Coloring Conflict

My agent recently blogged about trends in publishing and mentioned the sudden surprising popularity of coloring books for adults.

I confess to conflicted feelings.

Years ago, I taught workshops on using rubber stamps to create homemade cards, scrapbook pages, and gifts. I still use my supplies to make cards, and part of the fun is stamping an outline image and coloring it in. So I understand the stress-relief and fun of coloring.

On the other hand, I hear the voice of my college art teacher, who encouraged us to never give a child a coloring book. He urged us to give generous pads of paper to children and to encourage them to create, not to “stay inside the lines.”

I see his point. So why have so many of my creative friends embraced coloring books?

Perhaps after struggling to be creative all day, it’s relaxing to enjoy someone else’s efforts. The picture is provided. The only decision to make is which colors to use, and there really are no mistakes – so no pressure.

Plus, some of the images are so appealing, it’s fun to linger with them. I’ll admit that I put a few coloring books on my Christmas wish list and am now enjoying filling small spaces and seeing the art unfold–art as a collaborative effort. The design of the line artist join with the color and medium choice of the colorer.

What do you think? Should those of us who are enjoying coloring books instead doodle and create on blank paper? Would that offer the same relaxation while stimulating more creativity? Have you dipped a toe into the trend? Why do you enjoy it?

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck