I have really been trying to keep my eyes open for images that might speak to me artistically.  I saw this bird in this ordinary tree in the parking lot at Home Depot.  It was a grey windy day and the bird faced the wind.  It was one of the coldest days we've had this winter and the sky was sullen.  The picture was taken with the toy camera app on my iphone.  I then grunged it up a bit with swanko lab and pic grunger.  I love the ethereal feel of bleakness and solitude.  It is funny that just under the tree were several vehicles and in the skyline were other buildings. 

The nature of art is to take what is in front of us and use it to speak creatively.  I think this is a good example of just being open to what is in front of me.  It was very cold.  I could have just hurried back to my truck with my head down and missed the bird.  I could have seen the bird and thought stupid bird don't you know its cold, go hind in some trees.  But instead I took off my glove, pulled out my phone and walked toward the bird trying to frame the picture without any of the commercial distractions.  I have to admit I got a little lucky.  The bird did not fly away.  Yeah, I know its a grackle and they are ugly, loud, stupid birds, but that doesn't translate in this photo. 

This a lesson I need right now.  To take what is freely given and use it to create.  Nature is so crazy to be always available to artists.  We just need to be resourceful and use the images and materials that are right in front of us.

I hope you enjoy your weekend.