Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus and method for the automatic coloration and/or shading of images, and especially images utilized for presenting animated motion pictures. Display means are provided, preferably at least one display for displaying monochrome line drawings and one for displaying color images. Graphical imput means, for example a data tablet, are provided, having a coordinate system adapted to effect display on the display means of characters defined by coordinate points selected by an operator. Means are provided for storing the coordinate points of at least one enclosed area of the coordinate system, this storing means typically including a portion of the data base of a computer system which stores the coordinate points of the lines drawn by the operator. These lines typically define a plurality of enclosed areas, such as the areas of a drawn character or figure. Means are also provided for storing an operator-selected position reference, called a "seed point", for each enclosed area.