Colorist Spotlight: Kelly Cooper

Meet Coloring Enthusiast Kelly Cooper

Kelly Cooper from Tennessee

For this week’s colorists spotlight series I’m introducing Kelly Cooper. Read on to learn more about Kelly and how she finds focus through coloring. Perhaps you will discover some new techniques, artists, books, tips, and ideas for coloring.

(Responses have only been slightly edited for spelling and grammar. Click any picture to open it larger and see a slideshow. -Sue)

When did you get into coloring and what were the circumstances that led you to it?

I started coloring at an early age. Coloring give my hands something to do and keeps my mind from wondering when it should be listening. I find myself coloring everywhere I go. I color at work as I watch children work independently, I color with church friends, I color at home, I color at the ball field, I color at the doctor’s office or anywhere I can find a second or two.

Why do you color? What are the benefits of coloring for you?

Coloring keeps my mind quiet and focused.

Color Me To Sleep by Angela Porter, colored by Kelly Cooper

What are your favorite media to color with? Do you have a particular favorite type or brand or coloring tools?

Pencils are my favorite. I am slowing starting to use pens and markers.

From The Calm Coloring Book (No author listed), colored by Kelly Cooper.

What are the top 3 coloring tools you would not want to be without?

My pencils, sharpeners and my blenders.

What are some of your favorite coloring books, artists, and styles of coloring art?

Geometric designs, landscapes, and mandalas.

What do you look for when choosing a book or piece to color?

What suits my mood at the time or what I have time to do.

What’s your favorite place to color? Do you have any coloring rituals?

I usually watch TV with my family when I color. I have a small table with a basket behind my chair that holds everything I am currently using.

Do you do anything special with the pictures you color? How do you store them?

I am starting to color small pictures to frame and sell for gifts.

Color Me Calm by Angela Porter, colored by Kelly Cooper

Would you share a favorite color palette?

I don’t really have a favorite.

What tip or piece of advice would you give to someone just getting into coloring?

Use your own style. Be yourself.

What coloring groups, websites, or resources do you recommend?

Any that you feel yourself in. Not all groups are for all people.

Cheerful Garland from OrnaMENTALs Feel Good Words by Sue Chastain, colored by Kelly Cooper.

Kelly is 42 and lives in Tennessee.

Thank you for taking the time to answer this interview, Kelly! Kelly was one of the first people to color all 30 images from OrnaMENTALs™ Feel Good Words and we have her to thank for the design “Synergy” in the book Feel Good Words To-Go.