Best hand-drawn coloring books by top artists in the industry.
Discover a stunning array of hand-drawn coloring books for 2023, showcasing unique designs crafted by top artists in the industry.
Coloring books have always been a favorite pastime for children, but now adults also enjoy spending time with markers, colored pencils, and intricate designs.
I often ask myself, what are the best coloring books? What makes coloring books the best?
And every time, I come to the same answer - it's the hand-drawn illustrations that are created with an artist's love and dedication that truly make them exceptional.
There is a unique charm to coloring books crafted by living artists with care and affection.
With the mass production of generic options by machines and AI, handmade coloring books shine with their warm vibe and exceptional artwork, meticulously created by devoted artists who infuse their passion into each page.
As an artist who has dedicated months of work to drawing and painting each of my books by hand, I have compiled a list of fantastic hand-drawn coloring books created by some of the most talented artists out there.
It's essential to support these artists by purchasing their work, as it helps them continue doing what they love while promoting the growth of art.
It's a win-win situation where we can admire their breathtaking masterpieces, and they can continue creating more.
So, let's grab our coloring pencils and support living artists, not machines!
Photo by Design Stack
Chris Ryniak and his Morning Scribbles
Chris Ryniak, a sculptor and painter, was raised in the suburbs of Detroit.
It's hard to believe that there's anyone who hasn't come across his creations on various websites.
As a child, he enjoyed watching Saturday morning cartoons and searching for insects, reptiles, and ghosts under rocks.
His work has been displayed in galleries and museums across the globe and has been published in various books and periodicals in the US, Europe, and Singapore.
Additionally, Chris has designed and sculpted many popular editions of designer art toys and figures that quickly sell out.
Photo by Christine Karron on Facebook
Christine Karron with her Fairy and Fantasy
Christine Karron is a skilled artist and illustrator from Canada who has been drawing and painting for more than two decades.
I have a secret to share - I am a big fan of the colors she employs to paint her illustrations, and I follow her on TikTok.
She is passionate about creating fantasy illustrations using watercolor and colored pencils.
Her artworks are inspired by nature, music, and enchanting childhood memories of exploring forested areas.
Christine's art is widely recognized and valued by collectors around the globe.
She has illustrated numerous children's books and coloring books.
On her YouTube channel, she shares work-in-progress videos to showcase her creative process.
Photo by Camilla D’Errico
Camilla d'Errico and her Pop Manga Coloring and Drawing Books
Camilla d'Errico is a pop artist who has gained recognition in the art world for her unique manga-inspired style.
I adore her bees, and one day I believe it will be a great collection of them on my walls.
She is known for her diverse range of work, including Pop Surrealist paintings, How-To books, and Pop Manga coloring books.
In addition, she has contributed to the vinyl art toy movement and expanded her artistic style into various merchandise, such as fashion and accessories.
Camilla currently resides in Vancouver Island, BC, where she seamlessly blends comic art and manga with surrealist elements, creating a rich emotional experience for her followers.
Photo by Kerby Rosanes on Behance
Kerby Rosanes and The Whimsical Doodle Kingdom
Kerby Rosanes, an illustrator from the Philippines, utilizes ink, fineliners, and markers to bring to life his unique "doodle" universe.
I initially began using Facebook solely to follow Kerby's doodles and videos. He is truly impressive!
Although he considers his art a personal pastime, he has gained recognition from design blogs, international publications, and online art communities, which has led to his freelance work in the field.
In 2014, Kerby left his position as a graphic designer for a local company to follow his passion for creating more art for both personal projects and clients.
He now collaborates with other artists, global brands, and design agencies worldwide.
Photo by Joanna Basford
Johanna Basford and The Enchanting Inky Worlds
Johanna Basford's captivating coloring books, including "Secret Garden" (my favorite, you know, I love plants and everything around them), "Enchanted Forest," and "Lost Ocean," have enraptured millions of coloring enthusiasts around the globe.
Her exquisite illustrations of plants, animals, and hidden treasures create a unique inked universe that beckons colorists to immerse themselves in its splendor.
Johanna's exceptional work has earned her the title of "queen of coloring."
Photo by Tim Jeffs Art
Tim Jeffs and Intricate Ink
Tim Jeffs is a renowned American artist and illustrator specializing in creating intricate and highly detailed drawings of animals.
