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Writer's pictureBhavna Kumar

Exploring Dotting Art: A Guide to Dotting Art Patterns


Dot Mandala Patterns on my keychains having dot painting techniques
Dot Mandala Patterns on my keychains

  • Introduction: The Enchanting World of Mandala Art

  • Essential Patterns for Mandala Art

  • Creating Your First Mandala Art

    • Dot Paintings

    • Mandala Rock


  • Tips for Perfecting Your Mandala Art

  • Lessons Learnt from Mandala Painted Stones

  • Exploring Dot Art on Canvas

  • Stepping into the World of Mandala Kits

  • Exploring Mandala Wall Décor

  • Keychains: Mini Canvases, Massive Joy

  • Coloring Books: Sharing the Joy of Mandala Art

  • Journey into Digital Art: Procreate and Illustrator

  • Personalized Mandala Gifts: Turning Art into Treasures

  • Conclusion: Your Mandala Art Journey


Embracing the world of mandala art is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colors, where each twist and turn unveils a new pattern, a new possibility. I'm Bhavna, a self-taught mandala artist, and I want to guide you on a journey through this universe of intricate designs, radiant colors, and infinite creativity.


Essential Dotting Patterns for Mandala Art


My first foray into mandala art started with a simple mandala dot art.

With just a canvas, some paint, and a set of dotting tools, I began to experiment with dot mandala patterns and designs.

I started with basic dot patterns such as concentric circles, radial lines, and mirror symmetrical designs. Each design added a new layer of complexity to my work. However, it was the sense of peace and harmony that came from seeing these patterns unfold that captivated me the most.

From there, I moved on to more advanced designs like nested circles, offset circles, and layered petals. You can download some of my step by step free printable dot mandala patterns on my website.



"Creating mandala art is like whispering a secret to the universe - every dot, every pattern, every color carries a piece of your heart, your thoughts, your dreams."


Creating Your First Dotting Art

Dot Paintings

Before starting my first mandala art, I was curious about different dot painting ideas. I explored several mediums like rocks, canvas, and even jewelry. My journey was about pushing boundaries, experimenting, and most importantly, having fun.

I began with acrylic dot painting. It was fascinating to see how the different colors interacted, and how the dots expanded and contracted, creating intricate patterns that resembled natural phenomena like ripples in a pond



ripples in the pond an example of nature mandala
Nature Mandala: fascinating to see how the different colors interacted, and how the dots expanded and contracted, creating intricate patterns that resembled natural phenomena like ripples in a pond.



or the petals of a flower.

The dot paintings that I created durin

Petals of the flowers resembling mandala patterns like nature mandala
fascinating to see how the different colors interacted, and how the dots expanded and contracted, creating intricate patterns that resembled natural phenomena like ripples in the petals of the flower

The dot paintings that I created during this time were raw and unpolished, but they were beautiful in their imperfection.


Each dot was a testament to my learning journey, a celebration of my passion and persistence.

Mandala Rock


Mandala painted rocks were a game-changer for me. They were a perfect marriage of my love for nature and mandala art. Painting on rocks allowed me to bring the beauty of mandalas into the physical world.

They were no longer confined to a canvas; they became a part of the environment, a piece of the landscape that could be held, felt, and treasured.

The process of mandala rock painting was therapeutic. I started with beginner easy dot mandala patterns, transforming ordinary rocks into extraordinary pieces of art. You can find some of my mandala rock painting ideas here.

As I gained confidence and improved my skills, I started exploring more complex patterns and designs. I was amazed at how these intricate designs, with their symmetry and precision, could be created with just a set of dotting tools for painting.

Tips for Perfecting Your Dot Mandala Art


Here are some tips I learned along the way:

  • Start with basic patterns and gradually move to more complex designs.

  • Experiment with different dot tools for painting to achieve different effects.

  • Always let the paint dry fully before adding another layer.

  • Use a variety of colors to add depth and dimension to your mandala.

  • Practice patience - mandala art is about the journey, not the destination.



Lessons Learnt from Mandala Painted Stones


As I spent more time working on mandala painted stones, I faced challenges specific to this medium. The irregular surface of the rocks often made it difficult to create perfect symmetrical designs, something that's a key element in mandala art. It took me a while to embrace the imperfections, to allow the stone to guide my design rather than forcing a pattern onto it.


You can check some of my favorite Mandala Keychain pieces here and here, where the surface irregularities of the stones have added an unexpected touch to the mandala designs.

The paints also interacted differently with the stones compared to traditional canvas.


I had to experiment with various types of paints before finding the ones that worked best. Acrylic paints ended up being my top choice because of their bright colors and good coverage. However, the paint often took longer to dry on the stone, which required patience.

The size of the stones also posed a challenge.


Working on smaller rocks meant that I had to create intricate designs with smaller dots. It was a test of my precision and control over the dotting tools. But as I spent more time on it, I felt my skills improving.


Exploring Dot Art on Canvas






After exploring dot art on rocks, I decided to try dot painting on canvas. The smooth, flat surface was a different experience altogether. It allowed me more control over the designs and the symmetry of the patterns. This was particularly enjoyable when creating complex dot art mandala designs.


