Color Yourself Calm

One of the latest crazes sweeping the country, and actually the world, is coloring for adults.  In the last two years, adult coloring book sales have risen to great heights, and if you are not aware of this, you must be living in a phone booth.  Oh. Wait. There ARE NO PHONE BOOTHS!  Never mind.

So back to coloring books:  Probably the most popular book out is “The Secret Garden”, illustrated by Scottish artist Johanna Basford.  Reported by Barbara Herman, a writer for the IBTimes, this coloring book has outsold Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman”. (On a personal note:  I read Lee’s newest/oldest creation and am not surprised by the sales statistics.  Sorry, Harper, but I have to agree with you for your original decision not to publish!).

Coloring books for adults should not be confused with some other “adult” pastimes. This is a wholesome, squeaky­clean activity and can actually be enjoyed by all ages.  Most artists, musicians, writers, etc. would probably agree that working on a composition that is going well is an exhilarating experience.  Creating/coloring is a way for the brain to zone out into an entirely new wavelength. In fact, some may use it to “chill out” and relax.  A no-­pressure activity.

It is called “digital detox” when we put away our phones, pack up our laptops and turn off the TV. The new therapy is the coloring book.  It is now widely recognized for its stress-­relieving qualities, as well as the meditative state that it promotes. Whether you have some artistic talent or none at all, you can find pleasure in coloring.  If you can find some time to sit down by yourself or with friends and break out your colored pencils, pens or even crayons, I predict that you will become a fan. You will wonder down the tranquil path of choosing your colors and losing yourself in the design, and then having a beautiful finished product that you can call your very own!

You have, no doubt, heard of the popular wine and paint nights that have popped up everywhere. This is where folks get together to work on a painting under an artist’s guidance and, perhaps, have a sip or two.  This is truly a “Happy Hour’ because everyone totally enjoys themselves and loves their individual works of art. Coloring nights are the newest upcoming trend for gathering ­­ in homes or public settings.  I have hosted them myself and supplied pages from my own coloring book for my friends. Surprisingly enough, a group of usually gregarious women will find themselves immersed in solitude for a time, then strike up conversations about just about anything that comes to mind.  We discuss colors, the use of different pencils and pens, shading, etc.  I am always thrilled to see the joy that the finished masterpiece brings.  When everyone compares their pieces, we see the difference in technique and choice of color. If someone has never colored in their adult life, the “addiction” has begun!

With this blog, I am including one of my original coloring pages that I have created to show an example of what can be done. I would love to hear your comments and experiences with coloring books. jean.rsgallery@gmail.com

(Jean Muehlen is the sculpting assistant to Richard Stravitz and has also been involved in the world of adult coloring: creating original calendars, books and greeting cards).

One of the latest crazes sweeping the country, and actually the world, is coloring for adults.  In the last two years, adult coloring book sales have risen to great heights, and if you are not aware of this, you must be living in a phone booth.  Oh. Wait. There ARE NO PHONE BOOTHS!  Never mind.

So back to coloring books:  Probably the most popular book out is “The Secret Garden”, illustrated by Scottish artist Johanna Basford.  Reported by Barbara Herman, a writer for the IBTimes, this coloring book has outsold Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman”. (On a personal note:  I read Lee’s newest/oldest creation and am not surprised by the sales statistics.  Sorry, Harper, but I have to agree with you for your original decision not to publish!).

Coloring books for adults should not be confused with some other “adult” pastimes. This is a wholesome, squeaky­clean activity and can actually be enjoyed by all ages.  Most artists, musicians, writers, etc. would probably agree that working on a composition that is going well is an exhilarating experience.  Creating/coloring is a way for the brain to zone out into an entirely new wavelength. In fact, some may use it to “chill out” and relax.  A no-­pressure activity.

It is called “digital detox” when we put away our phones, pack up our laptops and turn off the TV. The new therapy is the coloring book.  It is now widely recognized for its stress-­relieving qualities, as well as the meditative state that it promotes. Whether you have some artistic talent or none at all, you can find pleasure in coloring.  If you can find some time to sit down by yourself or with friends and break out your colored pencils, pens or even crayons, I predict that you will become a fan. You will wonder down the tranquil path of choosing your colors and losing yourself in the design, and then having a beautiful finished product that you can call your very own!

You have, no doubt, heard of the popular wine and paint nights that have popped up everywhere. This is where folks get together to work on a painting under an artist’s guidance and, perhaps, have a sip or two.  This is truly a “Happy Hour’ because everyone totally enjoys themselves and loves their individual works of art. Coloring nights are the newest upcoming trend for gathering ­­ in homes or public settings.  I have hosted them myself and supplied pages from my own coloring book for my friends. Surprisingly enough, a group of usually gregarious women will find themselves immersed in solitude for a time, then strike up conversations about just about anything that comes to mind.  We discuss colors, the use of different pencils and pens, shading, etc.  I am always thrilled to see the joy that the finished masterpiece brings.  When everyone compares their pieces, we see the difference in technique and choice of color. If someone has never colored in their adult life, the “addiction” has begun!

With this blog, I am including one of my original coloring pages that I have created to show an example of what can be done. I would love to hear your comments and experiences with coloring books. jean.rsgallery@gmail.com

(Jean Muehlen is the sculpting assistant to Richard Stravitz and has also been involved in the world of adult coloring: creating original calendars, books and greeting cards).