Month: March 2016

Coloring my own coloring book art.

Just Meowin' Cat Coloring Book for Adults
From “Just Meowin’ with Brewskie Butt” Coloring Book by BZTAT

I am often asked for materials recommendations for coloring the pages in my coloring books. I am not sure that I am the best one for making recommendations, as I color my drawings in a manner different than most people would choose to color. Even so, I thought I would share my process of “coloring” my drawings in case you’d like to try some of my techniques.

I begin my drawings by filling in shapes and areas with permanent markers. This step is my first layer of color.

Markers only
Markers only

As I do with my paintings, I begin with a layer of color that will change when I add subsequent layers that either contrast or visually mix with the underlying color. My choice of marker colors is determined by years of experience experimenting with different color combinations.

I use permanent markers that are less likely to fade over time, such as Prismacolor Art Markers and Sharpies. Crayola and other less permanent markers can be used as well, however, they do tend to fade.

After bBrewskie-Butt-okey-coloring-book-page-colored-prismacolor-pencil-BZTAT-croppedlocking in colors with marker, I go over the different areas with Prismacolor Pencils. Prismacolor pencils are very soft and waxy. Unlike other colored pencils, they “sit” on top of the underlying color in the way that a crayon or oil pastel “sits” on the surface of a colored paper. A light color on top of a darker color stands out, giving a very soft but rich texture as well as a unique color effect. Also, some colors visually “mix” in the way that paint on a palette does, again, giving interesting color and textural effects.

As you can see in the inset, I colored over a darker orange with a yellow, leading to the two colors visually “mixing” and creating that characteristic Brewskie Butt ginger color. A red pencil over a purple gives a different “mixing” effect. Yellow over an aqua blue creates a unique green. White over light blue brings out a light/dark contrast, making the two cats’ white fur have more texture and interest than if they had just been left blank.

Just Meowing' Cat Coloring Book for Adults by BZTAT
Uncolored
Markers only
Markers only
Just Meowin' Cat Coloring Book for Adults
Pencil over marker

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my process for creating finished drawings. The entire process can take quite a long time, and it may be a bit laborious for a coloring book page. It might be fun to give it a try, however. I suggest that you do some experimenting on scratch paper before coloring in a drawing with these techniques. On your scratch paper, color in some areas with different markers and test out different Prismacolor pencils over them to see how the two layers interact.

What is your favorite coloring technique? Please share in the comments!

Just Meowin' Cat Coloring Book for Adults

My finished coloring of the drawing of Brewskie Butt and Okie watching birds on a wire is available for purchase ($60.00). The 8.5″ x 11″ drawing was created on Bristol Board and comes with a white mat. Click on the “BUY NOW” button below to make the purchase.




Learn more about my “Just Meowin’ with Brewskie Butt” and “Artist BZTAT’s Color Me Cats” coloring books here.

Just Meowing with Brewskie Butt Cat Coloring Book for Adults

Artist BZTAT Color Me Cats Coloring book for adults

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

Portrait of an unassuming and beloved hero.

Two Golden Dogs Pet Portrait Painting by Artist BZTAT

Dogs can be heroes just by being there when we need them. Some dogs, however, do more than simply “be there”. In the case of Marron (left), her presence inspired a movement that brought real change to a community in Peru.

Rescued off the streets of Iquitos, Peru, Marron became the co-founder for the Amazon Cares charity that has rescued countless other stray animals in the region. Capturing the heart of her human companion, Marron inspired an international effort to bring improved quality of life to animals in the region. It has been no small effort, but it has been a successful one.

Sadly, Marron went to the Rainbow Bridge on March 4, 2016. It was my honor and pleasure to paint her portrait with her pal Marilyn, another rescued pup from Peru.

In honor of Marron, I will donate 10% of all March Premiere Contemporary Custom Pet Portrait Painting orders to Amazon Cares. You can make direct donations to the organization, as well, here. Contact me via the form at the bottom of his page to discuss your order.