Let’s take a breather together and combine creativity and relaxation. Whether it’s been a busy week or you’re just craving a little quiet time, creating can be a really soothing way to slow down. You don’t need to be an expert either, just a few simple tools, some inspiration, and a comfy spot to create.

Below are some peaceful projects from mindful artists that are great for easing into your creative time.

1. Watercolour doodle ideas

Image: @stainonthefloor
These expressive journal pages are full of watery blends and gentle marks that feel almost meditative. Using a wax resist and wet-on-wet watercolour techniques lets you play with colour flow without overthinking it. Just scribble on some linework in white crayon or pastel, then layer and blend colours of the top. See where the watercolour takes you!

2. Textured rainbow art

With soft, retro colours and a textured finish, this rainbow is all about calming strokes and tactile fun. Lay down some modelling paste, use a comb to make your rainbow, then brush over retro rainbow acrylics to finish it off. Check out our video for more details!

3. Watercolour blobs = animals!

Image: @summer_scribbles
Painting doesn’t always need a concrete plan! Start by using watercolour, markers, gouache, or whatever you have laying around to draw some blob-shapes. Once dry, grab a pen and draw some features to bring each shape to life. You can use this technique to make bookmarks, bday cards, wall art, and more!

4. Painted arches

There’s something relaxing about repetition. This design uses simple pastel rainbows in a repeated pattern to make some eye-catching art – plus, it’ great for zoning out and getting into a gentle flow. Artist Kylie Jane can show you how to do this at home in our how-to video.

5. Continuous line drawing

A few simple lines (or even just one!) can go a long way. This sunset landscape uses a single line to create the picture – the key is remembering to not life your pen from the paper. Try not to chase perfection with this technique, it’s all about capturing the shape and feeling of your subject, not the nitty-gritty details. Our project video shows you just how we made this doodle!

6. Shells on canvas

Bring the beach vibes home with a gradient background, some shells, and simple patterns. This mixed media peace is a calming, hands-on activity that is made from beginner-friendly techniques. Artist Hsin Lin made an easy-to-follow video so you can recreate this artwork at home!

7. Drip painting

This large-scale canvas is all about taking advantage of gravity and letting go. Freestyle dripping is a great way to loosen up and express how you’re feeling in the moment. Grab some pouring paints or make your own with pouring medium, tip your canvas, and see where gravity takes you. Poppy Key can help you out with mastering the technique in her handy video.

8. Acrylic beach pour

If you love watching colours flow, give pouring a go! This beach-inspired piece was made with pour paints and a palette knife – you can check out the full project video to see the exact steps. Pour painting is a great way to unwind without worrying about perfection.

Whether you’ve got a half hour or a whole afternoon, these relaxing art ideas are a great way to switch off and make something just for you. Try the one that speaks to you most and share what you create by using #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with 🎨

If you want to see more art, browse our Inspo collection. You can sign-up to Creative Connection by popping in your email down below to get stacks of free art projects sent straight to you. We’re here to keep you inspired!