I am working on a new book for 2019 and it will be filled with fanciful insects for coloring. My first few drawings were of dragonflies and I was having so much fun with them I decided to list them in my Etsy shop as a teaser of what’s to come for this new collection. The book (still undecided on the title) should be available in April/May and will contain at least 30 eccentric insect illustrations.
The first dragonfly design was sent to my coloring team so they could test out my lines. What came back to me were wonderful examples of colorists who take adult coloring to new levels—and that can inspire us to be more creative and push ourselves artistically.
If you are interested in seeing other Ruby Charm Colors designs that push creativity, take a look at this post from June.
Betty Hung’s coloring of the dragonflies was completed using Sakura Koi watercolors, Tombow Irojiten colored pencils, and Finetec Pearl Colors. Betty shared her work in progress on social media (@colorartbybettyhung on Instagram and at colorart.ca) and I couldn’t help but fall in love with the delicate flower buds she added to the design to give it her own personality. And what a gorgeous blend of colors!
Ruby Charm Colors ‘Dragonflies’ design colored by Betty Hung
The next coloring to come back to me was done by coloring team member Paula Stone Leach (@pstonecolors on Instagram). Paula used several brands of pencils—primarily Polychromos and Prismacolor—as well as Derwent Inktense watercolor pencils and a touch of Gellyroll metallic gel pen. The emerald green dots on the face and wings of her dragonflies look like tiny, carefully placed rhinestones!
Ruby Charm Colors ‘Dragonflies’ design colored by Paula Stone Leach
Though Paula said that working with a limited color palette was challenging, she really pulled this piece off beautifully by sticking with mostly greens and yellows.
Ruby Charm Colors ‘Dragonflies’ design colored by Paula Stone Leach
The third version to make it back to me from the coloring team was done by Lora King, also known as @dukewife on Instagram. She used Holbein and Castle Art colored pencils and Pitt Artist Brush pens, along with the gorgeous watercolors handmade by Karen Spencer, aka @indigoartgb on Instagram. You can learn more about Karen here, and her paints are available in her Etsy shop.
Ruby Charm Colors ‘Dragonflies’ design colored by Lora King
The orange flowers work so well against the black background while the cool colors Lora chose for the dragonflies provide a lovely, effective contrast.
This ‘Dragonflies‘ design for coloring is currently available as a downloadable, printable PDF on Etsy. You can choose your favorite paper and coloring tools (pencils, pens, watercolor, etc.) and be working your own magic on these winged creatures in minutes.
I have a second design, ‘Dragonfly with Lotus,’ also available on Etsy and once colored, they would make a beautiful set you could frame and hang in your coloring space or give away as a gift.
Happy coloring, everyone!
