Hey everyone. I have something a little different on the blog today. Since I was a child I loved coloring books. My mother would purchase them and the large Crayola crayons and my sisters and I would be in heaven. Back then I didn’t see any images to color that represented me. Through the years things didn’t change much. I moved on from coloring books and crayons to stamps and Copic markers. But today…this book has changed it all.

The Beauty Close Up Vol 1 author is Ebony Brown. Ebony is an exceptional African American illustrator whose creations illuminate the rich tapestry of diversity and beauty of black women, hails from the artistic enclave of Pasadena, California. Immersed in Pasadena’s thriving creative scene, Ebony’s journey as an artist began as she drew inspiration from the city’s eclectic culture and artistic heritage.

The opus Beauty Close Up: Vol. 1 serves as a testament to Ebony’s commitment to empowerment and self-celebration. With meticulous grayscale renderings, she masterfully conveys the intricacies of emotion, strength, and individuality that define black women. Every page of her coloring book invites color and makeup enthusiasts to embark on a journey of self-expression, meditation, and appreciation for their own unique beauty.The opus Beauty Close Up: Vol. 1 serves as a testament to Ebony’s commitment to empowerment and self-celebration. With meticulous grayscale renderings, she masterfully conveys the intricacies of emotion, strength, and individuality that define black women. Every page of her coloring book invites color and makeup enthusiasts to embark on a journey of self-expression, meditation, and appreciation for their own unique beauty.

Founded in 2023, Unity Ink Press LLC is 100% BIPOC and majority women-owned, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and perspectives. At Unity Ink Press LLC, we exist to ignite creativity, foster understanding, and challenge norms; creating spaces where diverse communities can see themselves reflected, where identities, interests, and cultures can be expressed without restraint.

Umoja Ink Press, a Unity Ink Press LLC brand, is a publishing company that prides itself on championing black voices in art and literature. Umoja Ink Press’ mission is to foster a sense of pride, empowerment, and connection among its readers, one page at a time.

Beauty Close Up: Vol. 1 is a unique and engaging adult coloring book designed to provide hours of relaxation and creativity for people of all ages. Featuring 34 full-page grayscale portrait illustrations, this book showcases the distinctive facial features and intricate details that highlight the radiance of black beauty. This grayscale coloring book is perfect for colorists of all backgrounds and provides the foundation for using techniques and styles that embrace the diverse beauty of black women. Whether you’re a color enthusiast with a passion for makeup, or someone who finds comfort and relaxation in the act of coloring, Beauty Close Up: Vol. 1 is sure to captivate your imagination.

Key Features:

• 34 full-page grayscale portrait illustrations showcasing the distinctive facial features, diverse hairstyles, and generational beauty of black women
• Intricately designed illustrations that highlight the details of makeup application
• A diverse representation of black women portraits and poses
• High-quality paper suitable for various coloring mediums, from colored pencils to markers
• A gateway to relaxation therapy and mindfulness, perfect for unwinding after a long day

Book Details:

• Paper Texture: Uncoated
• Binding: Perfect Bound
• Paper weight: 70 lb / 104 GSM
• Printing: BW Interior
• Size: 8.5 x 11 inches

I had the opportunity to color one of the images in the book. Using Olo markers I created this piece. The coloring process was super easy and the paper works well with alcohol markers. Make sure to place a thick piece of cardstock or even cardboard behind the image you are coloring to protect the next image.

With the shading already in place on the images, achieving highlights and shadows is a breeze. Not having a chance yet to color with pencils, I believe the coloring process should be flawless as well. I totally would recommend this book to any color enthusiast. To make it even better, I believe that you can skip the coloring and frame these pages as artwork in your home.

Availability Beauty Close Up: Vol 1 is available for pre-sale now on Amazon.com and Bookshop.org. Available at select bookstores on October 10, 2023.

Social Media Links: ● https://www.instagram.com/umojainkpress/ ● https://www.youtube.com/@UmojaInkPress ● https://www.tiktok.com/@umojainkpress ● https://www.pinterest.com/unityinkpress/ ● https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550817189866

Grab your copy today. Thank you to Michelle for allowing me the opportunity to review this book. It’s really amazing.