From Mandala to Dotted Mandala

Since I am so much passionate about "Mandalas"and I have always loved the colourful mandalas painted in the temples,walls,textiles and sometimes inner ceilings,so in connection with that I thought it may be useful to write a little bit about mandalas.Since it's a traditional and old concept so we must go back to the history for a liitle bit.

     History:

 The word mandala is a 'sanskrit' term that means "circle" or " discoid object" which is a geometric design that holds a great deal of symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist culture.The belief is that by entering the mandala and proceeding towards its center,you are guided through the cosmic process of transforming the universe.As a whole it is an spritual symbol in Asian art and become a popular meditative element for a variety of different cultures.It is great tools for meditation and increasing self awareness.

    Colouring of mandalas is a healing tool and is associated with reducing stress and anxiety as well as depression whilst improving the immune system among other things. Below there is an image of kalachakra mandala,one among the three types of mandala.

                        Image of 'kalachakra' mandala

     Create your own mandala:

Most of the people think that mandala is complicated to draw.Althogh it looks complicated,but it is quite easy,once you know the steps and follow the steps.

       When you create your own mandala,don't think of it as a painting ,think of it as echo of your soul.The best thing about designing your own mandala is that you have the freedom to choose your own shape,design,colour that suits your inner feelings and current state of mind.Also you are free to choose any medium such as colouring  pencils,crayons,pastels,chalk or paint whichever suits you best.Your mandala is yours and you have the freedom to use your own creativity to create a mandala drawing that is uniquely you.Once you know the basic steps ,you can try new designs,shapes and colours each time you draw a new mandala.

          Find a peaceful space where you can relax and start the colouring allowing any colour that enters your mind without analysing it too much or trying to match the colours.I am showing you an example of mandala art work below:

     Mandala Dot Painting:

 Dot painting is originated from Aboriginal Australia where people used to draw paintings with small dots. There is a word called 'Pointillism',which is a specific way of applying the paint to the canvas.In pointillism the painting is made up entirely of small dots of pure colour are applied in patterns to form an image.You can use both ochre painting and acrylic colours,however acrylic colours are more preferable.Where as mandala means circle or discoid object.If we blend these two art forms together in a creative way then we can form a Dotted Mandala Painting.So we can say that,Dotted Mandala is a creative art form which is done by drawing dots of various sizes with shades of colours to create circular symmetrical design with repetitions of patterns. Even if you have no prior experience in drawing or painting you dont have to worry at all.This is a very simple step by step demonstration and any amateurs can try their hands at this successfully. I am sharing my first dotted mandala with you.Hope you can get a idea of it.

Or you can go through some other example:

     Art materials used:

You can use any art materials that has different circular shapes or dotted shape.But if you want to make it perfect than you can prefer my recommedation also.

These tools are available in any book stores or through online you can purchase.

Thank you.