Every New Year holiday break, I find myself reaching for a sketchbook. I’m no Margaret Preston 😊 but the simple act of observing the natural world and capturing that wonder on paper helps me to slow down, and brings oh so much joy! I would love to make drawing more of a daily mindful ritual, so I gathered a collection of books to make that happen for me — and you!
As the founder of Biome purpose-led store, I’ve seen how powerful small creative habits can be for people of all ages.
Drawing isn’t about talent; it’s very personal, giving yourself permission to play, explore, and express. That is why these books make creativity easy, whether you're a complete beginner, a lapsed artist, or someone who simply wants a few minutes of calm each day.
This guide will show you how to build a daily drawing habit using simple tools, gentle prompts, and some of my favourite books, including Lorna Scobie’s inspiring 365 Days of Creativity and the approachable 15 Minute Art series.
The 10-minute method: The easiest way to make drawing a daily habit
Keep your sessions short on purpose
One of the biggest barriers to creativity is thinking you need an hour of free time to “do it properly.” You don’t. Commit to just ten minutes. Short, consistent sessions build skill faster than long, infrequent ones — and they feel achievable even on busy days.
Use prompts so you never face a blank page
Nearly every beginner struggles with not knowing what to draw. Prompts remove this friction. They give you a starting point so your energy goes into drawing, not deciding.
Guided prompt books are especially powerful for beginners because they eliminate the paralysis of the blank page.
Pick one book to guide you
A structured book acts like a creative coach, giving you clear direction each time you sit down to draw. It provides accountability, builds confidence, and removes the guesswork from starting.
The best books for building a daily drawing habit
Lorna Scobie’s “365 Days of Creativity” and “365 Days of Drawing”
Lorna Scobie is beloved for transforming creativity into something joyful, forgiving and completely accessible. Her books are designed to help you carve out everyday moments of self-expression and rediscover your creative potential. Lorna encourages you to look for creative inspiration in the world around you, helping you see drawing not as a task, but as part of a richer, more observant way of living.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Thoughtful daily exercises that encourage experimentation
- Gentle prompts that dissolve fear of the blank page
- Goal-setting that keeps your momentum going
- Supportive notes reminding you to explore, play, and let go of perfection
The 15 Minute Art series
If “I don’t have time” is the biggest obstacle between you and a drawing habit, the 15 Minute Art series is your perfect match. Each book offers compact, approachable exercises that take as little as 10–15 minutes.
These books are perfect for:
- Busy people
- Adults returning to creativity
- People who prefer low-material, low-pressure approaches
- Gift ideas for teens
With bite-sized projects and fun instructions, the 15 Minute Art series helps you loosen up, learn new techniques, and actually enjoy the process — all within the tiny pockets of time you already have.
Set yourself up for success with these beginner-proof tips
Create a tiny, inviting workspace
You don’t need a fully styled studio. A corner of a table, a pouch with your materials, or a lap desk works perfectly. The easier it is to start, the more often you'll show up.
Use simple materials
Most daily drawing books only require basic pencils, pens, markers, or a small watercolour set. The 15 Minute Art books are designed specifically with minimal materials in mind.
Draw at the same time each day
Attach drawing to an existing routine — during your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or as an evening wind-down. Habit-building becomes effortless when it piggybacks off something you already do.
Track your progress visually
Seeing your pages fill up creates incredible momentum. Lorna Scobie’s books make this deeply satisfying because the growth becomes beautifully visible over time.
Blank page note books
Maybe complete freedom suits you better? No structure, just a beautiful blank page waiting for whatever flows out. Our range of blank page notebooks is perfect for this kind of personal practice.
We’re especially proud to include designs from Brisbane artist Ingrid Bartkowiak, whose delicate nature and wildlife illustrations have inspired so many people in our community. Ingrid's work celebrates the small wonders of the natural world — native birds, flowers, and gentle bush scenes.
