How to colour the drawing of the monkey and the parrot:
The monkey can be colored with warm browns or greys, typical of many primates. To add depth to the fur, you could use layering techniques, applying a light base color first and then adding shadows with darker pencils. You can also highlight the shine in its fur with lighter tones around the cheeks and top of the head to emphasize its energy.
The parrot, on the other hand, is a great chance to use bold, bright colors. You can go with a traditional palette of greens, reds, and blues to capture the exotic nature of these birds, or experiment with more original combinations like yellows and oranges for an even more eye-catching look. The feathers can be detailed using soft strokes to give a textured appearance, and adding a small white highlight in the eyes will make them look more alive.
Techniques:
- Shadows and light: Apply shadows in areas where the monkey’s arms overlap its body or where the parrot is perched on its shoulder. This will give more realism to the illustration. Using darker browns or greys for the monkey’s shadows will add depth.
- Feather details: For the parrot, create layers in the feathers by using multiple shades of the same color (for example, various shades of green or blue), starting with a lighter base and adding darker details.
- Contrast: The large eyes of both characters are great for highlighting brightness and life. You can use a white colored pencil for the reflections in their eyes to give them an extra touch of joy.
Educational fun fact:
Monkeys and parrots are species known for their intelligence and ability to communicate. Monkeys are social animals that live in large groups and use facial expressions and vocalisations to interact. Parrots, on the other hand, are famous for their ability to imitate sounds and learn human words, making them fascinating birds in terms of behaviour. This colouring-in picture is an excellent resource for children to work on their artistic skills and imagination, as they can make up stories about the adventures of these two friends.