His exceptional artwork has gained global attention, and his coloring books and art prints have been sold in over 20 countries worldwide.
Using only black ink pens and colored pencils, Tim skillfully brings animals to life through his ongoing series of portrait illustrations. Each drawing showcases the minor details of the animal's fur, skin texture, and patterns.
Apart from his exceptional artwork, Tim is also passionate about animal conservation.
He has actively raised awareness and research funding for well-known organizations such as The World Wildlife Fund, The Seattle Aquarium, The Cheetah Conservation Fund, The International Rhino Foundation, and The Panama Wildlife Conservation.
It’s amazing, isn’t it?
Photo by The Articles of Antiquity
Millie Marotta and her Nature Lover's Paradise
Discover the wonders of nature with Millie Marotta's exquisite hand-drawn coloring books.
Her intricate illustrations of wildlife and patterns, found in books like "Animal Kingdom" and "Tropical World," provide a therapeutic and calming activity for nature lovers.
Millie's childhood in rural Wales, surrounded by diverse forms of nature, instilled in her a passion for flora and fauna, leading her to study Wildlife Illustration.
Her art embodies her love for wildlife, decorative design, and attention to detail, with every illustration beginning as a pencil sketch and then meticulously crafted into an ink drawing.
Millie's primary goal is simply to create captivating art that celebrates and educates people on the wonders of our natural world.
Photo by Hanna Karlzon
Hanna Karlzon and her Magical Nordic Touch
Hanna Karlzon, a Swedish artist, infuses her distinct Nordic style into her hand-drawn coloring books. Her collections, including "Daydreams," "Summer Nights," and "Magical Dawn," transport us to a captivating realm brimming with fantastical creatures, floral designs, and gemstones.
Hanna's illustrations are steeped in Scandinavian folklore and enchantment, providing a charming getaway from everyday life. Believe me, you don’t want to return from her imaginary world.
Photo collage was made by me :)
Alexander Uithoven and his Creepy Creatures
Meet Alexander Uithoven, a passionate artist and creator who loves to explore the world of visual media. From coloring books to YouTube content, Alex dedicates his time to bringing his creative ideas to life.
His passion for creativity started at a young age when he discovered video games, which sparked his interest in the artistic field.
Alex loves to draw a range of subjects, from the creepy and weird to the cute and fantastical. He's been on a creative journey ever since and enjoys exploring his imagination through his work.
Photo by Derya Çakirsoy on Facebook
Derya Çakirsoy and her Adorable Fairies
Derya is a talented visual artist born in Germany and currently based in Istanbul.
She specializes in various art forms like illustration, photography, digital art, and fashion design.
Derya holds a bachelor's degree in textiles and fashion design from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.
Her passion and skills have led her to sell her stunning images worldwide through stock agencies.
Her work can be found in prints, websites, mobile apps, and book covers.
Currently, Derya works as a freelance artist and creates her brand of coloring books and pages.
She is thrilled to see people worldwide bring her illustrations to life with their unique colors.
Photo by Fantastic Coloring Books By Steve McDonald on Facebook
Steve McDonald and his Architectural Adventures
Join Steve McDonald on a mesmerizing aerial journey with his "Fantastic Cities" series. Experience the world's most iconic cities and architectural wonders from a unique birds-eye perspective.
Steve is an accomplished artist who graduated from The Ontario College of Art & Design in 1992.
He was a founding member of Drawnonward, a Canadian artist collective that exhibited their work in various cities nationwide.
Steve has gained international recognition in recent years for his coloring book series, which includes six volumes, published by Chronicle Books in San Francisco. The series has been translated into over twenty languages and sold in over thirty countries.
Steve's creative process combines onsite sketching, studio drawing, photography, digital manipulation, filter applications, digital vector illustration, and various print technologies to achieve his final image results.
His work includes detailed architectural line drawings and vector-designed digital yet painterly landscapes that have earned him many loyal collectors.
Can you imagine him drawing all of these details with his hands?
Photo by Lizzie Mary Cullen
Lizzie Mary Cullen with her Geometric Cityscapes and not only
If you're a fan of coloring, you should take advantage of Lizzie Mary Cullen's unique and geometric cityscape coloring books.
