The classic coloring page is a thing of great enjoyment for many, and it's often that we find great resources with amazing images online that just seem to fit the bill - the only problem, they are already coloured. (Equally - sometimes we simply don't always have the ink!)
A simple solution is found in many image manipulation programs that involve as little as 30 seconds work. Lets take for example the wonderful paper creations of Paper Thin Persona's, all offered free, all with licence to copy one per child for classroom use. Occasionally the website owner will give us a rendition in black and white but it's a lot of extra work for her. Admittedly our solution may be a touch less elegant than her black and white offerings, but still suitable for our use. This image is one i wanted to use when talking about Jesus' miracles, Jesus as our superhero. Admittedly it's a girl craft but it works for our example. Besides is a photograph of me tracing something, as a comparison piece.
The image manipulation program i'm using is Paint.net and it's offered completely free online. There are loads of methods, and programs, but i feel this is the easiest i've found.
Just go to effects - artistic - pencil sketch. You'll notice that anything not outlined in black can disappear, such as the title here. The values to be adjusted according to the image. Here the range is set to 0 and the pencil tip is small. The photo has the range on -3 (to smooth the skin a little) and the pencil tip is very large, it's also then been put through the sharpen filter twice to darken the lines. it's not perfect, and similar colours like the arm and chin are not separated, but bold lines are clear.
Just go to effects - artistic - pencil sketch. You'll notice that anything not outlined in black can disappear, such as the title here. The values to be adjusted according to the image. Here the range is set to 0 and the pencil tip is small. The photo has the range on -3 (to smooth the skin a little) and the pencil tip is very large, it's also then been put through the sharpen filter twice to darken the lines. it's not perfect, and similar colours like the arm and chin are not separated, but bold lines are clear.
other features such as 'outline' or the 'photocopy' and 'cartoon' features of other image manipulation programs give similar and sometimes better results, but for 30 seconds work, the kids are not nearly as fussy as the artists!
