Free Colouring Printables for the duration of the Covid19 outbreak
Hi Friends!
I don't know how many of you are self isolating or have schools that are closed.
We are currently working from home and homeschooling our 5 year old daughter. It is a challenge! We’re doing our best every day, and I find that having colouring pages for my small daughter to focus on at the end of the day while I’m making supper makes the whole evening go more smoothly.
For the duration of the Covid19/Coronavirus outbreak I am sharing daily free colouring pages on my website.
I’m trying to help families at home with children in the only way I can. Colouring is such a wonderful way to relax, focus on the good and beautiful around you, and find some calm in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
I can draw!
You can colour!
Hey Presto! We have one small way to make this ordeal better, prettier and more zen.
Please share freely!
You can find all the pages here… http://www.janeheinrichs.net/studiofriends
You are amazing. We can get through this if we team up, even in our isolation.
A handshake. A red dot. And infinite creativity
Dearest Friend,
I am taking a short break from the high-speed treadmill of sketching for my newest project (a middle-grade graphic novel) to say “hello.”
How are you?
One of the things I crave the most when I’m sitting for hours in my studio is connection. I spend 90% of my studio time deep-diving into my imagination, and sometimes I resurface at the end of a workday not sure how the time passed, or if I even said one word aloud.
I was brainstorming the best ways to connect with you on a more authentic level, and the idea of selling original artwork popped into my mind. What could be more authentic than knowing that a piece of paper I filled with drawings was in your hands, or hanging on your wall? My hands touch the paper, the paper travels across the world, your hands hold the paper… we’re practically doing a handshake!
Confession: this is a leap for me. Up until now, I don’t think I’ve sold more than a handful of original paintings. I have a tendency to hoard my work. Sketchbooks and boxes of paintings and drawings are piling up in all the corners of my studio.
I used to exhibit in art shows with my friends and feel slightly envious as little red dots accumulated beside all their paintings. Red sticker dots placed beside a painting, in the gallery world, mean that it is sold. Mine never sold, because mine were always NFS (not for sale).
Why was I so reluctant to let go? Was I trying to hoard my creativity?
But as Maya Angelou said, “You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
This is something I have found to be true, in fact, the truest of true. The more I create, the more ideas come. If I’m stuck, I sit down and churn out a few bad ideas, and eventually, the good ones follow. The only thing that stymies creativity is not creating.
So, in the spirit of connection, and sharing, and letting go… I’m offering eight of my imaginary "best friends" for sale.
Each of these little drawings is 2 x 2 inches big, on a 4 x 5.5 inch archival paper. They will be packed in a cellophane sleeve with a stiff archival backing to make sure they’re safe and sound as they travel to their new homes (maybe yours?).
Buying original artwork is an amazing way to connect joyfully with an artist. I can’t think of a better way to connect with you than to send you something that I have worked on with so much love.
You are extraordinary; though you might not recognize it in the humdrum of daily life. This is one of the things I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. How individual and diverse we all are, and how important it is that that individuality is celebrated in my artwork and my books. There is no such thing as an “ideal” character. There are only “interesting, flawed and fascinating” characters. That’s what we all are.
What makes you unique? Special? Quirky? Reply and let me know! (I’ll go first: I can’t stand the smell of orange peel…)
There are only 8 individual, quirky drawings… Each is $100 Canadian (including postage), and I guarantee they will be worth more the minute you buy them. Consider them an investment. Consider it a way to connect with an artist you love. And consider it a celebration of individuality and diversity.
So, see the whole collection HERE . Is your favourite still available?
Sending you a handshake across cyberspace...
X
Jane
The cold snap
Dearest friends,
Both new and old
I hope you stay warm
In this cold.
I hope you find,
Amidst the grey,
That a robin sings
For you today.
This morning, after dropping off my daughter at school, I went for a walk in Richmond Park. Hoar frost covered the brambles and trees as if someone had sprinkled icing sugar from the sky, and the fine powder had adhered to everything. It was cold, but not nearly as cold as my home-town (which is gripped in the polar vortex and reaching temperatures of -50 C).
As I walked, a robin warbled, and hopped from branch to branch. It was a cheerful hopeful sound, and I wished I could send her song to all of you. It would lift your spirits, I’m sure of it.
So I’m sending you this drawing with the warmest wishes I can.
Xxx
Morning mist
In the paint splattered margins in the day, it can be the smallest things that light the winter gloom. For me, today, its the bright sunshine, now matter the cold; the frost edged leaves in the early morning, as if fairies have crocheted lace edges on everything in sight; and a fragrant cup of coffee, brewing in my tiny kitchen.
Tell me one of the small things that brings a smile to your face.
