Two English Robin Birds On A Branch Watercolor Illustration

Signs Of Spring

For our prompt of “Robin” today, I sketched two little birds smiling at one another on a branch that’s just beginning to sprout leaves. While the spring season has technically started where I live, based on the calendar date, it takes a bit of time to really become noticeable. The mornings still feel a bit like winter, but the forecast is promising warmer days ahead this week. Many of the trees are still quite bare, but some buds are starting to appear along with fresh leaves. Though it all unfolds rather slowly, or slower than I would like, this time of year always makes me smile and ponder what sort of new things I’d like to try next. The list of things I’d like to do one day, that I simply carry in my heart, is actually pretty long. It’s likely that I’ll never do many of the things that I imagined. So, I just choose one or two things that seem fun and give them a go. It’s a bit of fresh growth that may one day become something more, or at the very least, add a bit of happiness to life in this moment.

Though I’m excited for spring, I realized yesterday that I was in a rather cranky mood. I’m not usually in such a state, so it made me stop and take a moment to wonder why. The truth is, though I jump from project to project, I’ve still had a general idea of where I wanted to go next. This year, I still haven’t quite figured out what I’d like to do. The obvious things that one would expect me to do next on this journey are all on the list, but none of those things are particularly inspiring to me in this moment. Indeed, I’ve done so many different things on this art journey that there’s only a handful of expected things left. Still, it’s the unexpected that interests me most. I love coming up with new and interesting concepts and ideas, but those are exactly the sort of ideas that have a higher chance of failing. And, they’re much more difficult to make happen!

My state of mind was merely a reflection of the struggle that many artists must feel. My heart tells me that I want to move in this direction and yet my mind isn’t entirely certain anyone would follow me there. I wish I had the perfect solution for such a conundrum, but I really don’t. All I know is that I’m personally only happy when I follow my heart. This means I might not choose the most popular path or something that would make me a huge success, but instead follow a path that’s far less certain. I have to believe that love and passion are still the main ingredients to creating wonderful art, of any kind. And when that love propels us to create something new, I think we should always chase after that passion. So, even if I haven’t quite figured out what my own new thing will be, I’m thrilled to find out! It’s okay to wonder and question things. It’s how we bloom. Around that next corner is a glimmer of possibility that can often seem a bit daunting, but in the end, it’s really just seeing signs of spring.

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Two English Robin Birds On A Branch Watercolor Illustration Sketchbook Detail

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18 thoughts on “Signs Of Spring

  1. I feel for you! Sometimes, the fields lie fallow so the next crops planted will be enriched. I think creativity is the same way. We need the occasional ‘off’ times and just come back stronger.

  2. I look forward to seeing what the next steps will be on your creative path. Making the first move in that direction is often the biggest challenge. I have no doubt you will find your way as you have ever since you started Doodlewash. Bon succès du 🇨🇦.

  3. Mi amigo, Charlie, your robins are so sweet! I’m ready for Spring, too. 💜 I am lazy and sleepy today, Charlie. I continue to have daily battles with allergies. Hands down this has been THE worst season ever! My doc gave me 5 meds including an inhaler. I feel sleepy and groggy every day because all of them can cause drowsiness. 😭😭😭
    I hope you have a beautiful day, my friend. Much love to you. 💜💜💜

    1. Hola, mi amiga! 😃💕 Ugh… allergies are the worst. Not my most favorite bit about this time of year! And that’s so true… the more you take to not feel the allergy, the more it’s like you’re being put under anesthesia. hehe It’s like we can’t win. I hope you have a beautiful day as well. Much love to you! ❤️

  4. Hello Charlie,

    Those robins are truly smiling – the smile has reached their eyes! And Thank You for this post my friend. I have been feeling low, cranky and restless all week and it’s for the same reasons as yours. I too am hoping that there’s a corner nearby, which when turned at will hold a new exciting happy phase for me. Fingers crossed for both of us. Loads of love to you Charlie and a big tight hug.🙂❤❤

    Love,
    Mugdha

    1. Thanks so much, Mugdha! 😃💕 Glad to know I’m not alone. Sometimes, the way forward gets so blurry it’s hard to maintain enthusiasm. But, I’m convinced there’s always a corner nearby… sometimes it just takes a bit longer to find. Hugging you back! Much love to you! ❤️

  5. Oh Happy Day! It is Spring and I’m grateful! On the 1st day of Spring I was wearing something wooly, neck to toe, but I put on the tiny dogwood flower earrings from my great aunt and tried not to look too soggy when I met with friends😅 I just wanted to tell you how special you and this community are for always showing us new things, new beginnings, the joy of beauty and just life in general🤗 I feel blessed to be apart of here, thanks!🤗😘

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