Category Archives: Adult Color Books

Mythologica: Beasts to Color

By: Richard Merritt

Rating: 5 of 5

This is a beautifully drawn book of 31 mythological creatures. The publishing of the book is also well done. The range of creatures included is fairly extensive and, at the end of this review, I will provide a full list of the mythological creatures included. The creatures represent myths and stories from a wide variety of cultures.

The initial line drawings are realistically portrayed but then the inside of the mythological creatures are many doodle style intricate elements. The designs are detailed and highly intricate with many small and hard to color details. It may not be the best book for those who have vision or fine motor skill issues.
The attached cover is beautifully illustrated with coloring and light touches of purple and blue metallic foil on the front artwork. The paper that is used for this book is a very good quality and would work well if you wish to frame your finished work.
Slight elements of the background design are already colored. While my personal preference would have been to have left these blank, I am okay with the small amount they have colored in this instance. The designs do merge into the binding and you will lose portions of some of the designs if you remove a page at the perforations but nothing essential to the integrity of the design.
This is what I found in coloring and testing in this book:
31 Mythological inspired designs which are very detailed and intricate to color
Printed on one side of the page
Paper is white, heavy weight slightly rough, has background elements slightly pre-colored and is perforated.
Sewn Binding
Book can be opened fairly flat for coloring
Most designs merge past the perforations and into the binding area; however, these portions are not integral to the overall design.
Alcohol and Water based markers bleed through this paper to some extent (Tombow brush ends did best with only light spotting to the back of the page.)
India ink left shadows on the back of the page.
Gel pens did not bleed through and did not require extra drying time.
Coloring pencils worked well. Both oil and wax based pencils worked well for providing good pigment. I was able to layer the same color for deeper tones, layer multiple colors and to blend easily using a pencil style blending stick.
If you use a wet medium with this book, I suggest using a blotter page of card stock or several sheets of paper to keep ink from seeping through the ruining the pages below. You can also simply remove a page from the book before coloring as well.
Designs in this book include: Minotaur, European Dragon, Jackalope, Basilisk, Gorgon, Cockatrice, Yeti, Pegasus, Ogre, Kraken, Gnome, Hydra, Harpy, Qilin, Kitsune, Unicorn, White Stag, Sphinx, Goblin, Griffon, Faun, Phoenix, Chinese Dragon, Mermaid, Troll, Werewolf, Fairy, Manticore, Centaur, Sea Serpent and Cerberus.

Angels Coloring Book (Dover Coloring Books)

By: Marty Noble

Rating: 5 of 5

This is an older Dover coloring book, Angels by Marty Noble. As with other Dover published coloring books (as opposed to the Creative Haven line by Dover), these designs are printed on both sides of the page.

The angels designs in this coloring book are both graceful and elegant. They are all female I would have loved to see a few male angels, such as Gabriel and Michael portrayed by Ms. Noble. Some of the designs are reminiscent of famous works of art and may have been inspired by them. However, there is no attribution stating so.
The designs are all of angels in a variety of detailed backgrounds. They are well centered on the page with a framing line at the outer edges. The designs are detailed and, while a few of them include some intricate elements, the designs are not what I consider intricate with masses of small and difficult elements to color.
This is what I experienced while coloring in this book and testing it with my coloring medium.
30 Elegant and graceful angel designs
Printed on both sides of the page
Paper is medium weight, slightly rough, white and non-perforated
Staple bound with three heavy duty staples
Designs stop well before the binding area and can be removed in whole from the book by removing the three staples at the binding.
Alcohol-based markers bleed through this paper
Water-based markers spot through and/or leave colorful shadows on the back of the page
Gel pens and India ink pens leave colorful shadows on the back of the page. India ink pens can bleed through in spots if you apply heavily or use multiple coats.
Colored pencils worked well with this paper. Both oil and wax-based pencils provided good pigment, layered well with the same or multiple colors and blended well using a blending stick. Hard lead pencils did not dent through the page.
If you choose to use any medium other than colored pencils on the pages of this book, you will probably find bleed through or colorful shadows on the design at the back of your working page.