Out with the old....
I turned the page on the 2019 calendar. It’s week two, and things are starting to swing into routine. I have projects to focus on, and I’ve entered a bushel of new illustration deadlines into my calendar. Hopefully all that work will reap a full creative harvest!
This morning, in an effort to bring my studio and my house in line with my newfound sense of openness, I brought a car-load full of odds and ends to the charity shop. As I walked away, my feet felt lighter, and my shoulders felt un-burdened.
The question is… can I maintain that feeling of space and lightness? Can I let go of the old, and resist the urge to fill the gaps at home?
They say nature “abhors a vacuum”. When I weed a patch of my garden, it doesn’t take long for the bare earth to be covered in freshly sprouted seedlings.
I hope my house doesn’t start sprouting clutter-seedlings while I’m not looking!
My mantra for the week is “Out with the old, and not in with the new.” There’s time for the new. We can wait for it. The “right” new things will come when we’re ready for them. In the mean time, the extra space and silence is wonderful.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year lovely friends!
I hope you’ve had a wonderful New Year’s Day.
I know we’re all contemplating changes, or maybe improvements, to ourselves and our routines for the New Year. I’m no different. Improvement is worthy, and something we should all attempt, for positive growth is so important.
But….
I just wanted to tell you… I think you’re just fine the way you are.
You might feel more accomplished if you cut sugar, or read the classics, or learned a new language, or exercised three times per week.
But you might not…
All that really matters is that, at the end of the day, you lay your head on your pillow feeling like you tried your hardest, you did your best, whatever the circumstances were. Some days our “best” shines with flowers and rainbows and unicorn glitter. Other days our “best” is just enough, brown and boring, but strong like the bare tree branches in winter. They might not look that impressive, but they are the armature on which glorious flowers, fruit and leaves grow on the good days.
It doesn’t matter if you lose those last pounds or learn to swing-dance. May you be more of amazing self this year. More true. More vibrant. The light of your soul beaming from your eyes and heart to everyone around you.
Sending love from this corner of the world to yours.
Listen to my interview on Chasing Creative Podcast!
Exciting News!
You can hear me discuss creativity, working slowly (the best way) and how different places around the world inspire me on the Chasing Creative podcast!
Pop over here to listen....
http://www.chasingcreative.com/place
Thank-you for everything
Confession: I wasn’t going to post this sketch, because I was upset with myself that the letters in the last word “Thanks” didn’t stay on a straight line.
Then, I realized that I could be grateful for the imperfections as well. It’s easy to be grateful for all the wonderful things in our lives. But what about the things that stop to make us think, or teach us a lesson, or force us to grow and change, or make tough decisions?
Maybe we should be doubly grateful for those things, for they are a catalyst for us to grow and change.
October is a month of gratitude for us in our house. Canadian Thanksgiving falls in October, as well as my Dad’s birthday, my father-in-law’s birthday, my daughter’s birthday, and our wedding anniversary. There is so much to celebrate, but also, so much to remember.
What are you grateful for today? I’m sure there are some easy answers, but are there some not-so-obvious ones as well? You don’t have to answer below if you don’t want. But I’d be happy if you paused to think about it for a few minutes. Be thankful for that hard thing, it might be more of a blessing than you realize.
The first full week of school
Happy Monday Friends!
This is our first full week of the new school year, and I’m looking forward to having routine in my life again. Every morning my daughter walks around the block to school. She proudly showed me the yellow flower on her navy jumper, the logo of her school. She is so proud to be a big girl, going to big school.
I’m trying to honour this transition, and really enjoy the process.
What are you doing right now? I think we’re always in some state of transition, as we’re always in the process of “becoming.” Can you honour that process today?
Comment below with some ideas!
On Our Street Short-Listed for the Bolen Children's Book Prize!
I am so excited to announce that On Our Street has been short-listed for the Bolen Children’s Book Award. This is such an honour, and it reflects the wonderful team of editors, authors and publishers who worked on this book!
The results will be announced in mid-October. But, quite honestly, to have been short-listed makes me so happy and grateful already!
Painting is a diary
This is why I do daily drawings. My sketches, even if they’re rough and unfinished, are a way for me to record my thoughts and experiences from each day. And when I look back at my sketchbooks, I can remember how I felt, where I was sitting, and all the sights, smells and sounds that were around me when I first sketched it. It’s a visceral way to honour each moment.
I can’t manage a drawing every day. And that’s ok. I’d rather be gentle with myself that hold unrealistic expectations. But I try, and that’s what counts. The “almost” daily practice adds up more that you realise. Since I started shortly after my daughter was born, I’ve filled 8 sketchbooks with tiny drawings. That’s three years of memories!
