Spiral Mandala Series
Two Ways to Spiral!
A new mandala series
Dotting meets brushstrokes in this bold, flowing spiral journey.
Join me for a two-part creative experience where we explore two different paths to building vibrant movement-filled spiral mandalas. Whether you're a swoosh-loving dotter or a brushstroke enthusiast--or somewhere in between--there's something here for you!
This spiral layout was first shared with me by Natasha which she's been doing for years. I’ve seen similar compositions have popped up across different art spaces—from dot mandalas to doodle and tangle art to Mother Nature. Spirals are such a timeless form—and I hope this class helps you explore them in your own voice.
Part 1: Swooshy Spiral Stone
Using dotting tools and a mix-as-you-go color gradient, we'll create a bold, rhythmic spiral that builds layer by layer. This layout was introduced to me by my friend and incredibly talented artist Natasha (Instagram: @mandala.art.natasha). She's been creating this layout since 2020, and I'm so glad she decided to share and encouraged me to teach my students! With her help, I'm teaching it here with my own vibrant color gradient twist.
Spirals have been explored by so many artists - mandala artists and beyond. Many sacred geometry enthusiasts will find joy in creating the spiral with your compass and filling it in with tight swooshes using a vibrant gradient.
What you'll learn
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Spiral layout basics
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Dotting tool swoosh technique
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Tips for dotting on a curved surface
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Mixing gradients on the fly!
I'll have a supply list available. The layout will be prerecorded. I'll paint the design live on June 22, 2025 at 12 PST so I can answer questions as we go. But the replay will be available after class for anyone who wants to follow along later!
Part 2: Brushstroke Spiral of Creation
The second part of the class will move into brushwork. We'll learn to create the Spiral of Creation and use that as our guide to create a mesmerizing spiral mandala. We'll premix a gradient and learn to fit our brushstrokes with the spiral as our guide.
What you'll learn
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Mapping out the spiral to create a visually pleasing spiral outline
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Work on improving and executing clean, expressive brushstrokes.
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Learn how to pre-mix an extended gradient to keep motion of color throughout the piece.
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We can discuss some ways to customize the layout to your personal style
Creating the background spiral and color mixing will be prerecorded. I'll also create a video for practicing brushstroke control. We'll paint the spiral live on June 29, 2025 at 12 PST so I can troubleshoot any issues as we go. But the replay will be available after class!
Is this for me?
Yes! If you're ready to:
Practice a balance of precision and flow
Learn a new layout and execution from scratch
Elevate your mandala skills with two different techniques and spiral layouts
Push yourself in a community of mandala artists to help express your own voice in spiral form!