I've discovered that art is an antenna for feeling, a receptacle for memory, a dandelion wish for the future, and paired with story, it's a way to explain and record what I see and feel.
A till-my-dying-day love of colour and preoccupation with our internal goings on have coupled to bring me to where I am today - a painter and maker of colourful, whimsical stories dug out of my imagination, observations and musings.
Take a moment to settle in and observe how the colours play and move on the canvas
Let your mind wander and explore faces, abstract elements and tones
Try using an artwork's palette as a starting point create a cohesive and balanced space
make some time to get messy
Imagined up with love from me for you, I hope you enjoy these free downloadable colouring pages and collage projects.
You know I'm all about the feelings - art is a fabulous way to help hold what's in your heart and see more clearly the bits and bobs that are busy bubbling away in your front of mind - and sometimes things that are hidden just below the surface.
These printables could be purely fun. Grab some pencils or crayons, glitter and glue or hunt around for collage pieces in the garden or craft box, then dive in and lose yourself in the colour - go on, play a little.
They can also be great conversation starters or beginnings for storytelling or writing time with your kids - get that imagination into gear.
If you're feeling really adventurous, you might like to use them as a way to explore your feelings or maybe as a prompts to prod at and unravel unfinished thoughts in your journal or in conversation with someone you trust about what's going on inside for you and yours - make a connection.
You'll find a few questions and cues accompanying each picture to make it a little easier to tell your own story if you'd like to.
The only thing left to decide now is whether you'll stay inside the lines! Happy creating, jx.
Grab a warm drink, get comfy and stay awhile - watch an artist talk or two; I'll walk you through the stories and symbolism behind the artwork and share with you the process and thinking that informs my colour and composition choices. You'll get a peek at all the stuff that happens just beyond sight!
