Why would an adult want to do this…? It’s been suggested that people just want something to colour in, or connect with their inner child.
However, there is nothing childish about this art form; it has been marketed as a type of art therapy which is designed to reduced stress. Indeed there is some evidence to suggest that it is very effective- in a study conducted on students in the US in 2012, showed that colouring reduced anxiety and tension.
Colouring is a very mindless activity, whereas other artwork would require a degree of concentrating for example be able to free draw a picture, and then of course in certain art medium, you may need to mix paint in order to create different colours.
The grown-up colouring books come with intricate designs of fantasy gardens and forests of flora and fauna.
The books are proving to be very popular;
- Basford’s, Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Colouring Book
sold 1,4 m copies,
- Enchanted Garden sold 226,000,
- Richard Merritt’s, The Art Therapy Colouring Book
, is 4th on the Amazon Best sellers list.
In France, the books have out sold cookery books, In New York and Australia this hobby has become so popular that meet up have been organized in order for people to colour in together.
So if you are feeling stress, have a look at this website- Mandala colouring meditation, it offers a free mandala to colour in. (A mandala is a circle of light an energy that can unite you and heal your mind and body).
About the author:
Moira Rowan
Immigrated to the UK 20 years ago, has an interest in art, culture, community and upliftment projects, is a keen cook, and has a cordon bleu qualification. Currently involved in academia and research. Loves a bargain, and is known as the Voucher Queen amongst her friends. Enjoys writing on topics that interests her. You can follower her on twitter @rowanmoira
