Back in the day, colouring books were a way for parents to keep us entertained while they were busy. Now, colouring books for adults is one of the hottest trends in Toronto. There is even a new Drake book.
Adult colouring books have continued to grow in popularity over the last few months offering a way for harried Hogtown residents to relieve stress and anxiety. And Canadian artists are getting in on that market.
Samara Shuter, a Toronto fine artist, released her first limited edition colouring book. The book is signed and has 24 pages of menswear to colour, from her The Introduction and Getting to Know You painting series.
Adults who love colouring can even find Toronto-specific colouring books with locations from around the city.
Freelance artist Daniel Rotsztain put his love of Toronto into his colouring book, All the Libraries Toronto, which features all 100 libraries in the city.
Illustrator Shengyu Cai collaborated with writer Bruce Beaton to create a 16-page colouring book featuring Kensington Market. United Colours of Kensington Market features shops, buildings and the streets of the neighbourhood.
Recently, Drake fans have gotten excited over the release of Under the Projectors: The Unofficial Drake Coloring Book. The 32-page book was created by Sugoi Books, a U.K.-based print label. It features Drake’s career from Degrassi to rapper, illustrated by 15 different artists. Bun B’s Rapper Colouring and Activity Book also features Drake.
But why stop at colouring alone?
Story Planet is having an adult colouring and wine event on Valentine’s Day from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The colouring utensils are provided and pages from Fantastic Cities, illustrated by Canadian artist Steve McDonald, are used — one of which includes the downtown Toronto skyline. Email naomi@storyplanet.ca to reserve a spot.
If a weekly, free event is more appealing, look no further than the Gladstone Hotel’s Melody Bar. Every Thursday from 5 p.m. until close they host Colouring for Adults. They provide the supplies and invite people to colour over drinks with friends.