Her hand-drawn creations, "The Magical City" and "The Magical Christmas," showcase her signature swirling lines that turn ordinary cityscapes into mesmerizing patterns.
Lizzie Mary Cullen is an award-winning illustrator with over ten years of experience.
Her clients include Disney, Marvel, and Pandora.
Her work has been featured in major media and displayed in galleries worldwide.
Photo by Twocatsandpossum
Twocatsandpossum and her Silly Butts
Meet Twocatsandpossum - an imaginative pop-surreal cartoonist and leader of the Silly Butts crew, who calls the lively and colorful city of New Orleans her home.
Get ready to experience a world of vibrant colors, laughter, and kitty meows as she takes you on a journey through her artistic creations.
In her cozy abode, Twocatsandpossum resides with her wife, three playful felines, and an indoor garden that's lush and green, minus the critters you'd find in the Amazon (I believe).
Her philosophy is simple - life is too short to grow up.
Discover joy in the absurdity of life with her quirky characters and coloring books.
Call your inner child out!
Photo by Tomas Pavitte on Behance
Thomas Pavitte and The Dot-to-Dot Revolution
Meet Thomas Pavitte, a bestselling author and creator of the famous 1000 dot-to-dot series, Querkles, and Spiroglyphics.
With his unique style, he creates puzzles of 1000 dots, providing a satisfyingly long challenge to complete.
His designs feature iconic subjects and are not only fun to join but cool enough to put on your wall.
The Querkles puzzles may seem like random overlapping circles, but each cleverly hides a famous face waiting to be revealed.
Meanwhile, Spiroglyphics may look like simple spirals at first, but upon closer inspection, they are actually two spirals joined in the middle, varying subtly in width as they wind to the center.
Perfect for those who love to color with attention to detail.
Photo by Emma Farrarons
Emma Farrarons and her Mindful Moments
Improve your mental well-being with "The Mindfulness Coloring Series" by Emma Farrarons.
This calming art of coloring features simple and delicate hand-drawn designs that help you focus on the present moment and alleviate stress and anxiety.
Emma Farrarons, who hails from the tropical islands of the Philippines and was raised in Paris, studied illustration and spent over 16 years as a picture book designer in London.
She is currently working on her debut picture book, which will be released in Winter 2023 by Macmillan Children's Books.
Emma's strongest passion is location drawing, a practice that shapes her visual voice and inspires her most creative ideas.
Photo by Selina Fenech on Facebook
Selina Fenech and Fairytale Inspirations
Selina Fenech is a talented artist whose captivating hand-drawn coloring books draw inspiration from fairytales and mythology, showcasing magical creatures and ethereal scenes.
With titles such as "Goddesses and Mythology" and "Mermaid Magic", her imaginative and intricate illustrations promise to transport you to a world of wonder and magic.
As a lifelong fantasy enthusiast, Selina has been making a living as an artist since the age of 23, selling her magical creations which range from oil paintings to oracle decks, and coloring books to digital crafts, jewelry to figurines.
Her enchanting themes include fairies, mermaids, unicorns, and dragons, among other mystical beings.
Throughout her life, Selina has had some incredible experiences such as discovering ancient Roman treasures, surviving cancer, having knights joust at her wedding, getting mugged for doughnuts, and trying every bizarre and wonderful food put in front of her.
She currently resides in Australia with her husband and daughter and enjoys food, gardening, geekery, and anything related to fantasy.
Photo by Brian Cook
Brian Cook and his Butts on Things
Meet Brian Cook, an illustrator based in Portland, Oregon.
He has authored and illustrated books such as Butts on Things and Beware the Haunted Legs and is the founder of Teeny Press.
Brian has worked on various illustration projects globally, and his work can be spotted in comic books, gig posters, t-shirts, and company logos.
He has collaborated with renowned clients, including Capitol Records, Warner Brothers Records, Facebook, Target, Kellogg's, Nike, and even his uncle Doug.
Growing up in Michigan, Brian was exposed to many cartoons, comics, cereals, and Oreos, which helped shape his artistic skills.
Photo by Maggie Enterrios Flowerscape
Maggie Enterrios and her Botanical Flowerscape
Maggie Enterrios is a renowned commercial artist famous for her floral packaging and editorial illustrations.
