Groovy Abstract Coloring Book - Coloring Book Review

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Groovy Abstract Coloring Book – Thaneeya McArdle

Design Originals publish a number of coloring books for adults. The books are always well made, approximately 8.5 x 11 inches with a glossy cover. One of the things that I appreciate about these coloring books are that they always start with a few colored images from the book and some tips on coloring in.

Groovy Abstract contains tips, in color, on personalising your book, shading and color theory. In addition, there are 8 colored images at the start of the book from designs within the book with the color palette for easy reference. I find that this is really useful inspiration for me. I can barely color co-ordinate my clothes when I’m getting dressed for the day so I appreciate this in a book. In addition, it is in color! Color adds so much to the printing process that I’m surprised that they can keep the price at a value point.

I really love the art work that Thaneeya McArdle produces because it is …fun! It is not highbrow with lots of pictures within pictures, complex drawings and lots of fiddly bits. It’s just beautifully designed lines that you can have fun and relax with …and that is the idea of art therapy.

The great thing about simple line work, that a lot of colorists will already realise is that it gives you a massive opportunity to create your own beautiful blending, shading and light source and take a fun piece to a masterpiece 🙂

The book is well laid out with 30 lovely abstract images printed on white paper. The paper is perforated for easy removal so you can color on a clipboard with your markers, if you wish. On the facing page of the illustration there is a small quote.

I love that the line work is crisp, black and clear as it makes it easy for those with visual impairments to see the art work and enjoy it.

In my view Thaneeya’s artwork always screams out to be colored in bright, vivid and happy colors. I could not imagine it otherwise but I would love to see it if you chose to do something pastel, earthy or watercolored.

Here are some examples from her book.

You will notice that the clear, black lines make it easy to see and suitable for those visual impairments (or people like me that don’t like fiddly bits!)

Groovy Abstract Coloring Book Video Review

Enjoy the video flip through review here:

At the end of the book, on the back cover, you will find thumbnails for the colored designs in the book (including the front cover) and the artist has indicated whether they are colored in markers/pencils/gel pens