JULY 2020 FAN OF THE MONTH WINNERS

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart." 
— Celia Thaxter 🌞🍃

August is here, the last of the summer months, and though the warmth remains, we feel the first cool breezes of fall. But in the meantime, there’s still enough of the season left for fun and play. That’s more than enough summer energy to give a boost to your creativity! 🌻🌼

For our July Fan of the Month challenge, we presented colorists with a glittering challenge. They’re to color any page from any ColorIt book using colored gel pens and upload it here.

At the end of the month, the ColorIt team will choose three (3) submissions based on the set criteria and three (3) more random picks to keep things fun.

The 6 talented winners will then receive a $25 gift card from ColorIt. You can even double your prize amount if you include the gel pens you used in the photo of the colored page you submit.

Ready to know who made it to our list this month? Check out our Fan of the Month winners and get to know them with our exclusive interviews below:

JULY FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: DODY RANDALL

I have enjoyed coloring all my life and as my children grew up we all colored together. Now that I am retired coloring gives me a way to enjoy my extra time, especially with my colored pencils, my gel pens and the variety of coloring books you have to offer.

I am honored to have been chosen Fan of the Month for July. My advice to all is color however you imagine the picture - creativity is a wonderful thing.

JULY FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: LYNDA POWELL

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

When I was 4 or 5 my big sister bought me a Lady and the Tramp coloring book.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

Alone in my room, sitting on the side of my bed, listening to the television while calmly coloring to my heart's content.

Tell us about your creative process when you get ready to color.

I pick a coloring page - envision it in color - pull out those particular colors from the container - line up the gel pens above the page - so that each color is readily available as I need it.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Experiencing personal health ailments prevented me to continue working, and from being as active and as sports-oriented as I was used to. Spending most of my time indoors, bored and sometimes depressed; I discovered a massive market of coloring books made specifically for adults. I began by using colored markers but soon changed to gel pens, for their bold, vibrant colors, and precise detailing. Coloring is very relaxing to me. I found another purpose in life. I don't just color, I create works of art.

What advice would you give someone who isn’t confident about their coloring technique?

Practice makes perfect. Keep at it until you develop your own personal style. I started out coloring in a back and forth motion which created lines and uneven tones throughout the picture, so I changed to using straight lines of color, moving in one direction across the page which created smoother, even tones throughout the picture, I would also color various parts of the picture, but then my hand sometimes smudged the colors. I realized that starting at the top and working downward along the picture prevented smudges. The finished product was a near perfect piece of art.

What’s your favorite ColorIt book?

Blissful Scenes.

What title would you like to see in the future?

A Night on the Town (featuring formal attire).

Is there anything else you want to share about your love of coloring?

For me, coloring is a productive yet enjoyable way to pass time.

JULY FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: DENISE DAMIT

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I have always enjoyed coloring, with my kids and my grandchildren. In fact, when I had surgery, many years ago, before adult coloring became popular, my daughters bought me coloring books and crayons to entertain me during my recovery.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

I mostly color, sitting in my recliner, while I watch TV with my husband. I have to either color, knit, or do cross stitch while I watch TV.

Tell us about your creative process when you get ready to color.

I have all of my gel pens, alcohol pens and colored pencils next to me. I usually start with the color I want as my main color, when doing Mandalas. The additional colors just come to me. When I worked on the Decades pictures, I decided if I was going to leave some sections uncolored for a better affect.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring relaxes me and I enjoy paging through my completed books. It allows me to have total control of my creativity. I love it.

What advice would you give someone who isn’t confident about their coloring technique?

There is no wrong way to color. Just go with your gut as to what colors to choose. Sometimes colors you would not think go together, end up of making a beautiful picture.

What’s your favorite ColorIt book?

I love all of them, but the tropical scenes is probably my favorite. Secondly, I would pick the mandalas I and II.

What title would you like to see in the future?

I enjoy books with scenes, the best. The nature scenes are also very beautiful.

Is there anything else you want to share about your love of coloring?

I think if more people colored, there would be less stress, especially these days, with COVID 19. It is a great release after working during the day. Also, it is very rewarding to see my creativity, come alive, in the completed pictures.

AND HERE ARE THE OTHER WINNERS:

Loretta has got us on puppy fever with this cute and colorful picture! 🐾

Julia reminds us that a cat is the ultimate source of happiness! 😻

Check out Kathy's mesmerizing colorful quilt! 💖 

Thank you for submitting your entries. Til the next Fan of the Month! 🦋