Mindful Drawing Activity

Raindrops gather on the flowers of a Dogwood Tree
NPS Photo/Hollie Lynch

Student sketch of mules on the C&O Canal — Student sketch of mules walking on the C&O Canal towpath
NPS Photo

Embrace your creative side while appreciating your surroundings at the C&O Canal National Historical Park!

For this activity you will need only three things: something to draw with (like a pencil, marker or crayon), something to draw on (like paper or a notebook), and most importantly, your imagination! Do this activity anywhere at the C&O Canal or in your local park, backyard, or from a window looking outside. Follow the directions below and make sure to focus on relaxing and having fun!

Picture of the C&O Canal in Georgetown. — Picture of Lock 3 at the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Georgetown, Washington, DC. Can you spot the directional lines created by the features in this image? Notice how your eyes follow the lines through the image.
NPS Photo by Raisa Barrera

Directions for a Shape Landscape Drawing

Step 1: Find a view that inspires you! If you are outdoors, look for a quiet spot to sit with a nice view of something in nature that interests you. Some examples might include a tree, a bird, a scene of flowers, hills, water, or clouds in the sky. If you are trying this activity at home, check out some of the inspiring photos and ideas at the bottom of this page, or find a window in your house with a nature view of something interesting to you.
Step 2: Focus on your posture. Relax, and sit comfortably. Before you start drawing, embrace mindfulness and center your thoughts on your breathing. Take a deep breathe in through your nose, and then exhale out through your mouth -- repeat up to five more times.
Step 3: Collect your drawing tool and notebook. Focus on your grip of your tool and find a grip that is comfortable. Optional: Have other drawing tools readily available. Any art medium you prefer is okay to use for this activity, such as paint or chalk.
Step 4: Draw what you see using only simple shapes like rectangles, circles, or squares.
Step 5: Add colors or textures to make your artwork visually interesting. Texture can be added by creating different patterns with your art utensil such as dots, dashes, hash marks, circles.
Step 6: Use other drawing techniques like shading and bolder lines for shapes closer to you. Try adjusting the pressure you apply to your art utensil - light strokes, medium strokes, and bold strokes will add variety and depth to your artwork.
Step 7: At the end of your activity, embrace mindfulness by writing or saying aloud what you appreciate about the view in front of you.
Optional: Sign your name and date your art! Try sharing this activity with your family and friends!

Find more landscape inspiration and scenic views on the C&O Canal website. Or check out the comparison photos below and be inspired by seasonal changes in nature!

Winter Scenes along the C&O Canal