Why I'm done overthinking and just playing with colour instead

I have to admit, I hate Dutch Februaries. After a long, dark, wet winter the days are getting longer and it changes everything. You can feel that spring buzz peeking around the corner on sunny days, and then WHAM! Snow. Always. Second week. 

Back in January I went on a drawing date for the first time in ages. Normally I have to miss out on these meetups, but I'm currently between jobs and was suddenly free to go. It was lovely once again, no pressure, just me and my colours exploring what could happen. I ended up drawing some typical Dutch birds. The ones I'd find in my own backyard, all loose lines and bright personality. And it felt incredible. Just moving my hand, trusting my gut, letting the page surprise me.

I wasn't trying to make them look realistic. I was trying to capture their mood and personality, their posture and composure, playing with colour, capturing their energy, their little quirks. And now I can't stop thinking about it—maybe I'll draw a bird a day for a while? We'll see where this goes.

That's the mood I'm leaning into right now.

While the wet icy air creeps into my bones and tells me HA! Summer ain't there yet! I'm leaning into experimentation, colours and personality. Not pushing. Not overthinking. Just warming up and playing around. Spring isn't here yet, but you can feel it preparing. 

If you're feeling that same weird February mood, maybe grab whatever colors make you happy and draw a little bird from your hometown? Not a perfect one, just one with personality and colour and feeling. Forget about likeness, just play with what excites you. I drew a chubby little sparrow and a hungry tit today, and honestly, it reminded me why I love making things in the first place.

Here's to sketchbooks, colour experiments, and letting ideas land slowly.