When the first day of spring arrived with snow it also brought the first robin. He was hiding all fluffed up in the hedge to escape the biting wind. Today I saw him up close chirping away and praising the blue sky and sunlight pushing through the clouds.
Spring for me means the urge to get out for long walks, partially to improve my fitness level but mainly to observe nature and the daily changes this time of the year brings with it. I head out early to ensure the road is still firm. with that I love to check out the frozen puddles. Nature is the most accomplished artist…
…here is the puddle just a few yards away!
And then there is one of my favorites – frozen mud! The fractures and definite lines always get my mind going and wondering how I can incorporate these into my art practice.
Yesterday morning this ditch offered a still life that made me take note.
With the warmer temperatures yesterday the water filled ditch had changed and I noticed the ice around the edges this morning.
A little further along the road I caught a glimpse of green, the sun illuminated this tree trunk just enough to highlight the small amount of juicy green moss for a moment, just long enough for me to capture it with my phone.
From a distance I saw the outline of a maple leaf in the form of ice… my imagination goes wild sometimes…
Just when I was wondering when the grass will turn green and the ice will have melted off the lake this year I looked side to side, from a snowbank on the left to…
…to the first sign of new life (even if it is only a weed!) on the right side of the road.
Sudden motor noise made me move over and once the ruck passed by I realized… he might be looking for spring too – he had a boat with him. Could he be looking for open water to go fishing in? (Sorry the image is dark – I nearly missed this photo op…)
Meanwhile in the studio Spring Fever has definitely struck. For the first time in a very long time I am enjoying my fifth straight day on the sewing machine, hand stitching and exploring some Kantha inspired work.
A brief break down on Sunday was quickly looked after by Colin. I had inadvertently left some thread hanging from the thread stand. It caught and wound itself around the handwheel resulting in a sudden stop. I set up my second machine… it had been serviced a while ago for sudden stops while sewing. It started out well but after five minutes of steady sewing the machine stopped and to this day we have not been able to revive it. A trip to the Bernina service technician is on the agenda!
Here are a few images of the work in progress.
A length of white silk, some acrylic paint and textile medium, coarse salt and patience…
Now does that not remind you of nature’s color in early Spring?
…then there is the promise of life, of the ice melting and sunsets reflecting in the puddles and lakes alike.
Nearing completion… watch for full view images soon!
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
I can hardly wait to see it finished. Love you art.
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Thanks, Glenda! The piece is done… have to take some good quality images next.
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the most welcome miracle: after winter comes Spring
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So true, Susanne! Great to see your name among those commenting today!
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I really loved your blog post today Anna! You inspire me to be a better artist everyday and to see the beauty of what is right in front of me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and images!
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You are welcome, Alison! Sometimes it is easier to see the beauty when we don’t have so many distractions… I used to live in the big city and during that time I didn’t spend as much time looking around – I missed out on much!
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Your photos and art are truly inspirational. I always view and usually read your blogs, but I don’t comment. Just wanted you to know how I enjoy your blog/work/everything and it gives me hope for someday to get (back) into art quilting!
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thanks for commenting today, Lorelie… today’s image are less than ideal – but all I had with me was my iPhone. I guess it is true, the best camera you have is the one you carry on you at the moment. – Stay in touch and share images of what you are working on. Just email them directly! I always like to see what everyone else is working on.
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