Taylor Made Colouring Books: “Keeping Portugal in the heart of people”

Taylor Made Colouring Books has recently launched a beautiful new Portugal-inspired colouring book, titled “Portuguese Landscapes, Food and Tradition Coloring Book: Explore Portugal’s Charm Through Relaxing and Artistic Coloring Pages of Landscapes, Cuisine, and Culture”.

Behind the wonderful illustrations are Algarve resident Russell Taylor and his children, who have created an artistic tribute to Portugal, in hopes of preserving the country’s unique heritage in a creative and interactive way, while encouraging people to take a break from their screens and immerse themselves in the art of colouring.

Russell’s connection to Portugal dates back to his very first visit, “The book is inspired by memories of when I first came to Portugal, I started coming here about 1982/84 for holidays and the colouring book is an ode to that, with picturesque landscapes and all the cultural things that captivated me, especially the simplicity. Without the older generations, Portugal wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Designed primarily for ages 12 and up, this colouring book appeals to both teenagers and adults who appreciate detailed illustrations. “Some designs are more intricate which is why I have categorised the book for ages 12 plus but there are more simplistic images which I think are interesting for kids. I think colouring books are a good way to ground kids and it is good for them to see these types of images that they normally wouldn’t see on their phones.”

Capturing Portugal’s Charm

Russell has travelled extensively, but his strong connection with Portugal was at the heart of our conversation, where he described it as a place that truly stands out. “I have a very deep connection with Portugal. My children were born here and brought up here. My first marriage was with a Portuguese lady and my current partner is Portuguese as well. The energetic pull for me with Portugal is this very good feeling, the people are lovely, the food is fantastic and obviously the weather. Other countries are a bit more repressive and here feels a bit more relaxed which is lovely, and it is not over the top with most things, it is a very pleasant place to live and work in.”

Russell explained the inspiration behind the book further, “I think the main reason for me doing the book was to preserve beautiful images, we can still see the things in my book if we go to Messines or Silves, such as the people with the veggie patch, people selling almonds or oranges, but that is part of the beauty and history of Portugal so I wanted to put it all in colouring book because it is not something I had seen before.”

Adding, “I had seen some beautiful colouring books on mosaic tiles but not one with the mix of the old history of Portugal so I wanted to initially reach out to the people who have been to Portugal or still live in Portugal and have who have fond memories of those types of things and appreciate them. I thought it would be nice for them to go back in memory lane and colour one of those pages. You can even frame them and I thought what a lovely way to keep Portugal in the heart of people.”

Artistic Legacy

Russell’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by his family. “The books' inspirations also came from my grandmother; she made her own cushions and clothes and was a musician. My mum was a graphic designer and when we moved to Kuwait, she started oil painting, which was featured in galleries. I would watch her paint in the corner of her bedroom by the window with a little bit of light and I remember finding it fantastic and that was all based on cultural or heritage of the Middle East, so I think it is a part of me, that creative process.”

Russell’s artistic side evolved as he went into adulthood, where he shared “I went into different types of arts like martial arts and then I was a top chef and hence that was a certain type of creativity, my family used to own the Oasis restaurant in Carvoeiro. I have always had a creative mind; within every business I do there is some unique aspect with branding or creative design that I like to incorporate.”

A Growing Series

The captivating book also makes for a lovely gift for people who have visited Portugal or live here, with Russell sharing “It is quite unique and healthy for the mind and soul and the book is not at a high price tag.”

Russell then announced that his colouring book is part of an ongoing series, “I hope to be working on the second one in March or April. I think we will go along the same lines, but maybe we will go a bit deeper and incorporate ceramic tiles. I am also contemplating an easier draw more indicated to children and I was suggested the idea of selling the colouring book at hotels so that might be something we do next.”

AI Art

Russell asserted that his next priority is to launch his AI art that he has created for UAE and Dubai. Which brought us to talk about his take on AI Art. “I think AI is a great tool if used, like everything, for assisting somebody to streamline their work. For example, I do use AI, and it has improved my productivity, for example, if it took me 6 months to do tasks in the past, it has now brought it down to a month.”

If you are interested in seeing some of Russell’s latest AI Art, please visit https://noor-al-fan.carrd.co/

Russell’s strong connection to Portugal is evident in the book’s carefully curated images, without giving too much away, every page is a relaxing invitation to explore Portugal’s beauty through colour and creativity.

For those eager to purchase the Portuguese Landscapes, Food and Tradition Coloring Book from Portugal, please visit https://pure-tugal-store.carrd.co/ or alternatively https://shorturl.at/VaxwK . If you are based in the UK, please visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPC95PHG

To keep up to date with Taylor Made Colouring Books, you can find them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565371899882 or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taylormadecolouringbooks/

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes