Warm Ups
A gentle Place to begin
Warm Ups
These short exercises are a simple way to begin.
No plan needed - just a pencil, a page, and a few minutes.
Start anywhere and use the links to watch the videos.
• Set One •
Gentle Lines
A soft place to begin.
These warm-ups focus on slow, continuous lines.
Let your hand move easily across the page without trying to control the outcome.
Layer curved lines over each other, letting them shift and overlap.
Make simple lines that bend at soft angles as they move across the page.
Draw a repeating wavy line across the page, allowing a gentle rhythm to form.
Create a series of curved lines that vary slightly in length and direction.
Work with the natural curve your hand makes.
• Set Two •
Straight & Stucture
Simple lines, steady rhythm.
These exercises focus on direction, spacing, and consistency without needing precision.
Draw a loose grid using intersecting lines in both directions.
Build vertical columns using repeated horizontal marks.
Fill the page with diagonal lines, keeping them consistent in angle.
Create rows of angled lines that move in the same direction.
Draw a single straight line across the page, then repeat.
• Set Three •
Loops & Flow
Let your lines move in continuous motion.
These warm-ups encourage fluid, looping marks that build naturally across the page.
Make soft, rounded loops that connect into one another.
Draw a stretched, looping line that moves horizontally across the page.
Create small figure-eight shapes, repeating them across the page.
Draw oval shapes that repeat and overlap across the page.
Fill the page with looping lines drawn in one continuous motion.
• Set Four •
Repetition & Rhythm
Build a steady rhythm through repetition.
These exercises explore how small changes in marks create variation over time.
Repeat small “V” shapes across the page in a steady pattern.
Draw repeating wave-like lines that shift slightly as they move.
Start with short lines and gradually increase their length.
Move from darker marks to lighter ones across the page.
Draw repeated vertical lines across the page, keeping them close together.
• Set Five •
Shapes & Forms
Work with simple shapes and let them fill the page.
There’s no need for perfect forms—just repeat and observe what happens.
Create small clustered marks that gather into soft shapes.
Draw simple triangle shapes across the page.
Create circles within circles, building outward or inward.
Draw a circle, then fill it with repeated lines or marks.
Draw circles across the page, allowing them to overlap or vary in size.
• Set Six •
Pattern Builders
Combine simple marks into repeating patterns.
Notice how small changes can create new variations.
Draw rows of curved lines that arc in the same direction.
Create small sets of lines that spread outward like a fan.
Draw a spiral that continues outward from a central point.
Layer horizontal and vertical lines to create a woven effect.
Draw sets of three lines, then shift direction with each group.
• Set Seven •
Energy & Movement
Let your hand move more freely.
These warm-ups explore energy, direction, and expressive marks.
Draw mirrored circle lines to form an eight.
Create a rotating scribble that forms a loose star shape.
Fill the page with small, quick marks moving in one direction.
Let your line “jump” up and down as it moves across the page.
Draw lines moving outward in all directions from a central point.
• Set Eight •
Focus & Awareness
Slow down and bring your attention to the movement of your hand.
These exercises encourage focus, coordination, and quiet observation.
Draw a large, continuous figure-eight shape repeatedly.
Create balanced scribble shapes that reflect across the page.
Use both hands to create mirrored lines at the same time.
Draw repeated star-like marks across the page.
Keep your eye on a single point while drawing lines through it.
