Reverse Coloring 101: A Fun, Relaxing Way to Spark Your Creativity

Fall feels like a fresh page ready for a splash of color. The air turns crisp, the days feel cozier, and it's the perfect time to slow down and make space for creative play. One of my favorite ways to unwind is with Reverse Coloring. This simple and relaxing activity invites you to doodle, trace, and sketch over soft watercolor washes. It's a gentle way to let your mind wander while your pen moves across the page.

What is Reverse Coloring?

Reverse Coloring turns the usual coloring book idea upside down. Instead of filling in blank outlines, you start with a page already covered in dreamy colors. All you need is a pen to reveal shapes, patterns, or whatever you see in the swirls. There are no rules or pressure to stay inside the lines. Each page invites you to explore, whether you outline petals, draw tiny creatures, or add flowing marks that follow the paint.

Why People Love It

Reverse Coloring offers a small pocket of calm whenever life feels a little too busy. Because the color's already there, you can dive right in without choosing palettes or planning designs. Many people enjoy it as a peaceful way to reset between tasks or to wind down in the evening. Others keep a book nearby for a quick creative stretch with their morning coffee. It's playful and flexible, letting you decide if you want to add gentle outlines, whimsical doodles, or bold patterns. Every page becomes a unique blend of your imagination and the soft washes beneath.

How to Get Started

You don't need much to begin. Grab a fine-tip pen or marker that feels good in your hand. Open a page and let the colors guide you. Start by tracing shapes you see, or outline areas where the paint shifts. Add small patterns, leaves, stars, or anything that comes to mind.

If you're unsure where to start, try moving your pen along the edges of the colors. Let the lines wander and see what they become. There's no wrong way to do it, and you can stop whenever you like. Some pages may stay light and simple while others grow into detailed little scenes.

Inside Drawn to Joy™: Color + Creativity

If you’re ready to try Reverse Coloring, my first book in the Drawn to Joy™ series is a great place to start. Color + Creativity is filled with 30 abstract watercolor pages waiting for your personal touch. The pages are printed on smooth, thick paper so your pen glides easily without bleeding through.

I created this book to give you a calm, playful way to explore your creativity. Each spread is designed to spark ideas without putting pressure on you to finish or make anything “perfect.” Whether you’ve got five minutes or an entire cozy evening, you can open a page and let your imagination wander.

Tips + Ideas for Your Pages

• Begin with simple lines that follow the curves of the paint.

• Experiment with dots, crosshatching, or tiny spirals for texture.

• Draw playful characters peeking out from the colors.

• Letter a favorite word or a short phrase in an open area.

• Create borders or frames around sections you like.

• Use different pen thicknesses to add interest.

• Try clusters of leaves, petals, or shells for an organic feel.

• Step back every so often and see what new shapes you can discover.

Where to Find More Inspiration

If you’re ready to start, you can find my new book Drawn to Joy™: Color + Creativity on Amazon. I’ll be adding more books to the series soon, so keep an eye out for fresh pages to explore (hint: you can "follow" me as an author on Amazon and get notified when I publish a new book!). You can also join my Creative Glimmers newsletter for updates and a free sample page to try before you dive in. Here's the link for that.

And if you love cozy art for your walls, take a peek at the Cozy Critters 2026 Illustrated Calendar or the Kids Calendar edition in my Etsy shop. They’re perfect for bringing a little cheer to your space all year long!

Reverse coloring is all about slowing down and letting your creativity flow. There’s no right way to do it, just your way. Grab a pen, open a page, and see where the colors take you. I’d love to see what you create — tag me @pawsitivelycreativeart so I can cheer you on.