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THE CURATOR’S NOTEBOOK

How Monochrome Colouring Works

Monochrome colouring is designed to make starting simple. The artwork already contains the bold black structure, while small hearts show you which white areas are yours to colour. All you need is one black marker and a little time to begin.

The structure is already there

Each design begins with its main black-and-white structure already in place. The printed black areas create much of the contrast and character of the finished artwork, leaving selected white spaces ready for you to complete.

Follow the small hearts

Small hearts appear inside the white areas intended for colouring. They act as a gentle guide, helping you see immediately where to add black without having to work out which spaces belong to the finished design.

A colouring-in page with the words Creative Escapes: Harmonious Patterns

One black marker is all you need

You do not need a large collection of colours. One black marker is enough to complete the design and reveal the finished monochrome image.

Begin wherever feels comfortable. A brush tip is useful for larger open areas, while a fine tip gives you more control in smaller or more intricate spaces.

Try it yourself: Enjoy a little monochrome escape from Miss Dolly Studios, with four free colouring pages to try using just one black marker.

Watch the image emerge

As the marked white areas gradually become black, the balance of the design changes and the finished image begins to emerge. There is no need to rush — simply work through the page one section at a time.

A practical note before you begin

If you are using markers that may transfer through the paper, place a backing sheet behind the page before you begin. We also recommend testing unfamiliar pens or markers first.

See the transformation

Miss Dolly monochrome designs begin in pure black and white. The artwork already contains the bold black structure, while the heart-marked white areas are yours to colour.

Using just one black marker, gradually fill those spaces and watch the illustration transform as the finished monochrome image emerges.

Drag the slider below to compare the original design with the completed artwork.

An uncoloured Miss Dolly Studios colouring page. BEFORE
A completed Miss Dolly Studios monochrome colouring page. AFTER