However, this also meant that the canvas was less forgiving. A misplaced dot was much more noticeable on the uniform surface of the canvas. This pushed me to improve my precision and consistency. I also learnt to incorporate any mistakes into the design, transforming them into unique features.


You can explore some of my favorite canvas pieces on my website. There, you'll find a range of artwork, from simple monochromatic pieces to intricate multicolored designs.


Stepping into the World of Mandala Kits


As I ventured further into the world of dot mandala art, I discovered the convenience of mandala kits. These kits typically include a range of dotting tools, a variety of paints, and often a surface to work on. They can be a great starting point for beginners, offering everything needed to dive into dot mandala painting.


One of my favorite kits is this one, perfect for those just starting with dot art. It has a range of different dotting tools, a selection of vibrant paints, and a small canvas to get you started.

Getting a mandala kit was a game-changer for me. It saved me time and effort of gathering supplies and allowed me to focus solely on the art. The kits also often include instruction guides, which can be very helpful when starting.


Exploring Mandala Wall Décor



After the success with tote bags, I decided to spread my wings further and started working on mandala wall décor. With more room to express myself, it felt like my creative boundaries had been pushed open, and the possibilities were endless.


This particular piece was one of my earliest attempts, a mix of dot mandala patterns and acrylic paint dots. It was a struggle getting the right combination of colors and patterns, but seeing the final piece on the wall, I felt a surge of pride that is difficult to put into words.


One challenge I faced with wall decor was maintaining symmetry on a larger canvas. Drawing a perfect circle and making sure every detail was mirrored on all sides was a Herculean task. Not to mention the fear of messing up a big piece halfway through the process. But, as with any art, practice makes perfect, and soon I was creating these intricate designs with relative ease.


Keychains: Mini Canvases, Massive Joy


Next, I turned to an even smaller canvas - keychains. Small as they were, these little charms provided an unexpected canvas for mandala art. The smaller the canvas, the greater the challenge - and the joy!


I began with simple dot mandala patterns, gradually building up to more intricate designs. Each keychain presented a new opportunity to play with color and pattern. The satisfaction of completing a tiny work of art is inexplicable, something I hope you can experience with one of these keychains available on my website here and here.


Creative Sketch Mandala Art:


Creative Sketch Mandala Art
This is a Mandala art created on my water bottle

Coloring Books: Sharing the Joy of Mandala Art


The more I delved into the world of mandala art, the more I wanted to share this journey. I realized that not everyone might want to start from scratch. That's when the idea of creating a mandala coloring book took root. With pre-drawn mandala patterns, anyone can experience the joy of filling in the designs with their choice of colors.


Creating a coloring book was a different kind of challenge. I had to think about the patterns differently, ensuring they were intricate enough to be engaging but not so complicated as to be off-putting for beginners. It was a delicate balance to strike. After several iterations, I came up with my first Mandala Coloring Book, and the feedback has been truly heartening.


Journey into Digital Art: Procreate and Illustrator


With a few successful mandala art projects under my belt, I found myself intrigued by the digital art world. Platforms like Procreate and Illustrator offered a fresh canvas, one where mistakes could be easily undone and iterations made without the fear of ruining the whole piece.


My first foray into digital mandala art was both thrilling and overwhelming. The plethora of tools at my disposal, the ability to work with layers and the endless colors were indeed exciting. However, it also presented a steep learning curve. It took some time to get familiar with the digital tools and translate my traditional art skills into the digital realm.


I struggled with the disconnect between the physical act of drawing and the digital result, as I transitioned from feeling the paint and paper under my hands to using a stylus and screen. But the convenience and versatility of digital art kept pulling me back. I created a guide with some tips and techniques to help other artists make this transition smoother.


Personalized Mandala Gifts: Turning Art into Treasures


Creating mandala art pieces was just part of my journey. I wanted to find ways to make my art useful, to integrate it into everyday life. That's when I decided to venture into personalized mandala gifts.


From tote bags and keychains to wall décor and stickers, each product is a piece of my journey, filled with love and dedication. And the joy of seeing my creations being used and appreciated by others is immense.


Yet, translating my designs into different mediums was not without challenges. For instance, printing my designs onto tote bags required understanding the limitations of print technology and adapting my designs to suit the medium.


Despite the initial hiccups, the outcome has been incredible. You can check out some of the personalized mandala gifts here.



Conclusion: Your Mandala Art Journey


Now that I have shared my journey, I want to encourage you to start yours. You don't need to be an artist or even particularly creative to create beautiful mandala art. All you need is the willingness to try, the patience to learn, and the heart to enjoy the process.


Whether you are looking to dot painting designs or create dotting art patterns, whether you are a beginner looking for easy mandala rock designs or an experienced artist looking for a new challenge, mandala art has something to offer everyone.


Start your journey today by exploring the different mandala art gift ideas on my website. Or if you're feeling adventurous, check out my personalised mandala gifts and create a piece of mandala art that is uniquely yours.


Join me in this colorful journey through the world of mandala art, and let's create some magic together!


This is just the beginning, stay tuned for my next blog where we will delve deeper into different mandala color combinations and how you can use them to enhance your art. Remember, every dot is a universe waiting to be discovered.

Happy dotting!


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