Saskatoon artist creates colouring fantasy

Denyse Klette / Britainy Zapshalla

Fairies in Dreamland is Klette’s first colouring book and it’s getting rave reviews. (Britainy Zapshalla)

It’s not everyday an artist asks you to colour all over their work but that’s exactly what Denyse Klette wants you to do. Fairies in Dreamland is her first venture into the world of colouring books. “My daughters had been colouring for about six months,” she explains. “One day they brought them out to show me and I was really curious to see if I could do it.”

Colouring Pages / Britainy Zapshalla

Klette says her pages give adults a chance to unwind. (Britainy Zapshalla)

Klette sat down and created a series of sketches which her agent sent to New York publisher St. Martin’s Griffin. The publisher jumped on the chance to get in on the adult colouring craze. “They loved the pictures of the sleepy fairies I sent them.” Klette says, “They chose the title Fairies in Dreamland and then I had to get to work drawing the rest.”

She worked for 4 months straight on the project and the result was a whimsical book and 62 ink drawings. Although it was extremely time consuming, Klette says is was well worth the work, “I love line painting and this was a chance for me to go back to those roots.”

“I love line painting and this was a chance for me to go back to those roots.”

It’s only been out for a week and already Fairies in Dreamland has climbed to the top of Amazon’s Hot 100 list. Here in Saskatoon members of the public agree with the critics. Myrene Mollison stopped by The Artist’s Loft to pick up a copy of the colouring book for family.

“Denyse brings personality to all her characters.” Mollison explains, “My granddaughter is 15 and she likes colouring that is more complex but still beautiful.”

Klette has a colouring party planned to celebrate the launch of her book. She’s welcoming the public into The Artist’s Loft Studio Saturday and Sunday to colour, shop and also to view the original sketches she has on display. There is also a special VIP ticketed event on Saturday night with a few tickets left.

Click here for more information.