Squirrel glider (detail) from Bimblebox Wonderland. Pen and ink drawing by Paula Peeters.
After many long days of designing and drawing, I’m very pleased to announce the publication of Bimblebox Wonderland. It’s the first colouring book for adults based entirely on a wild Australian woodland.
Order your copy here.
In September I was immersed in the small wonders of Bimblebox Nature Refuge, when I took part in the Bimblebox Art, Science, Nature Camp. It was an indulgence to wander around, looking at the animals and plants, sketching and taking photos. I started drawing the illustrations for Bimblebox Wonderland while on camp, and finished them back at my home in Brisbane.
The artist’s camp at Bimblebox Nature Refuge.
Bimblebox Nature Refuge is 8000ha of eucalypt woodland that is managed for wildlife conservation. For those with eyes to see, it is full of an astonishing diversity of life. Several hundred species of plants and animals call this place home. Many more await discovery.
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- Curly grass leaves.
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- Squatter pigeon scene (detail) from Bimblebox Wonderland.
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- Eastern grey kangaroo.
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- Woodland scene (detail) from Bimblebox Wonderland.
I’ve always been entranced by the small details of nature. And I’m passionate about sharing the wonders of Australian nature with others. So I’m delighted that so many people are rediscovering the joys of colouring. Not only does this allow people to do something creative and relaxing, it also helps us all to slow down, look closely, and contemplate small details.
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- Bimblebox leaves.
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- Leaf shapes (detail) from Bimblebox Wonderland.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how colouring fans will add life to my pen-and-ink drawings. Because every person will add their own creative touches, and no two ‘colourings’ will be the same. This is a form of artistic collaboration. Just as people may delight in discovering the small details in my pictures, I’m sure to be inspired and amazed by how colouring-in will give those same pictures more layers, and many different expressions.
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- The inside of a termite mound.
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- Echidnas and flowers (detail) from Bimblebox Wonderland.
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- Silver-leaved ironbark.
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- Sketch for “The tree…” from Bimblebox Wonderland.
But I would be even more thrilled if Bimblebox Wonderland helped people to connect more closely to nature. That by taking the time to colour a detailed picture of nature this may encourage us all to spend more time outside in nature.
And when we’re there, to slow down, breathe deeply, and look closely. People have been doing this for thousands of years. I am sure that our increasing disconnection from nature is partly to blame for many of our society’s ills. We actually need to feel that we are part of nature to stay happy and healthy. These plants and animals are our relatives, our companions on this planet. This is our birthright, and our world to delight in.
Enjoy.
Tawny frogmouth in poplar box, Bimblebox Nature Refuge, and tawny frogmouth illustration (detail) from Bimblebox Wonderland.
Front cover of Bimblebox Wonderland.
Congratulations, Paula. This is a beautiful product and it is lovely that it was inspired by your immersion trip. I share your enjoyment and appreciation for the small details and a love of nature. Best wishes with this venture! Jane
Thankyou Jane. It is a delight to share the ‘small wonders’ with you, as I know you are definately one of those people ‘with eyes to see’. I really appreciate your encouragement. Cheers, Paula
This is just beautiful! Lovely to see such familiar Desert Uplands scenes in this form. I especially like the page of leaves :). Will be sharing this article with friends!
Hi Ack, great to hear from you! And your comments have extra meaning for me, as I know how well you know Bimblebox, and how much it means to you. I have received lots of good feedback about the ‘leaf shapes’ illustration. Interesting how such a simple picture (albeit detailed) can have such a large impact! Cheers, Paula
Hi Paula, congratulations on its completion. It looks superb! Awhile ago I reserved 2 copies.
How can I pay for them?
Hi Paula, thankyou kindly. Yes I have your reserved copies… just awaiting further instructions :). I should have sent you an invoice with my bank details by email. So you can pay with a direct bank transfer, or you can order through the shop using paypal or credit card. Cheers, Paula
Thank you Paula – I have just ordered them through the shop and will do a direct deposit right now. Thanks again.
This is so lovely, had to order a copy immediately!
Fabulous! Thanks Karena. I hope I can see some of your colourings of the pictures one day. Cheers, Paula
Congratulations Paula! Bimblebox Wonderland will make a beautiful gift. I’m sure there have been many hours in its making – it shows. I hope your aspirations for its enjoyment are realised. They add another layer of meaning to it. May there be many sales!
Thankyou kindly Gail. Yes it did take a while to complete the pictures . Mostly enjoyable though, I often was completely absorbed, and it becomes quite meditative doing the intricate patterns. So I can understand why so many people find it relaxing and enjoyable to colour them too. Best wishes, Paula
Wow! Paula, god on you…I bet you are so pleased to have published this. I hope it does really well. It is so different from the run of the mill adult colouring books, and carries a subtle message as well. I am so grateful to have been there at the beginning to watch you work on your drawings. Fabulous!
Hey Sue, good to hear from you, and thanks for the lovely comments. Spending time with you and the other artists at Bimblebox gave me so much inspiration and encouragement. It really helped me to understand that I have been looking at the aesthetics of the world for a long time – and not just analysing it with my rational mind. And I’m not the only one that comes home from a field trip with lots of leaves, seeds, fruits, skulls, rocks, etc. to create with later! Cheers, Paula
Hi paula
I ordered the lovely book and individual pages. The book came, but I couldn’t find the pages. Are they stapled in the book? Thanks,
rebecca
Hey Paula
Is there any chance of getting two more of your colouring books before Christmas? Got two girls would love this.
Sue
Hey Sue
Sure! Check the email I just sent you for details.
Cheers
Paula