Hello!
Do you remember the thrill of opening a new box of crayons? I can still smell the waxy scent, the sharp tips beckoning to be dulled by furious scribbling. Coloring with that kind of passion has long since passed personally, but over the years it’s become a trend again, with actual data showing that adults benefit from doing meditative and mindful activities like coloring intricate patterns and mandalas.
Lynda Barry, a writer, artist and teacher, wrote in her book “Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Teacher” that she starts each class with an assignment:
“I always start my class with a coloring assignment using crayons to color three pages from a variety of coloring pages pinned to the wall. Pick 3. Color them densely, trying to get as much of the crayon on the paper as possible. Students find it frustrating because crayons are surprisingly hard to work with, but they usually have some fun doing it. Until...when the finished pages were pinned to the wall, all of the pages were colored just the way I assigned— but all the joy was gone. Something went wrong.
What was it?
This: I told them to color hard in order to do it right. And go straight to using force— thinking I was showing them a short-cut—— this took away the way of coloring they would have found on their own. By telling them just how to do it, I took the playing-around away, the gradual figuring out that brings something alive to this activity, makes it worth-while, and is transferable to other activities.
I realize now the best results came when I gave no instructions except, “spend time on this assignment.” That was 3 years ago. Why did it take me so long to figure this out?”
― Lynda Barry, Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor
So with Barry’s assignment and the joy of coloring books in abundance, here’s your week’s assignment:
This week’s prompt: COLOR! Get a box of brand new crayons (mmm that smell) and either download a coloring page or find a coloring book that speaks to you, and simply COLOR.
Colorfully yours,
Nicole C.
On the Blog: The Surprising Benefits of Coloring
Coloring books are more than just a childhood pastime; they are a powerful tool for enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and improving mental health. By incorporating coloring into your routine, you can unlock numerous benefits that contribute to your overall well-being and creative spirit. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or simply looking for a new way to unwind, coloring books offer a delightful and accessible way to “woo your creativity.” So, grab a set of colored pencils, find a coloring book that speaks to you, and let your creative journey begin.
Remember, creativity isn’t about the outcome; it’s about the process. Coloring books invite you to explore, experiment, and express yourself in a judgment-free zone. Embrace the opportunity to play with colors and shapes, and watch as your creativity flourishes in unexpected ways.
Download 10 free coloring pages here!
“Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams.”
― Paul Gauguin
Resources to Dive Deeper:
Winnie Doodles Coloring Books created by the Woo Your Creativity Team (affiliate link)
How to draw a mandala (Art is Fun)
List of Crayola Crayon color names (Wikipedia)
Sneak Peek for Weekly Prompts:
Elevate your creative journey with our 'Woo Your Creativity' paid subscription, where exclusive access awaits to inspire and challenge your artistic endeavors. Each week, delve into five additional, thoughtfully curated prompts, crafted to transform and enrich your creative practice. With the freedom to explore at your own pace and through your preferred medium, you're not just joining a subscription; you're becoming part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals on a quest for continuous growth and limitless inspiration. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and unlock the full experience—subscribe today and let your creativity soar to new heights!
Sneak peek prompt:
Journaling Prompt: Reflect on a time in your life when "coloring outside the lines" led to an unexpected and positive outcome. This could be a moment when breaking the rules or stepping out of your comfort zone brought about growth, creativity, or discovery. Write a journal entry or essay about this experience, focusing on how it felt to embrace the unknown and the impact it had on your perspective.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Woo Your Creativity to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.