; Be an Art Explorer: Twist Pattern 38; Where is Your Edge? Edge Pattern 42; Finding Your Own Way: Innovate 46; Don't Make Art: Chicken Scratch Pattern 50; Using Negative Space: Bend Pattern 54; Locating Your Breath: Exhale Pattern 58; How Gently Can You Draw? Milkweed Pattern 62; Playing with Repetition and Variation: Coil Pattern 66; Focus on Going Slow: Bloom Pattern 70; Procuring Patience: Dot Clouds Pattern 74; Listening In: Fish Pattern 80; You Deserve Creative Time: Cracked Pattern 84; Drawing Inspiration from Nature: Lichen Pattern 88; Connection and Disconnection: Cells Pattern 92; Looking Deeply at Nature: Kelp Pattern 96; What Feels Good to Draw? Squiggle Pattern 100; Making Space for the Imagination: Flock Pattern 104; Let Your Hand Surf the Ocean: Wave Pattern 110; The Comfort of Round, Repetitive Forms: Mussel Pattern 114; Getting in the Zone: Rice Pattern 118; Find What Piques Your Interest: Beneath Pattern 122; Weaving in Ink: Cloth Pattern 126; Room to Explore: Wander Pattern 132

Creative Cues: What to Do with Your Slow Drawings 136: The Beauty of Imperfection 140; Index 142; Acknowledgements 144; Resources 144