Daily Archives: December 13, 2016

Coloring for Daniel: An Adult Coloring Book for Hope, Strength and Healing

By: Various Artists

Rating: 5 of 5

I recently came across a coloring book by Daniel Savage called, Gnomes. I read about his story and then found that a group of 32 artists (including Mr. Savage’s own 10 year old daughter) had contributed designs to this coloring book in his honor and support.

The artist, Daniel Savage, has been diagnosed with a late stage form of cancer (Stage IV metastatic cancer which is terminal.) Even while he is going through this struggle, he is trying to leave a legacy and provide for his family.
The artists involved in this project are generous with their time and with their talent. All of the proceeds (100%) from this book are being donated to the Mr. Savage’s family. I am thankful that there individuals who will give so much to such a cause. I have coloring books by some of these artists and will certainly be looking at purchasing books by each of them in the future.
There are a wide variety of designs. Some are messages of hope while others show us the usual style of the artist’s designs. In all cases, the designs showcase all of the artists talents.
This is what I discovered when coloring in this book and testing it with my color medium:
32 Various Designs in a coloring book to honor and support Daniel Savage plus four bonus designs by the Mr. Savage’s daughter.
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical of CreateSpace: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding
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. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils 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.

Gnomes: An Adult Coloring Book of Gnomes Throughout Time

By: Daniel Savage

Rating: 5 of 5

I have friends and family who enjoy placing gnomes in their gardens. I even have a couple myself. I wanted to find a coloring book which featured gnomes and this is a great one. When I found this book, I actually found a back story that was extremely touching as well.

The artist, Daniel Savage, has been diagnosed with a late stage form of cancer (Stage IV metastatic cancer which is terminal.) Even while he is going through this struggle, he is trying to leave a legacy and provide for his family. My son passed away at 18 after a battle with leukemia, so I know the struggle and hardship that can descend on a family during a battle with cancer.
That Mr. Savage continues to think of his family and hopes that this book will be part of that legacy is very touching to me. I think about them as I color in the book and hope for the best for all of them.
The designs are very upbeat and fun. There are 32 of them and they are fairly easy to color and have a nice amount of detail.
This is what I discovered when coloring in this book and testing it with my color medium:
32 Gnome inspired designs
Printed one side of the page
Paper is typical of CreateSpace: white, thin, slightly rough and non-perforated.
The designs do not merge into the binding and have a framing line at the outer edges of each design.
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. I tested both oil and wax based pencils. I also found that hard lead pencils 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.