Coloring is an activity that has become quite popular among adults because of its therapeutic benefits. Some of these benefits include stress relief, hand-eye coordination, a sense of accomplishment, and a chance to socialize with like-minded people. There are also adult coloring books to accommodate any skill level or preference. These books give you the ability to color just about anything, including animal life, butterflies, geometric shapes, and holiday themes. However, this makes me wonder if adult coloring books are called “coloring books.” If not, what are they called?
Adult coloring books are still referred to as coloring books. Adults who participate in coloring activities are referred to as colorists, colorers, or artists. According to Art Therapy Coloring, there are several different types of adult coloring books, which include:
- Geometric Coloring Books
- Floral Coloring Books
- Animal Coloring Books
- Nature Coloring Books
- Pattern Coloring Books
- Zendoodle Coloring Books
- Mixed Style Coloring Books
In this article, we are going to take a closer look at adult coloring. We will also describe each style of an adult coloring book so that you may make an informed decision in choosing the right adult coloring book for you.
Adult Coloring as a Hobby
Coloring isn’t a hobby that is just for kids anymore. Many adults have taken up coloring as well. There have been many benefits linked to adult coloring. Some of these benefits include stress and anxiety relief, improved hand-eye coordination; having a sense of accomplishment; being able to socialize with others, maintaining motor functions, and providing an outlet for self-expression.
There are even mobile coloring applications if you prefer to take your coloring on the go. Senior citizens are even getting into the act, with many nursing homes and senior organizations promoting coloring as a therapeutic tool for the elderly. This hobby provides the elderly with a chance to socialize and reminisce with their friends or to engage in an activity with their families.
However, senior citizens are not the only age demographic that is engaging in this activity. Coloring is quickly becoming a popular activity amongst young adults. There are coloring books available that have everything from catchphrases to curse words. If you prefer, there are coloring apps that you can download to your phone or tablet that give you a life-like coloring experience without all of the extra supplies.
Geometric Coloring Books
While geometric coloring books have shapes that are generally seen as complicated, they can be enjoyed by colorists of all skill levels. These coloring books are not usually enjoyed by adult colorers who are just being introduced to the hobby. Instead, they are typically enjoyed by those who like a challenge and have been coloring for longer periods than others.
According to Actively Calm Studios, here are some of the most popular choices of geometric coloring books for adults:
- The Craft Of Coloring: 60 Geometric Designs And Patterns
- Tessellation Patterns Coloring Book by Creative Heaven
- Geometric Shapes, Animals, & Scenery Adult Coloring Book Set
Floral Coloring Books
There is nothing in nature more colorful than flowers, and that just may be the reason that many adults choose floral coloring books as their book of choice. These books give people a chance to truly express how they are feeling, with a wide variety of colors and types of flowers from which they can choose.
The website Coloring Book Addict has composed a list of the most highly recommended floral coloring books for adults. They are as follows:
- Fairy Tales (Original Title Sagolikt) by Emelie Oberg
- World of Flowers: A Coloring Book and Floral Adventure by Johanna Basford
- Flower Haiku Coloring Book
- My Mother My Heart – A Joyful Book to Color
Animal Coloring Books
Animals are always a popular choice in both children’s and adult coloring books. There are many animal lovers in the adult world, and coloring these creatures provides an interesting challenge if you want to get the texture of their hair or fur just right. Besides, coloring animals can also provide adults with a sense of peace and comfort.
Pretty Opinionated has developed a list of animal coloring books for adults. Some of their picks for the best animal adult coloring books include:
- Creative Haven Owls Coloring Book
- Leafy Animals: Midnight Edition
- Creative Haven Creative Cats Coloring Book
- Happy Coloring Adult Coloring Book: Stress-Relieving Animal Designs
- Adult Coloring Book: Ocean Animal Patterns
Nature Coloring Books
These coloring books are proof that you don’t have to go outside and take a walk to enjoy nature. Many people have a deep appreciation for all of the beauty that can be found in nature but may have a disability or allergies that will prevent them from going out and enjoying the scenery. Nature coloring books give people a chance to be creative while still appreciating all of nature’s gifts.