A blank notebook becomes a companion: a place for doodles, lists, colour swatches, field sketches. Whether you take it travelling, tuck it beside your bed, or carry it to your favourite lookout, it invites you to make creativity part of everyday.
Nature Journalling
Nature journalling is a gentle practice of observation — capturing the curve of a leaf, the flight of a bird, or the changing light on a favourite view. You don’t need to travel far; your garden, a local park, or the beach can provide endless inspiration.
It’s not about producing perfect drawings, but about slowing down and connecting with the earth. Combine sketches with short notes, pressed leaves, or colour swatches to turn your pages into a living diary of the natural world.
Check out these open ended nature journalling books from Your Wild Books:
What to draw when you don’t know what to draw
Even with prompts, you may have days where inspiration feels flat. Try these simple fallback ideas:
Everyday objects
Your mug, keys, a plant, your shoes — ordinary items are excellent practice.
Textures and patterns
Dots, stripes, waves, hatching — repetitive marks are calming and meditative.
Quick, loosely timed sketches
Set a 30-second timer and sketch something as fast as you can. It’s messy and fun — and it builds confidence quickly.
Colour play
Experiment with watercolour swatches, blending, or mark-making inspired by the 15 Minute Art books. Colour exploration is one of the fastest ways to spark creativity.
Why a daily drawing habit is so good for mental health
It supports mindfulness
Drawing slows your breathing and anchors your attention to the present moment. Ten minutes becomes a mini-meditation.
It reduces stress and anxiety
Repetitive marks, quiet focus, and gentle creativity release built-up tension and calm the nervous system.
It builds self-confidence
Every page — even the “bad” ones — reinforces that you are someone who makes art. You’re strengthening a skill, but also an identity.
Sketching outside helps lock away core memories much more than taking a quick iPhone snap. I treasure some of my sketches capturing the beach activities of Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot, South Australia, and the Double Island Point Lighthouse in Queensland overlooking the Humpback whale migration. My drawings aren’t perfect, but they anchor me in the moment and make me happy.
That’s why I’m so passionate about encouraging others to discover this simple joy for themselves. A few minutes with a pencil or brush can shift your whole day. And if it can bring me — an ordinary, holiday-time sketcher — so much peace and pleasure, then I hope it can do the same for you.
— Tracey xx
Frequently asked questions
Q: How do I start a daily drawing habit?
A: Choose a book designed for building consistency. The “365 Days of…” series provides a simple prompt each day, making it easy to start with just 5–10 minutes and turn drawing into a repeatable habit.
Q: What’s the easiest way to learn to draw if I’m not artistic?
A: Begin with beginner-friendly guides that break drawing into basic shapes and simple steps. The “15 Minute Art” series is especially approachable, helping you learn quickly without needing any special skills.
Q: Which books help overcome creative block or fear of the blank page?
A: Prompt-based books work best. The “365 Days of…” series gives you a daily idea so you never start from an empty page, helping you build confidence through consistent, guided practice.
Q: Are there books with simple prompts for quick, 10-minute drawings?
A: Yes. The “15 Minute Art” series is designed specifically for short, achievable creative sessions. These books make it easy to fit drawing into even the busiest day.
Q: Which books are good for mindful or stress-relief drawing?
A: Look for titles focused on gentle, intuitive drawing and watercolour. These books encourage slow, mindful mark-making and help create a calming creative routine.
Q: Are there drawing books that don’t require fancy materials?
A: Yes. Many books in this collection use only basic tools like pencils, pens, or a simple watercolour set. The “15 Minute Art” books are particularly material-light and beginner-friendly.
Q: Are there drawing books suitable for adults who haven’t drawn since childhood?
A: Absolutely. Several titles are written for adults returning to creativity, offering approachable exercises and supportive guidance. Both the “365 Days of…” and “15 Minute Art” series are ideal starting points.
Q: Can these books help me stay motivated to draw every day?
A: Yes. Books built around prompts, structure, and small daily wins—like the “365 Days of…” series—help maintain motivation and make drawing a habit you’ll look forward to.
