Book Expo America, or BEA is the largest annual publishing trade fair held in the U.S. It is one of The Qwillery's favorite events, as we get the chance to meet some very cool authors and talk to publishers who educate us on what new books to look forward to in the coming year. Qwill and I were fortunate to meet with a representative of Fox Chapel Publishing during BEA 2017 who kindly provided The Qwillery with samples of their fantasy-themed adult coloring books by illustrators Eric Messenger, Krisa Bousquet and Thaneeya McArdle. I find a great way to relax is to break open a box of colored pencils, markers, or even crayons and get busy coloring, so I absconded with the books.
For the purpose of this review, I'll be breaking down the books by author. I am also including some samples of my finished pages as a reference. Each book has 80 pages, with about 32 of these for coloring. (The backs of the pictures have quotes and little pictures to embellish as well as several lines for notes.) All of the books start with a tutorial which includes a color wheel, coloring tips, and some samples of finished pieces. I found this extremely useful and thought the samples provided inspiration and ideas that sparked my imagination. I think the samples will provide expert guidance to even the most novice artist. Another great feature is that finished masterpieces are neatly and easily torn from the book for display purposes because of their handy perforations.
Fairies, Fantasy Garden and Flower Girls by Krisa Bousquet are whimsical, beautiful, and brim with positivity. Since unicorns are among my favorite fantasy creatures, I chose to start with a picture entitled "Homecoming" in the Fantasy Garden Coloring Book. I used assorted color pencils, water color pencils and markers for highlighting. I really enjoyed working on this picture and tried to use some of the same color schemes that were shown in the example. I was pretty happy with my results shown below. Next, I moved on to a larger picture entitled "A Wave of Magic" in the Fairies Coloring Book. I chose this picture because it had a colored sample on the preceding page and I thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast. I think this was my favorite as I really enjoyed experimenting with color on all the intricate designs.
Both the Dominion of Giants: Behemoths of the Fantasy World and Fantasy Adventure: Dragons, Dwarves, Elves, and other Extraordinary Creatures coloring books appealed to my sense of adventure. Each book features fantasy creatures created by Eric Messenger that are sure to inspire and entertain colorists from about 10 years old and up. Before choosing a page to color, I took my time admiring the vast array of choices. I really enjoyed the diversity of the subjects as well as the awesome weaponry and epic quotes. In my opinion, some of the pictures in Messenger's books are better suited for seasoned colorists. Although pictures like Desert Elf, shown below, would be great for beginners on up.
Sugar Skulls by Thaneeya McArdle is a cool coloring experience. Sugar Skulls have always intrigued me so I did a little research and found out that Sugar Skulls are one of the most popular symbols associated with the Day of the Dead celebration. They are traditionally decorated in vibrant colors which reflect the Day of the Dead as an opportunity to fondly remember the dearly departed. I really enjoyed the different selections and for my first attempt I chose a design with multiple skulls so I could try out a few color combinations. I enjoyed using the example as a guideline and am very pleased with the results. This book is suitable for all coloring levels.
To recap, I really enjoyed my coloring experiences and look forward to more coloring! There is something immensely satisfying about finishing these fantasy creatures. One note of caution: All the books state on their back covers that the high quality paper resists bleed-through, but I did end up with quite a bit of bleeding on a few of my pieces. The bleed-through did not affect the picture on the next page and I would just use caution when blending markers. I also experienced some "pilling" when I used my markers and although none of the pages tore, I was worried about it once or twice. Some of the samples mention the use of Copic markers, but since these are a little pricey, I don't own any and therefore did not have the opportunity to try them. I was most pleased with the results when I used color pencils, but like anything in the world of art, it comes down to personal preference. I would suggest starting with your favorite medium and experimenting from there. I really enjoyed this line of fantasy coloring books and I wholeheartedly recommend them.
For the purpose of this review, I'll be breaking down the books by author. I am also including some samples of my finished pages as a reference. Each book has 80 pages, with about 32 of these for coloring. (The backs of the pictures have quotes and little pictures to embellish as well as several lines for notes.) All of the books start with a tutorial which includes a color wheel, coloring tips, and some samples of finished pieces. I found this extremely useful and thought the samples provided inspiration and ideas that sparked my imagination. I think the samples will provide expert guidance to even the most novice artist. Another great feature is that finished masterpieces are neatly and easily torn from the book for display purposes because of their handy perforations.
