Coloring Page Design Inspirations 1

by Aisling D’Art

When I’m designing coloring book art, I’m inspired by the world around me. At the moment, we’re in Orlando, Florida, so I have the luxury of visiting Walt Disney World regularly.

Epcot’s World Showcase is among my favorite sources of inspiration for my coloring book pages.

A carved and tinted wall at WDW's Moroccan pavilion, Epcot.The Moroccan pavilion has always been one of my favorite parts of Epcot. When I need fresh ideas for art — or some delicious food and a backdrop of energizing music — I head to Morocco… the one at Disney World, that is.

The Moroccan pavilion’s architectural details are remarkable. Because many Moroccan artists do not decorate with images of people, their geometric designs are among the most sophisticated in the world.

At right, you’ll see a photo I took at Epcot, a few evenings ago. It’s typical of the mandala-style decorations in every nook and cranny at the Moroccan pavilion.

I’m impressed by this mix of simple geometric shapes, curved line art, and the use of negative space.

Henna designs on window dummy hands - WDW.Inside the buildings, you’ll find even more inspiration for coloring book art. For example, one room contains information about henna, its use, and examples of some henna-related art. The hands at left (standard window display ceramics) have been painted with typical henna designs.

Many of the symbols and patterns have specific meanings. Some are for celebrations. Others ward off evil. Still others are whimsical and based on the shape of the hand, or an expression of the henna artist’s talents.

Henna art has inspired one of my upcoming series of coloring books. This kind of line art existed long before “tangles” gained popularity.

In the henna art photo, be sure to notice the tile wall behind the hands. It’s the kind of mosaic that inspires many of my mandala designs. The designs include lots of white, and a simple mix of colors. Those shades could be straight out of a basic crayon box.  Good mandala art relies on both design and color, and neither need to be very fancy.

Since I first saw it, the art and architecture at Walt Disney World’s Moroccan pavilion has always influenced my work. Epcot is an extraordinary place to visit, for far more than its popular theme park rides.

In future articles, I’ll share more photos of art, architecture, and other elements that inspire my coloring book designs.  If you have any questions or comments, I’ll hope you’ll share them with me, below.

Bold and Easy Coloring Pages 1

Bold and Easy Coloring Pages 1 is now available at Amazon!

Bold and Easy Coloring Pages - book coverThis big, bold coloring book contains 50 relaxing coloring designs with bigger coloring spaces and wider, bolder lines. This makes coloring fun and easy.

This coloring book for adults is ideal if you want quick coloring projects… the kind you can color while talking on the phone, or listening to a talk, lecture, or webinar.

Also, this book is perfect for…

  •  People with vision issues. The darker, wider lines and bigger coloring areas are easier to see.
  • Anyone who has difficulty holding a marker or coloring pencils. Most of the coloring areas are larger than in other books. Also, wide design lines can hide slight coloring slips.
  • Those overcoming eye-hand coordination challenges. You can start with the coloring marker near the center of one of these big coloring areas, and experiment with marker movements. Your coloring can still look fine, even if the marker moves in an unexpected direction.

Of course, these big, bold, and easy designs are fine for children as young as two years old, as well. (It’s been field tested and toddler approved!)

What’s Inside

This book contains 50 coloring pages printed on one side of the page. (The back of each page is blank. So, the main part of the book is 105 pages long. )

Designs include:

  • Simple, relaxing mandalas.
  • Easy kaleidoscope images.
  • Calming, repeating patterns.

Color It Again!

Each of the 25 unique coloring designs is repeated. So, it’s okay if you make a mistake on one design. Just turn the page and get an instant “second chance!”

Or, you can use that second copy to try some different colors. Swap light colors for dark, or primary colors (red, yellow, blue) for something more exotic like Mardi Gras colors — purple, orange, and green.

No Cookie-Cutter Art

All of these coloring pages are based on the hand-drawn artwork of the author, artist Aisling D’Art. They weren’t computer generated or mass-produced. They feature rounded corners and geometric designs reminiscent of artwork from the “Magical Mystery Tour” album, and other icons of the 1960s’ hippie era. Let these coloring pages take you back to a happier, simpler, more relaxed time.

Want to “test drive” this style of coloring book? Click here for a free sample page (PDF).

If you — or someone you know — will enjoy coloring pages with relaxing, abstract designs, bolder lines, and larger coloring areas, this book is for you!

Details

  • Buy at: Amazon.com link – Amazon.co.uk
  • ISBN 13: 978-1516970186
  • 50 coloring pages – 25 unique designs, two copies of each.
  • Total page count: 105 pages
  • Size: 8.5″ x 11″