Rose Window Mandala

Inspired by the round stained-glass windows of Gothic cathedrals, this mandala has a flower roundel at its heart and long pointed petals filled with trefoils, quatrefoils and little flame shapes. Three-lobed openings run around the outer border, like stone tracery. About 570 areas, for adults and colorists from age 10.

Level

Detailed

Areas to color

572

Ages

Ages 10+ & adults

Time to color (estimate)

2 hours or more

Paper

A4 or US Letter, standard printer paper

Color it like real glass: ruby red, cobalt blue, emerald and amber, with no two touching shapes alike. Then go over the main outlines with a thick black marker to imitate the lead between the panes, and color the frame bands stone gray.

Color from the center outward so your hand doesn't smudge finished areas.

Choose a palette before starting: analogous colors (blue, teal, green) feel calm; complementary ones (blue and orange) feel lively.