Coloring with Prismacolor

[BeaSue]

Here in the USA, adult coloring books have become the Hot New Thing. I received several for Christmas. (My son tried to dissuade his wife from giving them to me saying, "But Mom is a serious artist!"). Anyway, I did my first page yesterday. It was fun and very relaxing. But the best thing is that I used artist grade Prismacolor pencils, which I had on hand, and now I have decided to explore this medium more seriously. I practiced doing some blending, and I like working with them.

Details

When I do real colored pencil paintings, I will use a quality grade paper with a little tooth, and will blend with paper stumps and odorless mineral spirits, as suggested. You can't use those on the coloring books which, of course, are smooth. But you can use the colorless blending pencil which was quite effective, I thought.

Because I do not have the space to store a lot of canvases, and do not have the $$$ to invest in expensive oil or acrylic paints, this will be a nice way for me to expand my repertoire without a huge investment. I received a generous gift card to Cheap Joe's, so have ordered 2 books on colored pencil art.

Something new for the new year!

[Annie.]

My daughter also got some, mostly patterns.  I thought those books were to help with 'stress', and we thought she could use them for pattern inspiration for her clay work.

Maybe we need to gave them a second look. I personally did not find them atteactive but seeing your beautiful basket of flowers... Hum, this is more then coloring.

[Judy Weeks]

Very beautiful! I might give them a try as well since I paint primarily in oils I haven't picked up a pencil in years. It would be good to practice that again.

[BeaSue]

There are many kinds of books available. The one I got that had designs reminded me of the Zentangles I like to do sometimes. I prefer this book that had this basket of flowers and which has more of a selection of actual objects.

My husband will be having surgery in a few weeks, and I think having a coloring book and my pencils with me while I sit in his hospital room will be just the thing...when I'm not playing Free Cell on my iPad!

[MaryAnne Long]

Lovely basket of flowers, Susan.  Some of my friends have opted into the coloring book craze and enjoy it.  You obviously will take it to a whole new level!!

Hope all will go well for your husband.  I'm sure the coloring book will get a lot of use at his bedside. 

aloha

mea

[thebryce]

BeaSue, I like what you have done!
Niice

[Maryna]

The books are also HOT here in South Africa. There are many great books on all su jects, I love it. I dont have any yet but alsways loved to color, it is very relaxing.

[Bev S.]

These books are hot, hot, hot here in Canada too!
I don't have one and have turned up my nose at them but after seeing what you have done, Susan, perhaps I should give them another look!
If nothing else, for the inspiration some of the drawings might provide
 
Hope all goes well with hubby. . . .

[BeaSue]

Thanks so much. I'm happy you enjoyed seeing this. I wasn't sure whether I should post it, since it isn't really art.

Truth be told, I also turned up my nose at these. But I now see that they can be used as good practice at blending colors and experimenting, especially as I am a rank beginner in this medium. Also good to take along (one of the books I was given is pocket-sized) when you know you'll be spending time waiting for something or someone.

[Happychappy]

    Oh! Susan, I think your basket of flowers done in Prismacolors is absolutely gorgeous and the colours vibrant. I too, have seen many of these books but turned away from them. Now having seen what you have done has tweaked my interest so next time, I shall pick one up and have a look through it.  Pray all goes well with your husband's surgery.


Hi Bev, lovely to see your post, where have you been?  I have missed you.


Patricia

[Annie.]

I agree Bea Sue,  it is really no different then when we use Nolan's template in a lesson to learn shading.  It all depends what we do with it.  I think we equate coloring with children learning to draw in the lines... and how I hated that; or painting by number!

You show us how those book could be used and like a sketch book they are portable.

My best wish for a surgery without complication and a prompt recovery.

[MaryAnne Long]

Yoo,hoo, Bev.  Good to see you sneaking in.  Don't stay away so long and post some paintings soon.

Susan, looks like you've got us all primed for coloring books.

aloha

mea (Maybe I'll make my own coloring book from PB templates!!!)

[Annie.]

Like going back to Let's Draw Course and doing them in color this time? 

Maybe an idea for color pencil classes for Dennis or Nolan. 

[BeaSue]

Annie,

I have sent a message to Nolan, asking him if he would be willing to create a new category here in the Other section for Colored Pencil Art.

[MaryAnne Long]

Ooops, just realized that PB templates are copyrighted.  Don't think we can color them, then post them here.

Nolan?  Dennis?

aloha

mea