She follows the principles of Maximalism, which involves using bold graphics to convey that more is more.
Maggie has a unique style characterized by bold nature scenes that combine traditional subject matter with modern linework, complex overlapping, and geometric detailing.
She has created illustrations for well-known brands, including Apple, Unilever, Crayola, Zola, Instagram, and Coty.
Her work has been featured on popular shows like The Today Show, Martha Stewart, and Refinery29. She recently released her first coloring book, Flowerscape: A Botanical Coloring Book, published by Page Street Publishing in February 2021.
Photo by Claire Belton on Twitter
Claire Belton and Pusheen
Based in Chicago, Claire Belton is an artist and entrepreneur who enjoys cat-related activities such as petting, drawing, and pursuing other cat-related endeavors.
Pusheen is a famous cartoon cat that Claire Belton and Andrew Duff created in 2010. She loves blogging, snacking, and going on adventures. Pusheen's name comes from the Irish word for kitten. She often appears with her sister Stormy and has a family that includes her mom, dad, brother, and furry friends.
Photo collage made by me :)
Krystal S and her Juice Box Adventures
These hand-drawn juice box illustrations take you on a fun and exciting journey from the ocean's depths to sweet treats and even outer space.
With each page, you can bring these cute adventures to life with color.
Perfect for all ages, these illustrations feature a variety of themes, such as tasty snacks, adorable animals, beautiful landscapes, charming stores, and intricate patterns.
Enjoy an epic and cute experience with every turn of the page. Yum yum!
Photo by Alice Oseman
Alice Oseman and The time when boy meets boy
Alice Oseman, a native of Kent, England, was born in 1994 and is a skilled writer and illustrator.
In 2016, she completed her studies at Durham University, graduating with an English degree.
Alice can frequently be found gazing at computer screens, thinking about the futility of existence, and doing her best to avoid office tasks whenever possible.
The "Heartstoppers" coloring book is a part of the delightful coming-of-age tale about Charlie and Nick, exploring themes of friendship, love, and coming out. Pssttt… this story is now streaming on Netflix.
Photo by Morgan O’Brien on Twitter
Morgan O'Brien and The World of Matchstick Mouse
Morgan O'Brien lives on the windy West Coast of Ireland with his spouse and two children.
He spends his days creating award-winning animated films and TV shows, while at night, he embarks on adventures with monsters, fights crime, and enjoys playing Sudoku with mice.
One of his beloved characters is Matchstick Mouse, a tiny witch with a kind and daring personality.
She loves to search for treasures and make handmade gifts for her friends. Who knows, maybe you will be the next one?
Photo by Furbeast Forest
Cori Derfus, Winn Wright, and their Furbeast Forest
Cori Derfus and Winn Wright are responsible for caring for the Furbeast Forest's Creatures.
Cori creates these mythical creatures, while Winn brings them to life on printed pages.
Cori resides in the Pacific Northwest and holds a BFA in Painting from the University of WI-Oshkosh.
She is an award-winning painter who works from her home studio; she shares with various tangible and make-believe critters.
On the other hand, Winn Wright earned his Graphic Arts degree from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and started his career in Advertising and Design.
He started working in a surrealist style 1992 and is primarily influenced by Da Vinci, Salvador Dali, Ralph Steadman, Dr. Seuss, and Gerald Scarfe.
While he works in various mediums, including ink, colored pencil, oil, acrylic, and watercolor, he is known for his recent works in ink and colored pencil.
Photo by Karen Sue Chen on Facebook
Karen Sue Chen and her Bite-Sized World
Meet Karen Chen, a gifted artist and designer from Sacramento, California.
Her portfolio boasts 11 stunning adult coloring books encouraging people to unleash their creativity and embark on self-discovery.
Karen firmly believes art knows no limits and aspires to empower individuals through her remarkable pieces.
Photo by Alan Robert
Alan Robert and his Beauty of Horror
Alan Robert is an accomplished author and artist who has gained critical acclaim for his creator-owned comic book series, graphic novels, and coloring books published by IDW Publishing/Penguin Random House.
His “Beauty of Horror” coloring books have garnered such immense popularity on Amazon that Revolver Magazine has titled him "The King of Horror Coloring Books."
