Remember when "color" was a verb?

What you'll need:

1) a few sheets of paper
2) a box or bowl or bag of crayons
3) a smooth surface
4) fearlessness

Let's break down the list in detail.

1) a few sheets of paper: this could be a sketchpad, plain white paper from your printer, a marble composition book, a three-ring binder with notebook paper (wide or college ruled,) construction paper, fancy stationery, napkins, the backs of paper placemats, papyrus, etc. You get the idea. You need something safe and portable on which to draw, vs a wall for example.

2) a container of crayons: if you have to settle for cheap waxy ones for now, do so, but be sure to make the investment in something of Crayola quality or higher when you get a chance. Go ahead and obtain the most color variety that you can afford, too. It'll spark a little creativity. Be sure that you have a way to sharpen them, too.

3) a smooth surface: counters, tables, desks, lap desks, clipboards or any other flat surface that will hold your chosen paper. If you are using a sketchpad or notebook then you are good to go.

4) fearlessness: oh, boy. Just take a crayon and make a mark on the paper. Good. Now continue making marks with that crayon or switch to another color. This will not hang in an art gallery (for now, at least) and it will not be submitted for criticism. It is nothing more than a simple personal act of creation. No one cares what you draw or how well you draw it. Just do it.

I usually wind up doing experiments where I clash complementary colors or create fields of analagous colors. When I color a paper, I tend toward the abstract, not because I cannot draw (I'm not too bad at that) but because that's where my spark leads me. Abstracts can be very powerful and emotional for me.

When it comes to coloring books, pretty much anything by Dover is worth a look. I can do about one page in a hour or so, but then I won't touch the book for a month. For me, it's a bit boring. Some people love them though.

A friend of mine showed me a game that involves two or more colorers (spelling?). Because crayons are not known for the ability to create fine detail without continual sharpening, it's best to use the largest sheet of paper you can. Start by drawing a circle or an oval somewhere in the middle of the top third of the sheet. This is the head of a stick figure. Pass the drawing to the next person. They can add one element (in any color) to the drawing. If what they add comes in pairs, they are allowed to draw both. Then pass to the next person and on around.

This can go on for a long time and trigger a lot of creative drawing, plus it is a very social game. Could work as a game for adults or one for the family.

So, if you have a lot of fearlessness and you color something that you'd like to share send it to me via email. With your permission, I'll post it. If you have other ideas on coloring or coloring games or wish to share a coloring experience then leave us a comment.