COLOURING IN as a simple activity that does not require any special ability even though it deals with colours and consequently their effect on our brain, mind and emotions – can help all performing artists fully develop their potentials and improve their performance.
Guided colouring activities help develop and improve:
Attention to detail
Fine motor skills
Concentration
Reaction time
Self confidence
Creativity
Imagination
Which all in turn influence and help with overall progress and artistic development and improvement of performing artists.
Between the grip of a colouring utensil (coloured pencils, crayons, etc.) and the colouring precision, colouring in is a great way to help with perfecting fine motor skills and strength of our hands (unlike with writing, we can easily learn to use both hands to colour). In developing these muscles we can improve strength and endurance of our hands, which is particularly significant for pianists.
Colouring in does not merely invoke emotions, but also provides a direct link to the subconscious mind and deep emotions and thus is enabling colourists to understand them better and at a much deeper level, and as a consequence empowers them to express themselves confidently and more authentically.
Colouring in has calming and soothing effects which helps with reducing stress level and thus helps performing artists cope better with the stress and anxiety caused by performing publicly, to overcome stage fright, which many performing artists struggle to satisfactory deal with.
Colouring in is a fun activity that lets creativity flow easily and effortlessly which is an important part of learning and growing as a performing artist.
And finally, colouring in is a very simple activity, which does not require any expertise, special skill or talent, expensive equipment, or complex set up, however it is always remarkably effective, relaxing and empowering, while bringing out (hidden) potentials and abilities.
Along with other activities the ‘Alternative Approach to Music’ workshops include guided colouring activities. We use colouring books that I created specifically for this purpose - as a healing / improving / empowering tool – especially having preforming artists in mind.
You can find them here:
Image (above) and Video (below): Lotus Mandala by Xenia E. Zilli from her book 'Colouring Book of Patterns, Volume 3: Lotus Mandalas', coloured by Charlotte Beldock (Colour Therapy)
Outstanding!!! Congratulations! Multi talented versatile artists and educator at her best. You are the future Xenia Elizabeth Zilli!!!