Colorist Deb Rucinski Interview

Name:  Deb Rucinski

How long have you been a colorist?

 I have been a regular colorist for 11 months, but have done art for over 35 years.

What is/are some of your favorite medium(s)

• ·      Watercolor Pencils
• ·      Acrylic Paint
• ·      Gel Pens
• ·      Bic-Markits
• ·      Sharpie Markers
• ·      Spectrum Noir Markers

Who are some of your favorite illustrators and or coloring books?

• ·      Creative Haven and Dover books
• ·      Maui Indi
• ·      Joanna Osborne
• ·      Masterbird Master/Dice Bird
• ·      Johanna Basford
• ·      Thaneeya McArdle

Why did you start coloring and does coloring help you with any issues or medical conditions you deal with? 

            I had to quit work 11 months ago when I was put on disability. I have several health issues, and deal with considerable pain every day that never goes away. I can no longer do certain physical activities I enjoy so much and was getting depressed. I found the coloring groups and started up my art again that I hadn't done in over 35 years. I love it and it takes my mind off my pain for awhile, while I do something I love. My 12 yr old daughter has started coloring now too, asking me how to shade and blend.When I was her age,  I used to sit down with my grandmother, who taught me how to oil paint.I will treasure those memories forever.  Now I am making similar memories with my daughter. Six months after I started coloring, I created my own Facebook coloring group, called Adult Coloring Competition Group, and I also co-admin 2 other groups. My days are now filled with art again. I have met so many wonderful people and great artists on these groups. It has been such an inspiration for me.

What would you recommend to anyone thinking about beginning the adventure of coloring?

            First, do not be intimidated by those that are more advanced in skill level than you. We all start at the beginning at one time. There is nothing wrong with doing simple coloring without the shading and blending. You also do not need expensive supplies. There are many great pencils, markers and other media available that are affordable. If you want to develp your skills, there are many great tutorials online to help with shading and blending and how-to's for different types of media. I have many of these listed on my group.

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

            One thing that is very important. We must respect the artists. No matter what pictures we choose to color, it is very important that we cite the artist/book we got the image from. If it wasn't for these wonderful artists, we would not have the facebook groups now that are so popular or the adult coloring books we buy. We need to give the artists the credit they deserve.

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