Photo by Daria Song on Facebook
Daria Song and her Magical Night Voyage
Daria Song is a renowned artist from Seoul with a master's degree in fiber arts from Ewha Womans University.
She has won awards and exhibited her work in galleries across Asia.
As a lecturer and illustrator, Song has created acclaimed adult coloring books inspired by her childhood in San Francisco. Each page of her coloring books is an unstoppable adventure.
Photo by Chris Garver on Facebook
Chris Garver and his Coloring Odyssey
Chris has been working as a tattoo artist for the past 27 years, and he is now eager to share his love for art through his books.
You will surely admire his creations as much as he does.
His debut is an adult coloring book, which is ironic as he has been coloring people's skin for his entire career.
While not all of his designs are related to tattoos, many are inspired by them.
The book comprises patterns inspired by nature, mythology, and geometry, commonly recurring themes.
Photo by Kevin on Facebook
Kevin Teo and his Funny Tales
Kevin Teo, a talented artist based in France, creates stunning artwork and coloring pages using only pencils or black pens on paper.
His hand-drawn pieces are highly regarded by his customers, who have given them rave reviews, citing their breathtaking beauty and the sheer enjoyment they get from coloring them.
Kevin's artwork is truly a testament to his skill and creativity, and it's no wonder it has gained such a devoted following.
I have gathered all available information on Kevin. If I missed anything, please inform me so I can update the article.
Photo by Amazon
Libby Rose and her Cowbatross
Libby Rose is a New York-based artist with an excellent sense of humor and imagination.
Their hand-drawn coloring book is educational and entertaining, featuring a bestiary of Very Real Animals, including the smooth and the narwhallaby, that will make you smile while you learn.
Photo by Etsy
Vest Drawings and their Charming Coloring Pages
Welcome to the delightful world of Vest Drawings and their collection of charming coloring pages!
As a UK-based artist, Vest Drawings has a unique, inviting, whimsical art style that captivates your imagination.
Their one-page coloring sheets are full of fun, amazing details, and thoughtful composition.
Psssst…. keep an eye out for the wizard slippers - have you spotted them yet?
Photo by Glen Fernandez
Glen Fernandez and His Girls
Glen Fernandez is a seasoned independent artist with over two decades of experience in crafting breathtaking pinups and captivating fantasy illustrations.
Glen's artistic approach is a delightful fusion of cartoons and comics, producing entertaining and appealing artwork for people of all ages.
He specializes in creating female characters, steampunk, punk, horror, and retro-futuristic themes that have a vintage feel.
Now Glen works on five coloring books, including Witches, space girls, fantasy, fairy tales, and Pirates.
To keep up with his latest updates, follow his Amazon author page. I personally can't wait for the Pirates.
So, here we are! Just uncovered a treasure trove of 31 exceptional artists and their coloring books, each masterpiece in its own right.
The artists have invested their emotions and creativity into their work, making each page unique with their own perspectives and stories.
Through every marker-pencil stroke, you become a collaborator, bringing their creations to life while adding your personal touch to their artistic vision.
Unlike generic designs, these books are created by real artists and carry their distinct styles and creative energy. Every line, curve, and detail reflects the artist's talent, dedication, and passion.
The range of themes and styles in these coloring books is impressive.
There are books featuring whimsical creatures, beautiful landscapes, manga, botanical illustrations, comic and cartoon art, realistic art, and various topics from Earth to the ocean.
Whatever your artistic preference, there is a coloring book for you.
Lose yourself in a world of fantasy, find peace in nature's beauty, or enjoy the fun of spontaneous doodling.
Let your creativity soar as you fill the pages with colors that express your unique perspective.
But wait!
In addition, coloring books have benefits beyond being a creative outlet. They offer a break from the hectic pace of modern life, allowing you to relax, unwind, and reconnect with your inner self.
As you concentrate on coloring, you'll feel a sense of calmness that washes over you, allowing your mind to wander and your anxieties to fade away.
This meditative experience can refresh your spirit and promote mindfulness in our chaotic world.
By choosing to support living artists, you are not only bringing inner peace and their creations into your life but also helping to sustain a vibrant and thriving artistic community.
So let your markers, colored pencils, or even watercolors dance across these pages, transforming black and white into a symphony of hues.
