If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to stay entertained, look no further than these free printable rainbow coloring pages. These coloring sheets are perfect for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels, and they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. With a variety of different designs and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something that you will love. Just pick whichever design you like, save the downloadable free PDF template, print it out, and get coloring to your little hearts content, or you could even use them as an embroidery pattern or inspiration for fine line tattoos.
Let’s learn about rainbows
If you would like to turn your rainbow coloring sheets into a learning experience, here’s some fun info about rainbows (otherwise just scroll past the fun facts).
Rainbows are one of the most awe-inspiring phenomena in nature. They are a stunning display of colors that stretch across the sky after a rain shower. But have you ever wondered what causes a rainbow to form? Let’s delve into the science behind rainbows and explore what causes these breathtaking displays of color.
Rainbows are formed when light is refracted, or bent, as it passes through water droplets in the air. When sunlight enters a water droplet, it is refracted and separated into its component colors. This separation creates a spectrum of colors, with red at the top and violet at the bottom.
As the light exits the droplet, it is refracted again, causing the colors to spread out even further. This creates the familiar arc shape of a rainbow. The colors of the rainbow always appear in the same order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
The angle of the sunlight in relation to the observer is what determines whether a rainbow is visible. Rainbows can only be seen when the observer is between the sun and the rain, and the sun is low in the sky (no higher than 42 degrees above the horizon). The lower the sun is in the sky, the higher the arc of the rainbow will be.
It’s important to note that rainbows are actually full circles, not just arcs. However, when we observe rainbows from the ground, we can only see the top half of the circle because the bottom half is blocked by the Earth’s surface.
Another interesting thing about rainbows is that they can appear as double rainbows. This occurs when the light is reflected twice within the raindrop, creating a secondary rainbow that appears outside of the primary rainbow. The colors of the secondary rainbow appear in the opposite order of the primary rainbow, with violet on top and red on the bottom.
Rainbows are not only beautiful to look at, but they also have significant cultural and symbolic meanings. In many cultures, rainbows are seen as a symbol of hope and promise. They are often interpreted as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms and are seen as a sign of hope after difficult times.
Rainbows are a beautiful and awe-inspiring display of color that can only be seen under specific conditions, and they hold cultural and symbolic meanings that transcend their scientific explanation. Next time you see a rainbow after a rain shower, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty and wonder of this stunning phenomenon.
Reference: SciJinks – Rainbow (https://scijinks.gov/rainbow/)
Why choose Rainbows to color?
Coloring a rainbow can evoke many different thoughts and emotions depending on the person coloring and their personal experiences. Here are some common associations that coloring a rainbow can bring to mind:
- Joy: Rainbows are often associated with joy and happiness, and coloring a rainbow can be a fun and uplifting activity that can help to lift your spirits and put you in a positive mood.
- Creativity: Coloring a rainbow allows you to explore your creative side and experiment with different and bright color combinations and techniques. This can be a great way to exercise your imagination and express yourself in a visual way.
- Nature: Rainbows are a natural phenomenon that occur when sunlight is refracted through water droplets in the air. Coloring a rainbow can be a way to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
- Hope: Rainbows are often seen as a symbol of hope and optimism, and coloring a rainbow can be a way to remind yourself that even in difficult times, there is always a chance for things to get better.
- Childhood: For many people, coloring a rainbow can evoke nostalgic memories of childhood and simpler times. This can be a comforting and relaxing activity that allows you to escape from the stresses of adult life and tap into a sense of childlike wonder and joy.
Overall, coloring a rainbow can be a positive and enriching activity that can inspire a range of emotions and associations. Whether you’re coloring for fun, relaxation, or self-expression, coloring a rainbow can be a great way to explore your creativity and connect with the world around you.
If you would like to see all of my free printable coloring pages, go here!
