Coloring not only evokes happy memories of childhood; the act can also
foster a sense of well-being and offer a relaxing respite from our
digital world. Crafters have known this intuitively for years... Coloring is a great way to explore your creativity — it’s easy,
inexpensive and you don’t have to know how to draw. The 10 to 20 minutes
you spend coloring an image that gives you a sense of satisfaction can
have a positive ripple effect throughout your day.
~Nancy Monson, "Why the latest coloring-book craze can be good for you"
Adults have taken up coloring, as a form of meditation, relaxation, or therapy, and it has caught on like wildfire this year - perhaps because this activity, traditionally the province of children, reminds adults of a more carefree time in their lives.
Psychologists say "The relaxation that it provides lowers the activity of the amygdala, a
basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected
by stress" and "The repetition and predictable outcome — much like when a person knits or embroiders — is soothing, almost like meditation." It's a
recommended activity for "...adults [who] have given up on creating art as a means of expression by early
adolescence. There is a great deal of fear involved, with people
thinking they are 'not good enough' at creating art... It's a great starting point...starting
with these coloring pages can build self-esteem and confidence with art
materials, and then people can be guided to use more sophisticated art
materials and create their own artistic expressions that extend far
beyond coloring book pages." It's also
great for retirees: "...researchers found that adults 65 or older who engaged in creative
activities such as making jewelry, painting or writing had better
overall health, made fewer visits to the doctor, used less medication
and had fewer health problems than non-crafters."
Some people are getting together to color the way they might for a book club and others are sharing their work on social media. Even Crayola has gotten into the act, selling "
adult coloring kits" - they include colored pencils and markers, so you don't have to share your kid's (helpful, too, if you don't have any children).
There are more
adult coloring books than you can shake a stick at - mehndi designs, mandalas, mindfulness,
Outlander,
Game of Thrones, paisley, ocean designs, flowers, birds, stained glass, kaleidoscope - so whatever your pleasure, you can probably find something to color.
We can't stock coloring books in the library catalog, but we do feature several books on Zentangle. The
Zentangle Method is "an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Creating Zentangle art provides a fun and lighthearted way to relax and
intentionally facilitate a shift in focus and perspective."
Zentangle: The Inspiring and Mindful Drawing Method by Jane Marbaix CZT
Zentangle Basics 1 by Suzanne McNeill
One Zentangle a Day: A 6-Week Course in Creative Drawing for Relaxation, Inspiration, and Fun by Beckah Krahula, CZT
The Art of Zentangle: 50 Inspiring Drawings, Designs & Ideas For the Meditative Artist
by
Totally Tangled: Zentangle and Beyond by Sandy Steen Bartholomew
Creative Tangle: Creating Your Own Patterns For Zen-Inspired Art by Trish Reinhart
Check out some upcoming library events featuring coloring for grownups, and don't forget National Coloring Book Day is August 2nd!
Family Coloring Club @ Alamosa Library
Calling all coloring book fans, young and not so young! Join us every
first Tuesday of the month for some stress-relieving coloring. We'll
provide coloring tools and coloring pages appropriate for all age
groups.
Adult Coloring@ Cherry Hills Library
Join us the First Saturday at 1 p.m. and Third Tuesday at 6 p.m. for our new adult coloring group.
Drop in and express your creativity in a relaxed environment.We provide the materials, you bring the fun. Meets in the Squaretunda.
Coloring for Grown-Ups @ Erna Fergusson Library
A exciting new program reoccurring on the first Sunday of every month. Bring your friends, de-stress and relax while coloring beautiful designs and patterns. All material will be provided. Adults only. Take some time for yourself-leave the kids at home.
Zentangle for Adults @ Lomas Tramway Library
Do you Zentangle? Come and enjoy this relaxing art and practice with
other folks who would love to share their projects with you. If you
are new to this art, we will go over the basics and practice a couple of
new tangles each month. For adults. No registration required.
San Pedro Colors! @ San Pedro Library
Come color with us! Relieve stress and make friends. All materials provided and all ages welcome.
Links
Free Adult Coloring Pages [Art Is Fun]
Coloring Pages for Adults: Free to Download & Print! [Coloring Pages for Adults]
Free Coloring Pages for Adults [Easy Peasy and Fun]
Free Adult Coloring Pages [Crayola]
Paisley, Hearts & Flowers, Anti-Stress Design Coloring Page [Hello Kids]
Adult Coloring on Pinterest
