You are not necessarily limited to actual coloring books. Tons of printable coloring pages are available online and many of them are free. [1] X Research source
If you are using water-based markers that have become dried out, try reviving them by submerging the marker’s tip in warm water for roughly five seconds. [2] X Research source
When using on loose sheets of paper, you may want to cover your work surface in newspaper depending on the coloring utensils you’ve chosen (markers may bleed through your paper and leave behind marks). When using coloring books, you can use your lap as a coloring surface if you’d like to draw while in bed on the couch, for example. You may still find it easier to have a more flat and solid surface to work on, though.
Regardless of the colors you choose, having a rough idea of how you’d like your completed piece to look can help you create a picture you’re satisfied with.
If you think your utensils could smudge, either color the center of your picture first and work your way outwards, or to start at the top of your page and work your way down. If you are not concerned about smudging, you can begin coloring wherever you’d like.
You may also find it helpful to filling in one distinct section completely before moving on to another section.
Note that you are not necessarily limited to actual coloring books, as there are many printable coloring pages designed for adults are available online, many of which are free.
If you are using pencils, be sure to sharpen them before you begin your coloring project, as this will allow you to have more precision in your coloring.
When using on loose sheets of paper, you may want to cover your work surface in newspaper depending on the coloring utensils you’ve chosen (permanent markers, for example, may bleed through your paper and leave stains). When using coloring books, you can use your lap as a coloring surface if you’d like to draw while in bed on the couch, for example.
No matter what colors you ultimately choose, having a rough idea of how you’d like your completed piece to look will help ensure that you are satisfied with your final product.
If you think your utensils could cause unwanted smudging, it can be helpful either to color the center of your picture first and work your way outwards, or to start at the top of your page and work your way down. If you aren’t worried about smudging, begin coloring wherever you’d like.
You may also find it helpful to filling in one distinct section completely before moving on to another section.
Pressure shading is easiest to do with pencil. While shading is completely optional, creating depth or shadows in your picture can make it appear more realistic and detailed.
Example: if you want to create the appearance of shadow, try using a deeper blue (or red, or yellow, etc. ) to create darker areas and a lighter blue for highlighted areas. This method can work with pencils, pens and markers.