1. A method for re-coloring a color image comprising: determining an original base color in a predetermined region of the color image by implementing an ambient/diffuse shading model using a processing unit; establishing at least one shading parameter in the predetermined region of the color image by implementing the ambient/diffuse shading model using the processing unit; retrieving a texture map comprising a plurality of base colors and a pattern defining the spatial distribution of the plurality of base colors; and combining the texture map with the at least one shading parameter for the predetermined region of the color image thereby producing a re-colored predetermined region of the color image using the processing unit having the pattern applied across the region of the color image.