Since mandalas seem to be a recurring theme for me, I'm going to create one each day and share on Instagram (@thinkhappythoughts42), with a few notes about my inspiration and/or how I created it.

Some will be simple Procreate doodles, like day 1’s quick chalky red one, and others might be more complex or involved like day 2.

Hopefully this will help me to try new brushes, new designs, new patterns and new styles.

On busy days, I can create one in my lunch break at work in about 15 minutes and on less busy days I will have a longer amount of time in the evening if I choose.

I'd also like to try some where I pick something as inspiration, for example a famous painting or a particular colour scheme.

At the end of the 100 days, I will collate them all into a photo book as a record. I will also hopefully then feel skilled enough to create my own Skillshare class!

I’ve also set up a challenge on my Instagram (www.instagram.com/thinkhappythoughts42) if anyone would like to join me and share inspiration!

100 days of mandalas - image 1 - student project

100 days of mandalas - image 2 - student project

For my first batch, I chose a colour each day and either used that as my main colour or thought about what that colour reminded me of.

100 days of mandalas - image 3 - student project

My second batch has been mostly focused on following different Skillshare tutorials to learn a few new techniques. I’ve learnt more about:
* colour palettes
* using designs to fill spaces (rather than always thinking about expanding outwards with petals)
* exporting to Illustrator to vectorise and colour
* using other apps such as Amaziograph for more symmetry options
* using a mask to reveal and compare versions
* finding inspiration from Islamic patterns, Zentangles and nature
* keeping colours on separate layers to make editing easier
* adding shading.

I also created a crochet mandala for Granny Square day and started creating a bank of patterns to draw upon for future inspiration.

100 days of mandalas - image 4 - student project 100 days of mandalas - image 5 - student project

100 days of mandalas - image 6 - student project

100 days of mandalas - image 7 - student project

100 days of mandalas - image 8 - student project

100 days of mandalas - image 9 - student project 100 days of mandalas - image 10 - student project

Melanie Knight

Creativity, wellbeing, self-care

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