Paint a Metallic Ombre Dot Mandala: Gentle Glimmer

Step into the world of dotting and design by making this ombre’ dot mandala painted rock. If you’ve ever felt the urge to paint, dot, and unwind, this is your chance to turn plain stones into vibrant art, no experience needed.

Navy blue rock on a purple background. Rock is painted with light pink to dark pink shimmery painted dot mandala.

Using glimmery metallic paints can elevate a mandala pattern from simple to spectacular! I mixed a light and a dark pink color together in separate containers to create an ombre’ gradient. Mixing colors helps save on paint costs (and reduces the storage needed!)

I chose a round cast concrete stone for this design, to echo the dot circles. If you’re just starting mandala painting, consider reviewing my step-by-step how to paint rock mandalas guide before beginning.

Excerpt and photos are from my book Mandala Rock Painting Made Simple. This post may contain affiliate links, I could earn a small commission from purchases at no cost to you.

A purple background with white text that reads "For a special design, consider making or buying stones made from a silicone mold and quick-set concrete or plaster. You're guaranteed to have a smooth, round rock to work with every time."

Table of Contents

To Paint a Dot Mandala, You Will Need:

START-TO-FINISH TIME:
1 hour 30 minutes

SUPPLIES:
Smooth 3-inch round man-made or natural rock

TOOLS:
1-inch flat brush
Extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large dotting tools
Pointed-tip tool (optional)

PAINTS AND SEALANT:
Navy blue, light pink, medium pink, and dark pink metallic acrylic paints;
Spray-on varnish sealant

Ombre Dot Mandala Painting Instructions

PREPARE THE ROCK AND BEGIN THE DESIGN. Apply the navy base coat with the flat brush, applying multiple coats if necessary.

Mark the grid (how to make a mandala grid), including the circles as shown. With the large dotting tool, paint the center dot using light pink paint.

A navy blue circle rock with a white mandala grid. A blue-handled dotting tool paints a light pink dot in the center of the rock.

PAINT THE SIMPLE DOT RINGS. Paint a ring of tiny light pink dots on the grid lines. Increase the dot size for a second ring between lines.

Continue increasing the dot size for a third ring of light pink dots on the lines, and one ring of medium pink dots between lines.

CONTINUE THE MEDIUM PINK RINGS. Add a ring of larger medium pink dots on the grid lines. Use the dot and drag technique (see Flourishes, page XX) to paint a comma-shaped swish on both sides of each dot.

Use the pointed-tip tool if desired in smaller areas. Repeat, making a ring of large dots and swishes.

A wood dotting tool with a small silver tip drags fuchsia paint. The paint makes a comma shape in the 3rd circle of a pink ombre mandala on a navy blue rock.

PAINT THE DARK PINK RINGS. Make a small filler dark pink dot between each dot/swish set in the outer ring of step 3.

Use the extra-large dotting tool to paint a ring of jumbo dark pink dots on the grid lines, then dot and drag a swish on both sides of each.

A navy blue rock with a white mandala grid and a partially finished ombre pink mandala. A large silver dotting tool paints a large pink dot on the outer edge.

ADD THE ACCENT DOTS AND VARNISH. Walk 3 small, dark pink dots (see Dotting, page XX) in the outer gaps to finish the design.

When completely dry, spray with 2 or 3 light coats of sealer to protect the design.

A navy blue rock with a white mandala grid and a mostly finished ombre pink mandala. A small silver dotting tool paints a tiny pink dot on the outer edge.

Share this Dot Mandala Painted Rock with Friends

Your shares are how this site grows, and I am genuinely appreciative when you do. Pin to your favorite Christmas Pinterest board or share this idea to a craft group on Facebook.