Free coloring pages of Super Mario

Mario is the most famous plumber in video games. To be honest, his story began quite a while ago, back in the 1980s, when he first appeared in the game Donkey Kong. At first he was known as Jumpman, but he soon adopted the name that would make him famous across the globe.

His main mission has always been to rescue Princess Peach from the wicked King Bowser. And to pull it off, he ventures into the Mushroom Kingdom, a magical place full of surprises. You bump into all sorts of characters, from the friendly Toads to unmistakable foes like the Goombas (the one in the picture with the grumpy face) and the Koopa Troopas. Mario’s world is super colourful and upbeat, packed with floating blocks hiding treats, pipes that whisk you off to secret spots and, of course, fantastic castles.

Tips and tricks for colouring the Super Mario picture

To bring this drawing to life, here’s a colour palette that respects Mario’s classic look but still lets you add your own flair. These are the essentials:

• Red: Non-negotiable for Mario’s cap and overalls. It’s his signature colour and gives him that bold, energetic feel. Go for a vibrant red so it really pops.
• Blue: The other key colour in his outfit. The overalls go blue—a strong, lively shade, like brand-new denim, suits him perfectly.
• Brown: Essential for Mario’s hair, moustache and shoes. A dark brown or chestnut makes him feel more grounded. You can also use it on the brick blocks, adding a touch of texture.
• Yellow: Perfect for the buttons on his overalls and the question-mark box. A bright yellow will make the box look stuffed with coins or a special power-up.
• White/Cream: Even if your background is white, use this for highlights. Clouds, mushroom caps and Mario’s gloves look great with a whisper of cream or light grey to add shade and volume.

And while you’re at it, why not add a splash of green? The grass and Mario’s pipes are green, so it’s an easy way to breathe more life into the background. If you fancy, you can also play with a bit of black or dark grey to deepen shadows and give the picture more depth. Handy trick: start with the big areas (sky, hill, water) using coloured pencils and a light touch; then build up the colour in layers. Give the clouds a very soft blue outline so they feel like they can “breathe”. On the bricks, shade the lower edge of each rectangle for a quick 3D effect. If you’re using felt-tips, leave the tiny details for the end with a fine nib. The title “MARIO” loves a red-to-orange gradient with little starry glints; you can also fake pixels by sketching tiny squares along the edges. Educational and relaxing at the same time: it boosts fine motor skills, sustained attention, and helps you mix warm and cool colours with intent. And the thing is, once you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve cleared one more creative “level”.