I\'m using the Google Maps API and would like it to render a very simple image of countries/continents.
I also want to draw them in a suitable color that will work
No, when using the Google Maps API, you cannot change the maps themselves in any way. What you can customize, though, are the icons, logos, etc that you use.
EDIT: Google has since release the Styled Maps API, which will probably give you exactly what you want. Take a look at the wizard to get started quickly.