What is one small thing you could do today and tomorrow? That’s my mantra: today and tomorrow... I don’t need to plan any further into the future. If I can manage something today, and then tomorrow, the rest of the tomorrows will take care of themselves.
Summer memories
Hello Friends!
I hope you’ve had a lovely summer. We have been lying on the grass in our garden, staring at the clouds, and watching the sun circle around the sky. Of course, that’s not ALL we’ve done this summer, but a good portion of our time has been spent relaxing amongst the rose and lavender beds, trying to find respite from the heat.
Now we’re slowly returning to routines. Mary switches from little-kiddies nursery to “big school” nursery, which is the year before Reception (Kindergarten). She is very excited about her uniform, and is waiting with anticipation and trepidation for the first day.
I’m easing back into my studio routines, and giving myself lots of margin to let my mind wander creatively. This is something I’ve missed a lot during the rush of deadlines earlier in the year. It is such a luxury to savour the solitude and quiet.
How was your summer? Let me know, I’d love to hear!
Remembering the wide open spaces
We’re home in London, and gradually emerging from the hazy fog of jet lag. I’ve gently returned to my studio, and I’m remembering the wide open spaces of my hometown. I love the blue skies, and the golden and green fields. It’s a colour palette I want to explore over the next few weeks.
Summer is a time for floating from one minute to the next. I still have some work to do, but there is more margin in my days. This means I’ll have time for reading on the back terrace, while the roses nod their heads in approval.
What are your plans for the summer?
Canada Day
The sun is streaming through the kitchen window, and a light breeze billows the curtains like flags. Yesterday we went to our local museum for wagon rides, face painting, and other fun, festive activities. Happy 151st Birthday Canada!
I am so fortunate to be able to call three counties home: Canada, Great Britain and South Africa. They are such great nations, so different, and also alike in amazing ways. I love having the diversity and richness of all the traditions in my life; from maple syrup, to afternoon tea, to enjoying the perfect braai (bbq). There is so much to celebrate!
Strawberry moon
Another full moon; another epic storm. This can’t be a coincidence can it? I resolved to paint all the full moons of 2018 and so far we’ve had snow storms, dust storms, rain storms… almost without fail.
Last night rain lashed the window panes and blew in sheets across the road. Wind twisted the tree-tops. Thunder clapped above our roof, and it was so resonant that the house shook. It was a classic prairie thunder storm, and I’m so glad I got to experience one on this trip home. —
Acclimatizing
We are coming out of the heavy fog of jet lag and emerging into the sunshine of the Manitoba summer, pushing our toes through the long green grass and running our fingers along the petunia flower heads waving in the breeze in the flower pots.
Flying To Canada
One of my goals for this trip to my hometown in Canada is to record as many moments from each day in drawings and journal entries. (Swipe left to see the pages so far) .
I want my sketchbook to be like a visual diary, or graphic novel, of our time in Manitoba. I want to record the wide open sky, and the adventures my daughter experiences under it. I will post flip-throughs in my instagram story daily, as well as photos of each page here on my feed.
I hope you enjoy coming along on this adventure with us!
It’s ok to go slow
Take a deep breath. Wherever you are is where you’re meant to be. It’s the perfect starting place for the journey ahead.
Where do you want to go? All it takes is small, slow steps and you’ll get there.
It’s ok to go slow.
I’m slowly working towards my illustration deadlines. Work is going well, but I’m choosing not to be overwhelmed by complications or setbacks. Slow work is better work, because I can focus on excellence (but not perfection, of course! )
Small things
On busy days, instead of letting myself feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be accomplished, i try to focus on small things that give me joy. The fragrant cup of coffee, the perfect pen for the project gliding across the paper in my hands, the soft grey cloud in the sky after a hot, bright weekend. As I move from moment to moment, striking items off my list, those little meditations keep me sane and grounded.
What are some things that are giving you joy today? Let me know below!
Flower moon
I resolved to paint every full moon of 2018, and most of the nights have been cloudy, or stormy, or both. Last night thunder raged through the sky, and I had to cuddle my little three-year-old and sing “I hear thunder” over and over to help her understand that it wasn’t anything to be scared of.
The full moon in May is called the “flower Moon” for obvious reasons. Right now the climbing roses are in full foison, and the lavender is about to bust into purple, heady scent. The garden is reaching for it’s peak, and I’m trying to savour the moment every day. Literally, stop to smell the roses.
Can you stop for a minute today to savour the wonders of the season? We’re doing it by cutting flowers to bring inside, jumping in post-storm rain puddles, and running through the sprinkler when it’s sunny and hot.
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