The Book Authority has made a list of the 40 best-selling landscape adult coloring books of all time. Here are a few of them:
- Country Cabins Coloring Book
- Beach Life Coloring Book
- National Parks Color By Numbers Coloring Book for Adults
- Beach Homes
- Creative Haven American Landscapes Color by Number Coloring Book
Pattern Coloring Books
Some people like to color flowers, animals, or landscapes. Still, others prefer to color pictures that are intricately detailed, like geometric shapes. Then, there are the adult coloring enthusiasts who find their inner peace while they are coloring various patterns. These books are specifically designed for those individuals who crave logic and reason while still trying to be creative.
A few of the most highly rated adult pattern coloring books, which also happen to be amongst the best-selling pattern coloring books of all time, are as follows:
- Coloring Books for Adults’ Relaxation
- 100 Magical Patterns
- Big Coloring Book of Large Print Patterns
- Stained Glass Coloring Book
- Dover Creative Haven Tessellation Patterns Coloring Book
Zendoodle Coloring Books
These coloring books are designed to provide a calming and stress-relieving atmosphere for the colorist. Stress relief has been directly linked with adult coloring, and these books are a prime example of why. These coloring books have designs included in them that are meant to induce a sense of relaxation and calm when coloring their pages, which are closer to art than what is found in many coloring books. The intricate designs found in these books are meant to allow the person coloring to focus on the page and not on the world around them.
According to Pinterest, a few of the most highly-rated Zen Doodle coloring books are:
- Zendoodle Colorscapes: Enchanting Islands
- Zendoodle Coloring Presents: Bad Dog
- Zendoodle Coloring: Magical Fairies
- Zendoodle Coloring: Under The Sea
- Zendoodle Coloring: Chubby Cherubs
Mixed Style
As the name indicates, this type of coloring book is a blend of several different styles. These books are perfect for those who like a variety of objects, animals, patterns, or shapes to color. These books are perfect for social occasions because there are many different designs from which each colorer will be able to choose. Tastes can change from day to day or from person to person. These books are designed with that in mind.
While I was not able to find a list that included the top mixed-style coloring books for adults, I was able to find a list of the top five coloring books for adults. The top five adult coloring books are as follows:
- Joyful Designs Adult Coloring Book by Joy Ting.
- Posh Adult Coloring Book by Andrews McMeel Publishing LLC.
- Outside the Lines: An Artists’ Coloring Book for Giant Imaginations by Souris Hong-Porretta.
- Color Me Stress-Free by Lacy Mucklow.
- Stress Less Coloring: Paisley Patterns by Adams Media.
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Conclusion
Whether you are a senior citizen in your eighties or a young adult in your twenties, there are adult coloring books designed to suit all skill levels and preferences. While some people choose to color animals such as foxes, deer, or cats, others may choose to color flowers or landscapes. Still, others may prefer intricate shapes, patterns, or geometric designs.
There are many benefits that adults can gain from taking up coloring. This activity can provide you with a sense of peace and calm while also giving you a sense of accomplishment. If coloring is your hobby of choice, the selection of books available to you is only limited by your imagination. Whatever you like to color, there’s a book for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best mobile coloring apps for adults?
Coloring has taken off in such a huge way that you can even download a coloring application on your mobile phone or tablet. Some of the best coloring applications that are available on Android or iPhone include:
- Pigment
- Colorfly
- Recolor
- Color Therapy
- ColorMe
Are there classes available if I want to improve my coloring skills?
Many artists are now teaching classes that will help you to improve your coloring skills. There are also classes you can attend online. While I believe that nothing is better than being taught in person, online classes are a great option for those who do not have the time to travel to physical classes.
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