Dinomon – Invasion of the Dinosaur Doodles: Adult Coloring Book – Color and Relax in the World of the Dinomon

By: Okami Books

Rating: 5 of 5

I really enjoy coloring doodle creature designs. I have some that are elegant and some that are a tad bizarre but up until now, I’ve never seen so many designs that are simply so fun and cute.

The designs in this coloring book feature dinosaurs in a myriad of unlikely situations. They range from dinosaurs who walk the earth, fly in the sky or swim in the deep. The designs feature both small and large dinosaurs along with lots of other doodle elements and creatures.
The designs are detailed but not what I consider intricate and difficult to color. What I like about these styles of designs is the freedom to use whatever colors you wish to emphasize (or the reverse) the elements that speak to you.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
40 Dinosaur inspired doodle creature designs
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality used by CreateSpace: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not extend into the binding area. Some of the designs designs have a dark black framing line at the outer edges
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick; however, some of the darker and thicker lines of the designs had a tendency to smear using this type of blender. I found that liquid forms (Gamsol or mineral spirits) did a better job with these particular designs. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils (like Verithins) leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Super Cute Animals Coloring Book: Adorable Kittens, Bunnies, Mice, Owls, Hedgehogs, and More (Adult Coloring Books)

By: Alisa Calder

Rating: 5 of 5

I like to color both animals and different styles of fantasy. The designs of the animals in this book are generally of them dressed as humans. A few have doodle style designs but most are simply animals doing things that people who ordinary do. They are very cute and should be lots of fun to color.

The designs are detailed and a few contain intricate and small areas to color. The line work from design to design is somewhat different, sometimes light and delicate and sometimes darker and thicker.
I have seen some of these designs in other coloring books. I’m not sure if the designs in this book are license (no license attribution is present) or if the artist has licensed some of her works previously. In any case, most are new to me and I will enjoy coloring all of them.
This is what I discovered while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper:
30 Cute Animals designs most dressed as humans.
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical inexpensive quality used by CreateSpace: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not extend into the binding area. The designs have a dark black framing line at the outer edges
Glue Binding
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick; however, some of the darker and thicker lines of the designs had a tendency to smear using this type of blender. I found that liquid forms (Gamsol or mineral spirits) did a better job. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils (like Verithins) leave dents through the paper.
I like to use a blotter when working in the book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.

Garden Fairies Grayscale Coloring Book: Featuring the Early Works of Molly Harrison

By: Molly Harrison

Rating: 5 of 5

I own a number of coloring books by Molly Harrison both in grayscale and in line drawings. I always enjoy her signature style. This coloring book is different as it is based on her earlier artworks. I can see where Ms. Harrison’s style evolved from but the designs are quite different and are beautiful as well. My previous books showed either adult or young children in fantasy. The fairies in this book seem to be more of a young teenager to young adult. As such, they bridge the gap between the subjects of my other books.

The designs are detailed and contain some intricate areas to color. The grayscale is done in lighter tones so I have more control over shading than I do with books done with darker tones.
This is what I experienced while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper.
30 Garden Fairies inspired fantasy designs in grayscale based on the earlier artwork of Molly Harrison
Designs are printed on one side of white, thin, slightly rough non-perforated paper typical of CreateSpace
Glue Binding
Easy to open to flat position for coloring
Designs do not merge into the binding and there is plenty of room to cut pages out if you choose to do so. There is a double framing line at the outer edge of each design.
Alcohol and water-based markers bleed through the page to some degree. Water-based bleed through in spots while alcohol-based bleed through freely
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows of color on the back of page. India ink can bleed through if you use multiple layers.
Colored pencils work well with this paper. Both oil and wax based provide good color when I use multiple layers of the same color. I am easily able to blend (using a pencil style blender stick) and layer multiple colors as well. I generally prefer wet blenders for grayscale designs as I have found that some designs with smear with a blender pencil. Hard lead pencils leave dents through the back of the page.
Because of the bleed through and dents, I use a blotter page below my working page. I prefer card stock but several sheets of heavyweight paper work as well.

