Coloring with Watercolor in Adult Coloring Books

Adult coloring books are everywhere but can you watercolor in them? Most weren't designed for it but we explore the best books to buy for watercoloring and ways to use watercolor in coloring books successfully.

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Johanna Basford Article:

Coloring Books in order of review:

Posh Adult Coloring Book: Vintage Designs

Color Me Calm

Enchanted Forest: an Inky Quest & Coloring Book

Secret Garden Artist's Edition

Pentel Aquash Water Brushes

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[annsowers]

Coloring has really saved my life. My youngest Son bought me my first color book after my oldest Son passed away suddenly. He was fine one minute and gone the next. I was left with a devastated heart and mind along with PTSD and anxiety. Coloring calms me when nothing else does. I wish I could paint, but I can't, so I will use the methods you showed in my thicker paged books. Thank You for adding positivity in my journey.

[deb]

I pre treat my coloring book pages when they are of a heavier paper with clear gesso. I use two layers and dry them with a hair dryer in between on back & front of the page. Then I place the book under heavier book over night to eliminate curling of paper. Then I'm all set to use watercolor. This works really well on the Basford books and other coloring books with heavier paper quality.

[crystalzanic]

When I’m painting with a water brush away from home, I plan ahead and cut the top cuff off of a sport sock that has no mate and wear it on my non dominant wrist. This way I don’t need to carry a rag. I just wipe the excess off my brush and keep on painting 🧑‍🎨

[anniemonroe]

I am super impressed by your technique in these books! I'm apart of a LOT of coloring groups on facebook and I can honestly say, the tiny amount of coloring you did would have stood out like a sore thumb (in the best way). I just ordered some gouache paints. Those are supposed to lay down a lot easier in coloring books (as you already would know, I'm sure). I can't wait to learn a few things from you!

[karenyamashita]

I searched and bought the "artist edition" Secret Garden colouring book and two types of the refillable water brushes. You've inspired me to try out water colour. I really enjoy your videos, your a talented artist.

[frihed]

I use water soluble pencils and then go over with brush and water in my Secret Garden colouring book. It works great and never ruins or leaks through the paper! Great video! I enjoyed it very much.

[melissacossaboon]

I love water color, and I agree that these coloring books are a great way to practice different coloring techniques, and it's so fun, imo.

[cookiekitty]

the first time i heard about the adult coloring books, i immediately thought about using so far i have picked up a book and started, but this video really opened my eyes to the for posting this!

[networking]

In the middle of this virus pandemic. This has really helped me

[juliemcd]

This is the first video I have seen anyone use wet on wet in coloring books. Most use the watercolors like acrylics because the paper won't hold up. But that defeats the whole purpose of using watercolor. Thanks for showing us! Welcome to the "pod people" clan. I have heard several pros say that the coloring in is their fave part of painting from sketch to finished piece. They like coloring because it is mindless and fun. Pablo Picasso said it took him a lifetime to learn to paint like a child. I think coloring provides some of that childlike joy we all miss.

[grandmasparkles]

You never fail to make me smile. Thank you I am also enjoying learning about watercolors.

[stephaniebowman]

If you have a printer/copier you can also use that to transfer a coloring book page onto watercolor paper by scanning the page and printing it on watercolor paper. OR, you can use a light pad and trace or paint on watercolor paper with the coloring page underneath (as long as it’s one sided) and have the light shine up so it’s easy to see the lines. My daughter and I use both these methods all the time. Etsy also has tons of printable coloring pages which makes both these methods even easier.

[shutterbird]

I've always been fascinated (and intimidated) by watercolors. You've inspired me to go ahead and give it a try. Your work is beautiful, thanks for taking the time to share your talent.

[MoofManiac]

I also* would like to know about prepping the various pages, particlarly in the Johanna Basford books (regular and artist’s edition), with clear gesso or watercolor ground. I really admire your ability to be positive about using watercolor pencils and watercolor in these books. It helps to make painting seem more accessible and enjoyable for those of us who struggle from a lack of art background/drawing skills. *ref. previous comment

[dianecarty]

Really fun tutorial, I especially related to your comment about how addictive adult coloring is in the best possible way.

[mickeybrittingham]

Thanks Steve I just quickly spent about$100.00 in coloring books, I am anxious to try it out!

[marcwheeler]

Enjoyed this video as a student I'm in my second year into learning watercolor thru you and many other artist ...I'm excited to learn that theres a watercolor preprinted WC book it's going to supply helpme with growing my shading and tonal value techniques and such, sometimes I need help upgrading my tonal values and shading and I think this is a great way to learn and to practice on..thanks I saw your video review by a coloring ytube who suggested looking at your video and even tho I'd been watching you for a over a year I knew exactly who she was talking about I'm like what he has a review on watercoloring in books awesome, as I was just looking to expand my knowledge on a good watercolor practice book thank you....I'm hoping that barnes noble still has this book I can purchase...if not I guess amazon will be a look

[crystalsky]

I was just thinking - “maybe I could use a color book to practice my coloring skill…” and Voila!!! Thank you so much for sharing this timely review 😃

[melodyayers]

Hi, I'm an artist but I do color in those from time to time and u can use water color in any of them but u don't over do in the water color paint! I use a durable piece of hard plastic place mat, u can cut to size if u need to! Or u can use plastic wrap, wax paper so it doesn't bleed to next page or if using markers also! Or spray a tiny bit of starch on back of page let dry! Happy coloring everyone

[Serenityindailylife]

Johanna Basford has a Youtube channel as well and is very informative.