Zen Friends

Here's my entry for the new Saturday Workout challenge "Sponges." I had so much fun making this. I started with a red-violet watercolor wash. Because I was inspired by Shelly's collages to make a more intricate background, I sponged on red and orange acrylic and then added more layers with watercolor crayons and oil pastels. Next, I collaged images and inked around their edges to make them more a part of the design. I added golden orbs that were inspired by Violette and fit perfectly with my theme. I wanted to add a butterfly that I'd altered with ink, but then I needed some other images for balance. I was stuck until the mail came, and Laura from Layers of Color, sent me a beautiful set of ornate stamps, just to be sweet. I used these above the lower panel of Buddha . These stamps made me remember a stencil of Chinese characters for happiness and energy that I'd stashed in a drawer. The symbols gave me the balance I needed for the butterfly. This collage is called "Zen Friends" because it was inspired by so many of the kindred spirits I've found, since I started blogging. It's for Pattie with whom I start each new day and for Jean, my flower child friend and fellow music lover and for Lisa who always laughs at my titles AND who taught me to add links today. (Are you impressed, Lisa?) Thank you BFFF's (best Flickr friends) Lisa John, and Mandy for all encouragement and kindness, and energy you've taken the time to give.
XXXOOO,
Alberta