Mermaids: A Mermaid Coloring Book with Mythical Ocean Goddesses, Enchanting Sea Life, and Lost Fantasy Realms (Coloring Books for Adults)

By: Jade Summer

Rating: 5 of 5

This is a new Mermaids coloring book by Jade Summer (note that this coloring book is not a duplicate of their first coloring book of the same title which is no longer available because of potential copyright issues.)

These designs are inspired by the sultry and sensuous sirens of the sea. These are creatures who certainly can be considered enthralling with their come hither poses and inviting eyes. The designs show them above and below the waves and even with pirates and treasure.
The designs are detailed but not what I consider intricate with small areas to color. I am able to use a wide variety of coloring medium on these designs.
While you can have access to .PDFs when you purchase this book, my review is based on the book as it is received from Amazon. That way you will know what the pages look like and how they accept color. I like that the publisher provides the digital version as well so you can choose the paper you wish to use and/or to color the pictures as many times as you choose.
This is what I found while coloring in this book and testing the paper with my coloring medium:
30 x 2 each Sensuous Mermaid Designs (total of 60 design pages)
Paper is typical of CreateSpace: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated. The back of the page is printed black.
The designs do not merge into the binding. There is a heavy framing line at the outer edges of the design to give the project a more finished look, especially for framing. There is a slight shadowing effect to the framing line which gives the image an almost 3D effect.
Glue Binding (there is room to cut the pages out if you choose to do so.)
Though you cannot see the bleed-through easily due to the back of the page being printed in black, I recommend the use of a blotter page when working in this book. I use a page of card stock or several sheets of heavyweight paper under my working page. It keeps seeping ink and marring dents from ruining the pages below.
Alcohol-based markers bleed through the page quickly.
Water-based markers bleed through in spots.
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows on back of the page. India ink can bleed through if you apply heavily or multiple coats.
Coloring Pencils work well with this paper. I found that I could layers the same color for deeper pigment or multiple colors and I could blend easily using a blending stick. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils leave dents through the paper.

Colour My Sketchbook STEAM: Mech & Cybrids; Greyscale Colouring Book

By: Bennett Klein

Rating: 5 of 5

This is the a wonderful Steampunk style grayscale coloring book in the grayscale series by Bennett Klein. I own many of Mr. Klein’s fantasy coloring books and I enjoy Steampunk as a genre as well, so this is a great combination of two of my favorites. Mr. Klein’s signature style is evident with a great addition of gears and other mechanical elements.

With this book, the artist provides a table of contents with the title of each of his pieces of art. The designs are detailed and intricate in nature. The designs are very detailed and intricate and, except for one, are black and grayscale on white background paper.
This is what I experienced while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper.
25 Hand-drawn Steampunk inspired fantasy designs in grayscale based on the artwork of Bennett Klein
Designs are printed on one side of white, thin, slightly rough non-perforated paper typical of CreateSpace
Glue Binding
Easy to open to flat position for coloring
Designs do not merge into the binding and there is plenty of room to cut pages out if you choose to do so
Alcohol and water-based markers bleed through the page to some degree. Water-based bleed through in spots while alcohol-based bleed through freely
Gel pens and India ink pens leave shadows of color on the back of page. India ink can bleed through if you use multiple layers.
Colored pencils work well with this paper. Both oil and wax based provide good color when I use multiple layers of the same color. I am easily able to blend (using a pencil style blender stick) and layer multiple colors as well. I generally prefer wet blenders for grayscale designs as I have found that some designs with smear with a blender pencil. Hard lead pencils leave dents through the back of the page.
Because of the bleed through and dents, I use a blotter page below my working page. I prefer card stock but several sheets of heavyweight paper work as well.

The Wizard of Oz Coloring Book

By: Fabiana Attanasio

Rating: 5 of 5

This is a book based on The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. It is part of a series of story book coloring books by Fabiana Attanasio. The first seven pages of the book tell the story briefly and also have a couple of coloring elements scattered throughout. The next 69 pages line drawings based on this story. In addition to these great coloring pages, there is a huge removable poster at the end of the book.

