Book review: Put colour into your life with Michael O’Mara Books

Independent publishers Michael O’Mara Books have been at the forefront of the colouring craze with a stunning selection of beautifully produced and highly original colouring books.

This spring they have some new and innovative travel-size colouring books, and a fabulous hands-on guide to becoming the master of your own drawings so that you never again need to fear a blank page!

How to Draw Everything by Gillian Johnson

In the search for an escape from the stresses and strains of contemporary life, many of us are unlocking our artistic side and getting stuck into some colouring and drawing.

But if you feel your ‘arty’ talents are either missing or lost, fear not! Renowned illustrator and artist Gillian Johnson, who has suffered from her own ‘drawer’s block,’ is here to help unleash your inner creative… and show you how to draw everything from flowers and people to animals, trees and even that proverbial kitchen sink.

How to Draw Everything, a big, beautiful guide to the essential ingredients of colouring and drawing, is the perfect way to get started on a new hobby or to simply ease your mind and body into non-digital relaxation.

And don’t worry if you don’t understand perspective, are shaky on shading and never managed to draw people when you were at school. Whether you are nine or ninety, Johnson promises she will get you sketching and that you will learn new and satisfying skills along the way.

Johnson’s own drawings and sketches provide the starting point and inspiration for having a go yourself. With unfinished drawings to complete, and plenty of space for you to experiment and improvise, this is a joyous way to discover your untapped artistic talents.

Starting from easy projects and quick sketches of objects in the home, the book progresses through a series of fun and challenging ideas which give even the absolute beginner the freedom to create.

Whether drawing flowers, hands or faces, or using shading, perspective or different styles, this is a great way to have fun, lose your inhibitions and get drawing.

So put away your phone, let your inner artist come out to play and learn to draw like a master. Getting creative has never been so easy, so inspirational… or so much fun!

(Michael O’Mara, paperback, £9.99)

The Creative Colouring Book for Grown-Ups and The Gorgeous Colouring Book for Grown-Ups

And how about colouring on the go? Designed to fit inside your handbag or hand luggage, a selection of new travel-size colouring books are the must-have companions on long journeys.

Publisher Michael O’Mara’s best-selling Creative Colouring Book for Grown-Ups and Gorgeous Colouring Book for Grown-Ups now come in small, stylish formats but are still packed with hundreds of stunning and exotic patterns to colour in, however and whenever you feel inspired.

These chic little books, complete with handy elastic and a flexiback, are ideal for carrying around and are guaranteed to brighten up your commute, help you relax at lunchtime or simply pass the time when on the move in public transport.

The flowing lines, sweeping swirls and highly-detailed pictures and patterns on every illustration have been created so that anyone and everyone can enjoy making something unique, beautiful and calming.

You don’t need to be an expert artist to enjoy colouring, there’s no need for expensive equipment and you can take these little beauties with you everywhere… so what are you waiting for?

(Michael O’Mara, paperback, £7.99 each)