Discovering Beauty in Duly’s Intricate World: A Review of Beautiful Planet
As an avid admirer of the natural world, it was hard to resist the allure of Leila Duly’s Beautiful Planet: An Intricate Coloring Book. Duly’s previous works, Floribunda and The Flower Year, have long been favorites of mine, where her delicate line art invites both calmness and creativity. I eagerly anticipated this latest collection, hoping it would whisk me away to a vibrant world teeming with life. Spoiler alert: it does not disappoint.
At its heart, Beautiful Planet is a celebration of nature’s wonders, capturing everything from floral arrangements to charming wildlife, all intricately drawn with Duly’s signature fluidity. Each page feels like a treasure map inviting colorists—both beginners and seasoned artists—to unleash their imaginations. What drew me in most was the opportunity to interact with the artwork: hidden amongst the foliage lie butterflies, birds, and other creatures, encouraging me to slow down and explore the details Duly so lovingly created.
The book itself is crafted on high-quality, uncoated paper sourced from sustainably-managed forests, which delighted my environmental sensibilities. While some reviewers noted the paper could be thinner than expected, I found it offered a delightful canvas for my colored pencils. With vibrant hues, I could see the illustrations spring to life beneath my fingertips, igniting an urge to frame my creations. The book’s larger dimensions—9.3 x 12.2 inches—allow for that splendid freedom of expression, turning each page into a mini masterpiece.
Duly’s fluid line style struck a wonderful balance between detail and simplicity. What’s intriguing is her ability to create pages that feel airy yet full, allowing the colorist to play while still retaining the natural essence of each design. The melding of both flora and fauna encapsulated a universe bustling with harmony—a vision I found not just aesthetically pleasing but also deeply satisfying to engage with.
One memorable passage truly resonated with me: "Join Leila Duly on an adventure to unearth the glories of the natural world." This sentiment encapsulates the very spirit of coloring—it’s not just about filling in shapes, but about embarking on a personal journey with each selection of color and stroke. Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun," and that’s exactly how I felt with every brush of my color pencil.
However, I can’t dismiss some feedback from fellow colorists: several expressed a desire for thicker paper or more structured images. While it’s true that some designs can feel a bit loose, I appreciated the artistic choice to leave interpretations open-ended. It empowers us to choose our color palettes creatively, rather than simply replicating reality.
In conclusion, I would wholeheartedly recommend Beautiful Planet to anyone who finds joy in coloring and a connection to nature. It’s a perfect fit for artists at any skill level—a wonderful companion for tranquil evenings or rainy afternoons. This coloring experience reinvigorated my appreciation for artistry, reminding me of the joy of slowing down and losing myself in the beauty of nature and creativity. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or inspiration, this engaging collection by Leila Duly invites you to dive into a colorful adventure. Happy coloring!
You can find Leila Duly’s Beautiful Planet: An Intricate Coloring Book here >>