The characters are drawn in a very cute style. Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, The Tin-man, The Cowardly Lion, The Wicked Witch are all present. The scenes begin with the tornado which takes Dorothy and Toto to Oz and end with her arriving back home once again.
This is what I experienced while coloring in this book and testing the paper with my coloring medium.
69 pages of designs based on the story of The Wizard of Oz plus a folded and removable poster at the end of the book.
Printed on both sides of the page
Paper is white, heavyweight, lightly rough and non-perforated.
Sewn Binding
Most designs merge into the binding area
24 of the designs (including title page) are printed across two pages of the book.
The images line up well in my copy of the book.
Front and back covers fold out with a Wizard of Oz inspired motif pattern that can be colored; however, the paper is slick and may not work with all coloring medium
Alcohol-based markers bleed through this paper
Water-based markers can leave the faintest of shadows on the back of the page if you use dark or bright colors or have to put multiple coats on for coverage. My brush end Tombows were the one exception and those did not show through at all.
Gel pens and India ink pens did not bleed through on my tests. Gel pens required additional drying time.
Colored pencils worked well with this paper. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I was able to layer same colors to get deep pigment, layer different colors, and blend well using a pencil style blending stick. Hard lead pencils did not dent through on this paper.
If you choose to use markers, you will probably have bleed through of some sort and that will mar the design on the back of the page.

Snow White Coloring Book

By: Fabiana Attanasio

Rating: 5 of 5

This is a book based on the story of Snow White. It is part of a series of story book coloring books by Fabiana Attanasio. The first five pages of the book tell the story briefly and also have a couple of coloring elements scattered throughout. The next 71 pages line drawings based on this story. In addition to these great coloring pages, there is a huge removable poster at the end of the book.

All of the characters are present I would hope for are present, Snow White, the Evil Queen (both as herself and as the old witch), the Seven Dwarfs, the Huntsman and Prince Charming. Snow White and Prince Charming are drawn as younger individuals rather than as adults in this coloring book.
This is what I experienced while coloring in this book and testing the paper with my coloring medium.
71 pages of Designs based on the story of Snow White plus a folded and removable poster at the end of the book.
Printed on both sides of the page
Paper is white, heavyweight, lightly rough and non-perforated.
Sewn Binding
Most designs merge into the binding area
24 of the Designs (including title page) are printed across two pages of the book.
The images line up well in my copy of the book.
Front and back covers fold out with an apple motif pattern that can be colored; however, the paper is slick and may not work with all coloring medium
Alcohol-based markers bleed through this paper
Water-based markers can leave the faintest of shadows on the back of the page if you use dark or bright colors or have to put multiple coats on for coverage. My brush end Tombows were the one exception and those did not show through at all.
Gel pens and India ink pens did not bleed through on my tests. Gel pens required additional drying time.
Colored pencils worked well with this paper. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I was able to layer same colors to get deep pigment, layer different colors, and blend well using a pencil style blending stick. Hard lead pencils did not dent through on this paper.
If you choose to use markers, you will probably have bleed through of some sort and that will mar the design on the back of the page.

Quilts & Quotes

By: Product Concept Mfg Inc.

Rating: 5 of 5

This is a lovely coloring book which features a quilt on each page. In some instances, the quilt is the design and in others, the quilt is an featured element in a design which is much more detailed. A number of the designs have elements which invoke the Amish and their traditions. The included quote is printed on each page, sometimes at the bottom and sometimes as part of the design. The quotes are in a printed font and are not made for coloring.

The designs are detailed and some have small areas to color. I don’t consider it to be intricate and hard to color.
This is what I found while coloring in this book and testing my coloring medium on the paper.
24 hand-drawn designs featuring quilts. A quote, some with attribution, or Bible Scripture is included on each page.
Printed on one side of the page
Paper is white, medium/light weight, slightly smooth and perforated
Staple Bound
Some designs cross over the perforations but nothing essential to the design is lost if you remove a page from the book
All wet medium: markers (alcohol and water-based), India ink pens an gel pens bleed through the paper to some extent. I suggest using a blotter page under your working page or removing the page from the book before coloring. That will keep ink from leaking through and damaging the rest of the book.
Colored pencils worked well with this book. I was able to blend, layer the same and multiple colors using both oil and wax-based pencils.