Top Tips for exploring the possibilities of colouring in books for Adults

Colouring in therapy for Adults is a trend that's sweeping the nation. We give you 5 top tips for starting out and share some inspiring pages to show what it’s all about.

EXPLORE THE PAGES AND POSSIBILITIES OF THE ADULT COLOURING IN TREND

Colouring in therapy for Adults

Adult colour books is the newest trend on the art block - and it's showing no signs of slowing down. With its relaxing, therapeutic qualities, and with the beautifully illustrated books on offer, more and more people are choosing colouring in sheets as their new hobby. But if you're yet to be convinced, we wanted to share some bustlingly boldpages with you, made by adults across the country.

Just take a look at these intricate, characterful designs - quite different from the colouring in books you might remember from childhood. From woodland crittersto tropical animals, enchanted castles to hidden gardens, there are scenes for everyone to enjoy. Read on for our 5 top tips on how to get started with this new trend, with some suggestions on the art materials that will colour you happy!

Colouring in sheets for adults

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED WITH THE LATEST ART TREND

1. Find the right book for you.

There's loads out there, from the delicate floral pages of Johanna Basford's Secret Garden Adult colouring book, to her new adventurous quest book Enchanted Forest which includes fun discoveries along the way. Secret Garden also comes in a postcard format, if a smaller page is preferable for youto try out your colouring skills before buying one of the books. If animals are more your thing, Animal Kingdom by Millie Marotta is a fantastic choice, but there are many others too, so choose a theme that will keep you engaged.

Enchanted Forest Adult colouring book by Johanna Basford

2. Don't confuse adult colouring with activity books.

There are some brilliant activity books out there that ask people to explore their creativity, draw pictures, wreck journals and experiment with mark-making (like the interactive Marion Deuchars books), but adult colour books are in their own niche and fulfill a different purpose with pre-drawn pages. That's not to say you can't experiment by making your own decisions about colour and pattern as you go.

3. Find a quiet space where you can sit and fill in the pages

Your bedroom, the dining room table or perhaps the sofa. Turn on some music or colour in silence for half an hour every day, or however long you fancy - you'll be surprised how therapeutic it is. It actually forms a simple introduction to

mindfulness, another trend that is sweeping the nation, that allows us to de-stress, escape from daily pressures and focus on the here and now.

Adult Colouring in Books

3. Don't be afraid to try out different art materials.

We all remember the chunky felt tip pens that we used to colour in with as kids, but now you're older don't feel limited by coloured pencils or standard pens. Try out ink, pastel, watercolour pencils and more - read on for a full list of suggested art materials.

4. Enjoy colouring in therapy for what it is - an activity solely for yourself.

Don't feel pressured to share your creations, to set deadlines or finish a picture by a certain time. The beauty of creating coloured artwork is that it's something you can return to, whenever you feel like it, and you can tuck the book back on your shelf for another day if you so wish. That said, plenty of people do love to share their finished pictures - so post away on Twitter or Instagram if you feel so inclined!

Colouring in for Adults

IDEAL ART MATERIALS FOR COLOURING IN

1. Derwent Inktense Pencil Set of 12

Inktense pencils provide the intense colours of pen and ink drawings. Vibrant and highly blendable, use them as you would a traditional pencil, but you can alsowash over them with water to add a different effect or wash. They are permanentonce dry and you can work over the top of them.

2. Derwent Artists' Pencils Set of 12

Opt for quality colour pencils with the Derwent Artists' Pencils. Their wide core makes them ideal for broad strokes and covering large areas, and their slightly waxy texture blends wonderfully and allows you to build up layers of colour. 3. Derwent Metallic Pencils Set of 12

If you want to bring a little extra something to your colouring sheet, why not opt for the metallic sheen of this set of pencils? Highly reflective and water-soluble, so you can blend them together and create exciting wash effects.

4. Derwent Inktense Block Set of 24

The Inktense Blocks are water-soluble bars of solid pigment, made for bright, bold colours halfway between watercolour and ink. It’s easy to blend and is permanent once dry. Use their rectangular shape to mark direct on paper, either for fine detail or large areas, or add water to create vivid washes.

Art materials used in adult colouring

Feeling inspired?

Get going with your own colouring sheets by stocking up on your art materials and browsing all of our range of adult colouring books.

Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford comes with an exclusive pull-out poster, only available at Cass Art.

Image Credits - Instagram