How to use my free coloring pages & supplies needed list:
*Keep in mind that while these coloring sheets are free, they are for personal use only. Any additional use will need written permission, from me, obtained via email. Thanks.*
**The example images for this little printing tutorial are from my free spring flowers coloring pages, you can get those here if you so desire.**
How to get best results when printing rainbow templates
Materials
- Standard 8.5"x11" Printing Paper (or quality cardstock)
- Black Ink/Toner
Tools
- Computer/ Phone/ Or Tablet To Download To
- Printer
- Colored Pencils
- Pencil Sharpener
- Eraser (optional)
Instructions
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Scroll through the available coloring sheet options and determine which picture/pictures you would like to color (the example photo, with the websites watermark, shows you what the whole PDF will look like). -
Scroll just below the desired example photo, to the PDF version (the PDF version does not have the websites watermark on it), and either select "print" in the top right hand corner, or you can select "download" (also in the top right hand corner). -
As you go to print it, select the highest quailty option, or the highest DPI setting (DPI refers to the number of printed dots that are within one inch of the image being printed...basically the higher the number, the better the quality of the print). Now select "print". -
After printing out your coloring pictures, allow the ink to set (dry out) for several minutes. This step will help prevent any smudging. -
Now wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Find a clean, nice flat/hard surface to lay the paper on, and color your prints in whatever way you fancy. Then enjoy them for years to come.
Notes
Ideas on what to do with these pictures:
You could print the coloring pages out and bind them and, paired with some nice colored pencils or an art set, it could be a fun little gift for any coloring enthusiast's special day.
You could also buy some simple frames, have these pictures printed out on a quality card stock at a local printing company, color them as beautifully as you can, and they could easily be added to your home decor.
These free coloring pictures can also be used as embroidery patterns using transfer sheets.
They could be used as a pattern for a fine-line tattoo.
Then of course, you can just plain print them out and color them as many times as you want to too.
*Please note that this website uses an image optimizer on the example photo's (which makes them load faster but also reduces quality), which is why you will get the best result by making sure you are downloading and using the PDF file directly. The example photo is just there so that you get an idea of what the entire picture looks like as it is hard to scroll through a PDF, on some devices, and see the whole thing within one screenshot.*
**Print quality instructions are for when using a desktop computer and an HP printer, it should be fairly similar should you use a different device**.
***Please make sure to select "fit to page" option when printing so that you ensure that entire image makes it on your printed page.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Printworks Vanishing Embroidery Transfers, for White/Light-Colored Fabrics, 12 Sheets, Inkjet, 8.5 x 11 (00524) -
eletecpro 12x16 Picture Frames Set of 5, Display 8x10 or 8.5x11 Photo Frame with Mat or 12x16 without Mat, Wall Gallery Poster Frames, Photo Frames Collage for Wall Display -
PRINA Art Supplies 120-Color Colored Pencils Set for Adults Coloring Books with Sketchbook, Professional Vibrant Artists Pencil for Drawing Sketching Blending Shading, Quality Soft Core Oil Based -
U.S. Art Supply 163-Piece Mega Deluxe Art Painting, Drawing Set in Wood Box, Desk Easel - Artist Painting Pad, 2 Sketch Pads, 24 Watercolor Paint Colors, 24 Oil Pastels, 24 Colored Pencils, 60 Crayons -
Sacnahe Tattoo Transfer Stencil Machine Copier Printer Thermal Tattoo Kit Copier Printer With 20pcs Free Tattoo Stencil Transfer Paper Black (2023 Update Version) -
Looney Zoo Temporary Tattoo Markers for Skin, 10 Body Markers + 20 Large Tattoo Stencils for Kids and Adults, Dual-End Tattoo Pens Make Bold and Fine Lines with Cosmetic-Grade Temporary Tattoo Ink
Tips for coloring the rainbow
Coloring rainbow color pages can be a fun and rewarding activity, and there are many tips and techniques you can use to make your finished artwork even more beautiful and eye-catching.
Here are some additional tips for coloring rainbow coloring sheets:
- Choose the Right Paper: The type of paper you use can have a big impact on the way your coloring pages turn out. Consider using a heavier weight paper, like cardstock or watercolor paper, to prevent bleeding and give your colors a more vibrant look.
- Use Color Theory: Understanding color theory can be a helpful tool when coloring these rainbow sheets. Try to use complementary colors (colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel) to create a more dynamic and interesting look. For example, pairing blue and orange or yellow and purple can create a striking contrast.
- Play with Texture: Experimenting with different coloring techniques can add texture and depth to your pages of rainbows. Try using stippling (using dots to create shading), cross-hatching (using intersecting lines to create shading), or blending techniques (mixing colors to create a gradient effect).
- Use White Space: Don’t feel like you have to color in every inch of your rainbow coloring page. Leaving some white space can help to make your colors pop and add visual interest to your finished artwork.
