Exploring the Depths of Animorphia: A Colorful Journey
I recently got my hands on Animorphia by Kerby Rosanes, gifted to me by my thoughtful older sister. As I flipped through its intricate pages, I felt an immediate connection—not just to the enchanting art, but to the journey it promises, one that beautifully intertwines creativity and reflection.
Having previously dabbled in the world of adult coloring with Rosanes’s Enchanted Forest, I was excited to dive into another visual adventure. Animorphia takes you on a whimsical journey filled with intricate patterns and fantastical creatures, making it a delightful companion for anyone looking to merge art with a touch of storytelling. The themes of transformation and the relationship between nature and imagination resonated deeply with me, especially as I set out to complete my "Colours of the Seasons" challenge—a perfect excuse to explore autumn’s transition into winter through my coloring.
What I appreciate about this book is the narrative it allows you to create with the colors. Each page feels like a canvas waiting for your touch, and I found myself getting lost in the details. For example, in my first piece for the September 2016 challenge, I sought to capture the essence of both seasons. The autumn leaves melting into a wintry backdrop became a personal metaphor for change—a theme that is profoundly relatable.
The writing (or should I say the art!) style in Animorphia is nothing short of captivating. Rosanes’s hand-drawn illustrations burst with life, prompting my creativity to flow as I experimented with different materials, from Koi Coloring Brush Pens to my trusty Derwent water brush. The magic of blending colors brought my colorful elephant to life, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of the artistry blossoming under my hands. I loved the way each illustration seemed to tell its own story, feeling like a vivid snapshot from a dream.
However, like in my previous experience with coloring books, I encountered a small issue with the spread-out pages. While flipping through the book, I couldn’t help but wish they were designed in a fold-out manner to avoid any awkwardly colored edges. Additionally, I noticed some prompts encouraging me to "draw and complete this or that yourself." Though I might not follow those directives as intended, they certainly inspired me to let my imagination run wild in unexpected directions.
Fast forward to November 2018, and while reflecting on how profoundly this coloring journey has been, I completed a two-page spread titled "The Octopus Meeting." Using the Koi watercolor brush gave life to the piece, and I was delighted with how the colors blended seamlessly. It reminded me of how art can be a form of meditation and expression—two things I’ve grown increasingly fond of.
In conclusion, Animorphia by Kerby Rosanes is not just a coloring book; it is an experience that resonates with creativity, and a journey that invites you to reflect, play, and explore. If you appreciate artistry or are looking for a pathway to create your own visual narratives, this book would be a joyful addition to your collection. It has truly impacted my creative process, offering me a chance to reconnect with my artistic side in a meaningful way. So grab a cup of tea, your favorite coloring tools, and immerse yourself in this colorful world—you won’t regret it!
