TALK ABOUT SOME LOCAL COLOR. The illustrations from Patricia Hawkenson’s forthcoming coloring book, Color Eau Claire, include this drawing of the Chippewa Valley Technical College.

We all love to color. Who hasn’t taken a crayon and gone crazy on a coloring book? It’s no surprise that the popularity of adult coloring books has exploded in the past couple of years. Thanks to local artist Patricia Hawkenson, Eau Claire will soon be part of the phenomenon.

Hawkenson is working on Color Eau Claire, an adult coloring book set to be released early next year. The book features Eau Claire landmarks such as Oakwood Mall, new downtown hotels The Lismore and The Oxbow, and the Local Store – just to name a few.

Her inspiration comes from a variety of places, but stems primarily from times spent with her mother as a child.

“I wanted to do things that were iconic to Eau Claire, places that most people in Eau Claire would remember.” – Artist Patricia Hawkenson on her forthcoming local coloring book

“I’ve always felt the need to outline everything in black. It just makes the piece feel finished to me. I think it’s because (black outlines) remind me of my mother’s paint-by-number pictures. There’s something about that memory that kind of helps my drawing look the way it does,” Hawkenson said.

For her, Color Eau Claire is not about conforming to a trend, but about bringing back memories. From buildings to bridges to parks, the book captures sundry snapshots of the city. Whether reliving Tuesday Night Blues at Owen Park or recalling a first date at Phoenix Park, people across the Chippewa Valley will have the opportunity to color their past.

“I wanted to do things that were iconic to Eau Claire, places that most people in Eau Claire would remember,” she noted.

However, her images are illustrations, not photographs. Surrounding straight-lined buildings reminiscent of architectural blueprints is all kinds of abstract foliage. That contrast between photorealism and abstraction is what brings Hawkenson’s art to life – even before you add color.

“It’s meant to be accurate enough so someone can look at it and say, ‘Oh, I recognize that location, but artistic enough to make it look beautiful and interesting to the eye,” she said.

Though Hawkenson draws a distinct line between the manmade and the natural, the two interact seamlessly on every page.

Hawkenson's Randall Park

Not only does the book benefit local colorers of all kinds, but also the businesses and landmarks it showcases. Hawkenson hopes Color Eau Claire will inspire people to make new memories in old places and support local businesses while they’re at it. Or, the book might be used as a means of discovery, unveiling local gems that may be unfamiliar to some. “I’m hoping that people will say, ‘Oh, this is in Eau Claire? Where is that?’” she said.

Regardless of your interests, hobbies, or Eau Claire experience, Hawkenson’s illustrations are bound to bring back happy memories and inspire future adventures. With Color Eau Claire, anyone can pick up a pack of crayons and become a kid again, nature aficionados and couch potatoes alike.

If there are local landmarks you’d like to see in Color Eau Claire, send your suggestions to expressivedomain@gmail.com.