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Fairies, Fantasy Garden and Flower Girls by Krisa Bousquet are whimsical, beautiful, and brim with positivity. Since unicorns are among my favorite fantasy creatures, I chose to start with a picture entitled "Homecoming" in the Fantasy Garden Coloring Book. I used assorted color pencils, water color pencils and markers for highlighting. I really enjoyed working on this picture and tried to use some of the same color schemes that were shown in the example. I was pretty happy with my results shown below. Next, I moved on to a larger picture entitled "A Wave of Magic" in the Fairies Coloring Book. I chose this picture because it had a colored sample on the preceding page and I thought it would be interesting to compare and contrast. I think this was my favorite as I really enjoyed experimenting with color on all the intricate designs.
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Both the Dominion of Giants: Behemoths of the Fantasy World and Fantasy Adventure: Dragons, Dwarves, Elves, and other Extraordinary Creatures coloring books appealed to my sense of adventure. Each book features fantasy creatures created by Eric Messenger that are sure to inspire and entertain colorists from about 10 years old and up. Before choosing a page to color, I took my time admiring the vast array of choices. I really enjoyed the diversity of the subjects as well as the awesome weaponry and epic quotes. In my opinion, some of the pictures in Messenger's books are better suited for seasoned colorists. Although pictures like Desert Elf, shown below, would be great for beginners on up.
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Sugar Skulls by Thaneeya McArdle is a cool coloring experience. Sugar Skulls have always intrigued me so I did a little research and found out that Sugar Skulls are one of the most popular symbols associated with the Day of the Dead celebration. They are traditionally decorated in vibrant colors which reflect the Day of the Dead as an opportunity to fondly remember the dearly departed. I really enjoyed the different selections and for my first attempt I chose a design with multiple skulls so I could try out a few color combinations. I enjoyed using the example as a guideline and am very pleased with the results. This book is suitable for all coloring levels.
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To recap, I really enjoyed my coloring experiences and look forward to more coloring! There is something immensely satisfying about finishing these fantasy creatures. One note of caution: All the books state on their back covers that the high quality paper resists bleed-through, but I did end up with quite a bit of bleeding on a few of my pieces. The bleed-through did not affect the picture on the next page and I would just use caution when blending markers. I also experienced some "pilling" when I used my markers and although none of the pages tore, I was worried about it once or twice. Some of the samples mention the use of Copic markers, but since these are a little pricey, I don't own any and therefore did not have the opportunity to try them. I was most pleased with the results when I used color pencils, but like anything in the world of art, it comes down to personal preference. I would suggest starting with your favorite medium and experimenting from there. I really enjoyed this line of fantasy coloring books and I wholeheartedly recommend them.
KC Doodle Art Fantasy Garden Book
Design Originals, November 8, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Design Originals, November 8, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
This bewitching adult coloring book will whisk you away to a land of fairy tale make-believe. From mushroom houses to the carriage that turned into a pumpkin, each magical drawing is ready for easy or advanced coloring depending on your mood.
Visit an enchanted garden where gnomes guard secret treasures, animals can talk, and mysterious flowers bloom! This bewitching coloring book will whisk you away to a land of fairy tale make-believe. From mushroom homes and hidden cottages to the carriage that turned into a pumpkin, each magical drawing is ready for easy or advanced coloring depending on your mood. Social media trendsetter Krisa Bousquet offers dozens of her intricately detailed illustrations, ready to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens. Krisa gets you started with handy coloring guides that include suggested color palettes and fully colored examples. Printed on one side only of archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper, each perforated page detaches easily for gifting or display.
KC Doodle Art Fairies Coloring Book
Design Originals, November 8, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Design Originals, November 8, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
This spritely adult coloring book will whisk you to a mystical world of enchanting fairies, ready for easy or advanced coloring depending on your mood. Dozens of whimsical, fun-loving fairies are ready to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens.
Magical creatures have a way of appearing when you least expect them—hiding in the greenery, dancing in the vines, or peeping through the flowers! This spritely coloring book will whisk you to a mystical world of enchanting fairies, ready for easy or advanced coloring depending on your mood. Social media trendsetter Krisa Bousquet presents dozens of whimsical, fun-loving fairies, ready to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens. Krisa gets you started with handy coloring guides that include suggested color palettes and fully colored examples. Printed on one side only of archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper, each perforated page detaches easily for gifting or display.
KC Doodle Art Flower Girls Coloring Book
Design Originals, November 8, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Design Originals, November 8, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
This adult coloring book presents dozens of captivating images of pretty girls surrounded by flowers, ready for you to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens. Each garden-fresh enchantress is ready for easy or advanced coloring depending on your mood.
From dazzling and delicate to ravishing and radiant, the strong women in this empowering coloring book are deeply in tune with the bursting, blooming earth. Social media trendsetter Krisa Bousquet presents dozens of captivating images of pretty girls surrounded by flowers, ready for you to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens. Filled and inspired by nature’s bounty, each garden-fresh enchantress is ready for easy or advanced coloring depending on your mood. Krisa gets you started with handy coloring guides that include suggested color palettes and fully colored examples. Printed on one side only of archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper, each perforated page detaches easily for gifting or display.
Dominion of Giants Coloring Book: Behemoths of the Fantasy World
Design Originals, March 7, 2017
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Design Originals, March 7, 2017
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Discover a fabled dominion where Giants are a part of everyday life. In this imaginative coloring book, fantasy illustrator Eric Messinger takes you inside an alternate fantasy world of Kingdom Giants, Hill Giants, Mountain Giants, War Giants, and more.
Ranging in mood from ferocious to gentle, these gargantuan humanoids are ready to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens. Dominion of Giants Coloring Book includes handy guides to coloring techniques like patterning, combinations, and shading. Guided Coloring Pages make coloring easy for beginners, with beautifully colored examples and ready-to-use color palettes. Each design is printed on one side only of archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper, and perforated pages detach easily for gifting or display. This book has earned the DO Magazine Artist Fair Trade Seal of Approval.
Fantasy Adventure Coloring Book:
Dragons, Dwarves, Elves, and Other Extraordinary Creatures
Design Originals, March 7, 2017
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Dragons, Dwarves, Elves, and Other Extraordinary Creatures
Design Originals, March 7, 2017
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Enter an enchanted land of awesome ogres, legendary dwarves, and supernatural beasts. This imaginative coloring book will cast a spell on colorists of all ages, with fantastic visions of mythical creatures.
Fantasy illustrator Eric Messinger presents dozens of detailed illustrations, ready to color with markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or gel pens. Fantasy Adventure Coloring Book includes handy guides to coloring techniques like patterning, combinations, and shading. Guided Coloring Pages make coloring easy for beginners, with beautifully colored examples and ready-to-use color palettes. Each design is printed on one side only of archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper, and perforated pages detach easily for gifting or display. This book has earned the DO Magazine Artist Fair Trade Seal of Approval.
Sugar Skulls Coloring Book
Design Originals, October 4, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Design Originals, October 4, 2016
Trade Paperback, 80 pages
Inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), this quirky folk art coloring book offers dozens of fun and playful “Sugar Skull” art activities that will take you on a playful journey of patterning, shading, and coloring.
Enter an exotic world of creative self-expression with this quirky folk art coloring book! Inspired by the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, it offers dozens of fun and playful “Sugar Skull” art activities that will take you on a playful journey of patterning, shading, and coloring. These vibrantly detailed images offer an easy way to de-stress and unleash your inner artist. Thaneeya McArdle’s transcendental art explores a visual language of shape, form, line, and color. Beautifully colored finished examples are provided, along with a handy guide to basic art techniques, from patterning and combinations to shading and color theory. This therapeutic coloring book is perfect for decorating with markers, colored pencils, gel pens, or watercolors. Each design is printed on one side only of archival-grade, acid-free, 200-year paper. Each perforated page detaches easily for gifting or display.
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