Image via Amazon
By now, you’ve probably heard about this best-selling coloring book that has sold over a million and a half copies. Suddenly it seems that “adult” coloring books are trending — they’re not R-rated, but created with an older audience in mind. Why the sudden popularity? NBC News reports that coloring is calming. Lisa Congdon, artist/author of several Just Add Color titles: Botanicals, Geometric Patterns, and Folk Art, believes that it’s not only creative, but meditative. She explains that the hobby is a refuge from all the screen stimulation and stress that we receive everyday; it’s an analog activity that takes us back to our childhood. Even coloring groups are now all the rage: a Facebook Group called “Coloring For All” has over 4000 followers!
Need more convincing to pick up some crayons? Here’s 10 coloring books to try:
Images by Team Art
Game of Thrones A Coloring Book from Team Art in Canada features 22 characters to color from the popular show based on George R R Martin’s books. Added benefit: constructive coloring while watching your favorite show!
Art by Steve McDonald
Fantastic Cities: A Coloring Book of Amazing Places Real and Imagined by Steve McDonald (Chronicle Books) is full of lovely cityscapes for travel and architecture buffs to color and contemplate.
Art by Mel Elliott
Color Me In Good Ryan Gosling by Mel Elliott (I Love Mel) is the “Unofficial Coloring Book.” Mel Elliott has a terrific series with all your boy crushes including Jamie Dornan and James De Franco.
Art by Lisa Congdon
Just Add Color: Botanicals by Lisa Congdon (Rockport Publishers) is part of a great series of coloring books, in which Ms Congdon has contributed three. It’s hard to choose which one to get first, so I suggest splurging on them all!
Images via Flow Magazine
Flow: Coloring is a Form of Happiness Book by Helen Dardik and Carolyn Gavin (Flow Magazine) is a visual delight. If you’re a fan of Flow Magazine or Canadian illustrators Helen Dardkik and Carolyn Gavin, you’re in for a treat.
Images via Amazon
The Mindfulness Coloring Book by Emma Farrarons (Boxtree Ltd) is the perfect antidote to a busy day. The best thing about this book is its small size—you can carry it around with you.
Images via Omy
Poster Géant À Colorier Giant Coloring Poster: Paris (Omy Design & Play) is technically not a book, but something waiting to be transformed into your living room masterpiece. Their entire product line is perfect for the child at heart.
Illustration by Gary Baseman
Outside the Lines: An Artist’s Coloring Book for Giant Imaginations edited by Souris Hong-Porretta (Perigree Books) is a terrific collection of drawings from artists including Keith Haring, Gary Baseman, and Ryan McGuiness. A portion of the profits is donated Moca’s Education Program.
Art by Andy J Miller
The Indie Rock Coloring Book by Yellow Bird Project and Andy J Miller (Chronicle Books) will give you insta-cool-cred. Plus all royalties go to a good cause.
Color Me Drunk (Potter Style) is cheeky fun. And surprise! There’s a drawing by yours truly on page 95.