April Fan of the Month Winners

Did you have an awesome April? We sure did, because aside from basking in the beauty of spring, we also gave away $25 ColorIt Gift cards to 6 talented Colorettes and Color Studs!

See, we host a Fan of the Month contest each month where we pick art submissions based on set criteria. The ColorIt staff picks three winners, while three more winners are chosen at random to keep things interesting. Winners also get the chance to double their prize if their submission features ColorIt gel pens, pencils, markers or watercolor brush pens.

Last month, we asked the ColorIt community to bring the ferocious dragons (from our Colorful Dragons coloring book) to life--and they sure didn’t disappoint!

Here are the winning entries from April with exclusive interviews from the artists themselves:

APRIL FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: GAYLE LARSON

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

I loved to color as a small child, when I was a teenager my girlfriends and I would design clothes for our paper dolls and color them with crayons. About 5 years ago I started adult coloring. The ColorIt books were some of my first ones. I started with markers and eventually colored pencils.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

I have a favorite chair in my TV room next to a chest with all my supplies. I use a clipboard to work on. I love soft music in the background or total quiet.

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

I like to look at a picture for a bit and try to picture the colors I might use. If I am stuck I start with something I don’t have to think about, such as all the leaves or greenery in the picture. As I begin to color I decide which other colors I want to use.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring is the best hobby for me as I am retired. It is so relaxing and I can do it whenever and for as long as I want. The best part is I can color by myself. It is a perfect respite from reading and a wonderful way to keep me from getting bored. I love seeing a black and white picture come to life. There is a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from the finished project. I have gifted some of my pictures to friends and family and receive many compliments on my art.

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

Confidence comes with practice. Looking back on some of my earlier pieces helps me to see how much I have improved. You learn techniques and get ideas from others. Watching videos and coloring along are great ways to gain confidence. Everyone has their own style, and art is unique to each person. If you are having problems ask others, they are always willing to help. I especially love colored pencils and use them the most. It is important to find a medium you enjoy while developing your style.

What’s your favorite ColorIt book?

My very favorite ColorIt book is Blissful Scenes. I like to be challenged with a picture and appreciated the art work in that book. A close second is Colors Of Nature.

What title would you like to see in the future?

I would like to see a ColorIt book with favorite vacation spots that is full of blissful scenery.

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

I find my happy place each time I sit down to color. Coloring gives me great joy, brings out my creative spirit and fills my days with fun. I love being a colorist.

APRIL FAN OF THE MONTH WINNER: PEGGY WOLFS

When did you first pick up a coloring book?

First picked up a coloring book when I was very young and have continued to enjoy them through out my life.

Describe your perfect coloring atmosphere.

Perfect atmosphere for coloring is anywhere for me.

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

My creative process is simple : I have a side table with drawers next to my couch and everything is handy, within reach.  I can just reach over and grab the items I need.

How has coloring changed or added to your life?

Coloring is very relaxing for me, I color while my husband watches TV or listens to his podcast. Coloring has gotten me away from the internet!!

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

My advice to others about coloring is to keep coloring- practice makes perfect!!! Think outside the box and add simple things to your picture to make it yours.

What’s your favorite ColorIt book?

I have no favorite book

What title would you like to see in the future?

I like fantasy, mythical, birds, flower, and religious.

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

I like to see my creation come to life as I experiment with colors.

AND HERE ARE THE REST OF THE WINNERS:

Allison Sendecki deserves a round of applause for this fierce dragon! 

Our jaws dropped when we saw this stunning artwork by Chris Guilbault!

Don't you just love the vibrant scales on this dragon that Elaine Adams colored in?

Kudos to Lori Konermann for this stunning picture!

Want to win a ColorIt Gift Card?

Join our May Fan of the Month Contest!

Six winners will win a $25 ColorIt gift card each. You can get double the prize when you feature your ColorIt gel pens, markers, colored pencils or watercolor brush pens in your work. 

Happy coloring and let your creativity run free!