Colouring for Contemplation by Amber Hatch & Alex Ogg

Summary
Current Price: £5.99
Number of Pages: 96 
Size: 24 x 23cm
Paper colour: White
Paper surface: Smooth 
Paper thickness: Good 
Linework: Fine/Medium​ 
Perforated: No 
One sided: Yes (quotes on reverse)
Binding: Glue 
Drawings go into the spine: Yes ​
Waterbased pen bleed: None

Colouring for Contemplation is not only a colouring book but a collection of teachings, quotes and insights that serve to inspire mindfulness in the colourist. It's all about slowing down and being in and aware of the present moment, a time of reflection and consideration in a hectic day. 

Amber Hatch, a practising Buddhist from Oxford, is the writer and teacher who provides the theory in the book, whilst her husband, illustrator Alex Ogg, creates the colouring pages.

There is a sizeable introduction to the book which talks about the meaning and origin of mindfulness (as well as how to practice it) and colouring tips that allow the colourist to learn new creative techniques. The book is split into 3 sections: Mindfulness, Insight and Meditiation, each one serving a different purpose, whether it be learning to breathe and be present or find wonder in all that is around you. Each illustration is linked to the quote that sits alongside it in the book, for example 'Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday',  a quote by AA Milne, is paired with a beautiful drawing of a body of water that flows naturally under the calming fronds of a willow tree.

The paper quality is good, allowing only a slight shadowing of waterbased markers to show through to the other side. As I mentioned, each reverse page is a quote so it doesn't matter too much about bleedthrough. The cover is partially coloured and matte feel with some shiny green foiling on the lettering. The illustrations themselves are quire basic but complex enough to hold your attention, and are all based in realism with only a few abstract swirls and mandalas. I find the style really relaxing and subtle which fits right in with the mindful teachings.
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If you're really interested in finding out more about mindfulness and practicing it with your colouring, this is a great book that combines both.

Here is my finished picture, coloured with Staedtler Triplus felt pens. The quote that accompanies it is: 'Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.' -Thich Nhat Hanh.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. You can find it on Amazon here:

Colouring for Contemplation