Colouring books can be therapeutic for grown-ups, says Manitoba artist

Now everyone can feel like a kid again with the advent of colouring books for adults. 

"I've always been tempted when I've seen them in gift shops," said Manitoba artist, Shelley Vanderbyl.

After noticing the growing trend of adults colouring, CBC's Information Radio brought in some experts to find out what they thought of the artistic movement — and to take a crack at it themselves.

Artists or wannabes?

Vanderbyl painted her colouring book image, seen below, opting for oil painting as opposed to the more accessible crayons, pencils or markers. 

"I definitely think it's something that can help foster an appreciation for art. And it's an accessible way for people to play with art," she said Tuesday.

"I don't think it's necessarily about having an end product, it's about the experience of noticing the colours and experiencing them. There's lots of ways for people to experience the therapeutic aspects of painting."

Howard Gurevich, owner of Gurevich Fine Art, also took a stab at the colouring the image,"That just demonstrates the difference between an artist and a wannabe," he said of his picture. 

"I guess it depends on how far you go with it," he said. "For me, real art starts with a blank canvas."

That being said, Gurevich was surprised by how much fun he ended up having with the task. 

"I look at it as something to encourage art, rather than art itself," he said. 

An artistic hobby

Heather Antenbring is a single mom in Manitoba, that looks forward to her time spent with her colouring book.

"I am a creative person, an artist and a musician as well, and as a single parent, a lot of that had to be put to the side for quite a while... And I thought, ' You know that is a great way to pick up on that again.'"

Antenbring came across her colouring book when looking for art supplies for her daughter, now they can do art and crafts together.  

She said it is "not a choice" for her anymore, it's a creative outlet for her and important for her well-being.

Getting creative 

Print off the image found here, colour it and send it back to [email protected] for a chance to win CBC swag.

While Manitobans are getting into colouring once again, it is not a trend unique to the province.