easy art things to draw when bored, because sometimes creativity needs a little nudge

When boredom strikes, it’s the perfect time to unleash your inner artist. Drawing doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. In fact, there are countless easy and fun things you can sketch to pass the time, improve your skills, or simply relax. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for some quick inspiration, here’s a detailed guide to easy art things to draw when bored.

1. Simple Shapes and Patterns

Start with the basics. Drawing geometric shapes like circles, squares, and triangles can be surprisingly satisfying. You can combine them to create abstract patterns or even turn them into something more complex, like a mandala. Patterns are great because they don’t require perfection—just repetition and rhythm.

2. Nature-Inspired Doodles

Nature is full of easy-to-draw elements. Try sketching leaves, flowers, or trees. A single leaf with some veins can be a quick and beautiful piece. You can also draw clouds, waves, or even a simple sun with rays. These natural elements are forgiving and allow for a lot of creativity.

3. Animals and Creatures

Drawing animals doesn’t have to be hard. Start with simple outlines of cats, dogs, or birds. Cartoon-style animals are especially easy and fun. If you’re feeling adventurous, create your own mythical creatures by combining features of different animals.

4. Food and Drinks

Who doesn’t love drawing food? A slice of pizza, a cupcake, or a cup of coffee can be both easy and delightful to sketch. You can add details like sprinkles, steam, or bite marks to make your drawings more interesting.

5. Faces and Expressions

Practice drawing simple faces with different expressions. Start with basic shapes for the head and add eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Experiment with emotions like happiness, sadness, or surprise. This is a great way to improve your skills while having fun.

6. Everyday Objects

Look around you—there’s inspiration everywhere. A pair of glasses, a book, or a lamp can be great subjects. These objects are familiar and easy to break down into simple shapes.

7. Fantasy Elements

Let your imagination run wild. Draw stars, moons, or even a magical wand. Fantasy elements are fun because they don’t have to follow any rules. You can create your own world with just a few strokes of your pen.

8. Hands and Feet

While hands and feet can be challenging, simplifying them into basic shapes can make them easier to draw. Focus on the overall form rather than the details. This is a great exercise for improving your anatomy skills.

9. Buildings and Architecture

Sketch simple buildings or houses. Start with a basic rectangle for the structure and add details like windows, doors, and roofs. You can also try drawing cityscapes or famous landmarks in a minimalist style.

10. Abstract Art

If you’re feeling adventurous, try abstract art. Use lines, shapes, and colors to create something unique. There are no rules in abstract art, so you can let your creativity flow freely.

11. Cartoons and Comics

Create your own cartoon characters or comic strips. Start with simple stick figures and add details like clothing, hair, and accessories. This is a fun way to tell a story through your drawings.

12. Seasonal Themes

Draw things that represent the current season. In winter, you can sketch snowflakes or a cozy fireplace. In summer, try drawing a beach scene or an ice cream cone. Seasonal themes keep your art fresh and relevant.

13. Emojis and Icons

Emojis are simple and fun to draw. Try recreating your favorite ones or inventing your own. You can also draw icons like hearts, stars, or arrows. These small drawings are quick and satisfying.

14. Zentangle Art

Zentangle is a form of structured doodling that involves creating intricate patterns within defined spaces. It’s relaxing and doesn’t require any prior drawing skills. Start with a simple shape and fill it with patterns.

15. Silhouettes

Silhouettes are easy to draw and can be very striking. Choose a subject like a tree, a person, or an animal, and fill it in with black. This technique is simple yet effective.

16. Lettering and Typography

Experiment with different fonts and styles of writing. You can write your name, a favorite quote, or just random words. Adding decorative elements like swirls or flowers can make your lettering more artistic.

17. Mandalas

Mandalas are circular designs that radiate from the center. They are meditative to draw and can be as simple or complex as you like. Start with a circle and add symmetrical patterns around it.

18. Silly Characters

Create your own quirky characters. Give them funny faces, exaggerated features, or unusual outfits. These characters don’t have to be realistic—just let your imagination guide you.

19. Landscapes

Draw a simple landscape with a horizon line, some hills, and a sun or moon. You can add trees, mountains, or a body of water. Landscapes are great for practicing perspective and composition.

20. Collaborative Drawing

If you’re with friends or family, try a collaborative drawing. Start with a simple shape or line and take turns adding to it. This can lead to unexpected and hilarious results.

FAQs

Q: What if I’m not good at drawing?
A: Everyone starts somewhere! The key is to practice and have fun. Start with simple shapes and gradually build your skills.

Q: Do I need special tools to draw?
A: Not at all. A pencil and paper are all you need. If you want to add color, you can use markers, crayons, or colored pencils.

Q: How can I stay motivated to draw?
A: Set small goals, like drawing for 10 minutes a day. Try different subjects and styles to keep things interesting.

Q: Can I use references for my drawings?
A: Absolutely! References can help you understand shapes, proportions, and details. Over time, you’ll rely on them less.

Q: What if I make a mistake?
A: Mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace them and see how you can incorporate them into your art.

Drawing when bored is not just a way to pass the time—it’s a chance to explore your creativity and improve your skills. So grab a pencil and start sketching!