- Take Breaks: Coloring can be a relaxing activity, but it’s important to take breaks to rest your eyes and hands. Stretch your hands and arms regularly, and take breaks to look away from your coloring page and focus on something else for a few minutes.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to coloring a rainbow sheet. Don’t be afraid to try out new techniques, mix colors together, or experiment with different tools. The more you play around with your coloring pages, the more you’ll discover what works best for you.
- Start with the rainbow: Begin by coloring in the rainbow itself. You can use any colors you like, but the traditional order is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Use long, smooth strokes to fill in each band of color.
- Mix and blend colors: To create a more vibrant and realistic rainbow, try mixing and blending colors together. For example, you can blend yellow and orange together to create a warmer shade, or blue and green to create a cooler shade.
- Use shading and highlights: To add depth and dimension to your rainbow, try using shading and highlights. Shade the areas of the rainbow that are closer to the edges, and use highlights on the areas that are closer to the center.
- Experiment with different coloring tools: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coloring tools, such as crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Each tool will give your rainbow a different look and feel, so try using a variety of different tools to see which ones work best for you.
- Pay attention to details: Don’t forget to color in the clouds, sun, or other details that might be included in the coloring page. These small details can make a big difference in the overall look of your finished artwork.
By using these tips, you can create beautiful and unique rainbows coloring pages that showcase your creativity and imagination. Have fun, and don’t forget to share your finished artwork with others!
Rainbow Pics To Color Options For Printing:
Bear And Rainbow
R Is For Rainbow Writing Worksheets For Preschool/Kindergarten
I figured while I was at it with sharing my rainbow prints that I would also include some of those pre-school/kindergarten age worksheets/ letter writing practice templates for rainbows and the letter R…so here ya go (please make sure to forward the link to this post to all your teacher/homeschooling friends too, thanks)!
Unicorn With Rainbow
Boho Rainbow Outlines
Cat And Rainbow
Rainbows FAQ’s
The traditional colors of the rainbow, as identified by Isaac Newton, are:
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
These seven colors are often remembered by the acronym ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet).
However, some people may divide the rainbow into more colors, adding additional hues between the traditional colors. The number of colors in a rainbow can vary depending on cultural and scientific interpretations.
It’s worth noting that the colors of a rainbow are actually a continuous spectrum of colors that blend into one another, rather than distinct colors. The seven colors of the rainbow are simply a way of breaking down this spectrum into identifiable segments.
The colors of a rainbow can be created by mixing the primary colors of light, which are red, green, and blue. When these colors of light are combined, they create the secondary colors of light: yellow, cyan, and magenta.
Mixing red and green light together creates yellow light, which is one of the colors of the rainbow. Mixing green and blue light together creates cyan light, which is another color of the rainbow. Finally, mixing red and blue light together creates magenta light, which is the third primary color of light and another color of the rainbow.
By mixing different combinations of these primary and secondary colors of light, you can create the full range of colors found in a rainbow, from red to violet. It’s important to note that the colors of a rainbow are a continuous spectrum, meaning that the colors blend together seamlessly and do not have sharp boundaries or distinct edges.
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to keep yourself or your kids entertained on a rainy day or just want to encourage their creativity and imagination, rainbow coloring pages are a great choice.
With a variety of different designs and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something that your kids will love. So why not print out some rainbow colouring in pages today and let your get creative? Y’all are sure to have a blast!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and supporting my endeavors to make people’s lives a little easier/better/more affordable. If you liked this post, or found it helpful in any way, please make sure to share it with your family, friends, and co-workers via social media…or you could even send them the direct link via email. Whichever way you choose to spread the love, I super appreciate it! ~Sarah
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Check out my other free printables
To see my entire free printable section, go here. All of my free coloring pages can be found here.
Otherwise, here are direct links to several of my other related posts that you’re also going to love:
Other good resources for coloring pages of rainbows
- Crayola free rainbows to color
- Bestcoloringpagesforkids.com free printable rainbows
- justfamilyfun.com 6 free rainbows for coloring
*This post was originally shared to this blog on 04/08/2023, and has since been updated to improve user experience, add video instruction, as well as to make it as shareable as possible across the social medias.
**Please note that I do try my hardest to provide factual, but easy to understand, information about each topic. If you notice a discrepancy in my coloring pages, facts, or see something that you deem “misinformation/incorrect” please make sure to notify me about it. I would prefer that you send me an email with a link to a more reputable resource on that subject, so that I can correct it as soon as possible. Thanks so much for helping this site become the best that it can be!