SEPTEMBER 2019 FAN OF THE MONTH WINNERS

How's the sweater weather so far?

For us at ColorIt, we had so much fun enjoying the cool crisp air and our pumpkin spice lattes. Not only that, we received tons of art submissions for our September Fan of the Month Contest...and oh my gourd, the entries did not disappoint. 

You see, we host a Fan of the Month contest each month where we pick art submissions based on set criteria. For the September challenge, we asked our beloved Colorettes and Color Studs to color in any ColorIt coloring page in fall colors and upload it here. 

The ColorIt staff picks three winners, while three more winners are randomly selected. The best part? Winners also get the chance to take home a $25 ColorIt gift card, plus an opportunity to double their prize if their submissions feature any ColorIt coloring medium!

Wanna know who made it to the list? Check out the winning entries plus exclusive interviews from our Fan of the Month winners here:

SEPTEMBER FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: GLORIA THOMPSON

When did you first pick up a coloring book? 

My first serious attempt was in May of 2018.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere. 

In my bedroom with instrumental music playing.

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

As a long-time artist, I tend to favor painting a landscape, so I usually look for a landscape drawing that will present me with a creative challenge. I also enjoy coloring other types of drawings.

How has coloring changed or added to your life? 

I have been an artist all my life, but my current situation does not allow me to use my oil or acrylic paints. Using pencils and markers is much easier and quicker, yet I can still derive the same sense of accomplishment in completing a work of art. Bottom line: coloring fulfills my creative urges, which had been lacking in my life.

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

One of the first things I learned when I began coloring was that the shading techniques needed with markers are  the opposite of the techniques I learned to use in painting with oils. I found some instructional videos on the marker's website on how to use the markers. I would suggest that a novice seek videos on websites including YouTube.

What's your favorite ColorIt book? 

So far it has been The Best of ColorIt.

What title would you like to see in the future? 

Perhaps a book of drawings of famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa or Starry Night.

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

Thank you for recognizing my art. As a home-bound invalid, coloring has helped me pass the time in a creative manner.

SEPTEMBER FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: MARIA CLARK

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I first picked up a coloring book as a child. I have always loved to color. I started coloring as an adult for enjoyment and as a way to relieve stress. 

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

My perfect coloring atmosphere is a quiet morning with a cup of coffee nearby. 

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

Before I start coloring, I choose a picture that I can get into. I select a color palette that I feel will bring the picture to life best. I love using the ColorIt gel pens! I love that they are easy to blend to create shadows and depth. Sometimes, I add watercolors to the piece. I especially like to use watercolors in the background. I think they can help make a more realistic sky.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring brings me joy, peace, and happiness. It was what I enjoy doing. It provides me with a creative outlet. Everyone needs a hobby that adds richness to their lives; something they enjoy doing. I look forward to coloring in my ColorIt books.

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

I would advise them to experiment. Don't be afraid to play around first. Try using different mediums to see which one you like best. I experimented with color pencils, markers, gel pens, and watercolors. I discovered that I liked the gel pens and watercolors best because of how they blended together. They created a nice effect on the page. I think practicing with coloring helps a person develop their technique. When I look back at older pictures I colored, they lacked depth. I think as I have practiced more, my coloring has improved.

What’s your favorite ColorIt book?

I love so many ColorIt books! My favorites are the Mandalas and Blissful Scenes. It depends on my mood which one I choose to color in.

What title would you like to see in the future?

I would love to see more ColorIt books in the future! I think I would like to see an entire book dedicated to autumn. I like the Colorful Seasons book, but I think there should be a book just filled completely with autumn scenes. There are so many beautiful colors in autumn!

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

Coloring is my way to escape the pressures of the day. It just makes me happy!

SEPTEMBER FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: LINDA NOYOLA

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

About 6 years ago.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

Quiet space with my cat nearby.

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

Mostly I wing it... I very rarely have a color scheme in mind.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring helps my stress and makes me focus on issues or forget about them for a bit.

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

Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Yours doesn’t look like someone else’s-and it shouldn’t!

What’s your favorite ColorIt book?

Difficult question.  Mandalas Volume 1

What title would you like to see in the future?

Spiritual Symbols, hamsa, ankhs, celtic cross, and etc.

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

I’ve colored for so many years- now exploring acrylics and may revisit some of my old colorings to add in some acrylic backgrounds.

AND HERE ARE THE OTHER WINNERS:

The blending that Anna did on this page is great! A big round of applause to her! 😍

Charles' owl looks fantastic. We love the pop of glitter! ✨

We couldn't stop staring at Susan's masterpiece! It's gorgeous! 💖