PEER TO PEER

A new art book lets you color outside the lines.

It's time to admit that coloring books aren't just for kids. Never mind that studies have shown it relieves stress—we just want an excuse to let out our inner Matisse and draw with glitter crayons. In case Barbie and Hannah Montana aren't your thing, Peer is a grown-up coloring book that lets you feel intelligent and artsy while letting you have shameless fun as well. 

This coloring book is a collection of 25 unfinished self-portraits by international contemporary artists like Will Bryant, Julia Rothman, and lots of other really amazing people you should know. The concept is that instead of just looking at pretty pictures, your mission is to finish their art, thus becoming an artist yourself. You can use colored pencils, paint, food, anything. Get crazy.

Once you’re done coloring inside (or around) the lines, you can remove the pages for framing or just scan and post on Peer’s Flickr group. After all, a collaborative art project shouldn’t be kept to yourself.

You can also hang them all over your refrigerator like you did in third grade. We won't tell.
LYZ MANCINI

$48 at http://peer.bigcartel.com



This story was published on October 10, 2008.