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Friday, July 25, 2008

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

22 comments:

Katy said...

I am in love with the rich colors you've got going on here. I think that they are perfect for the subject matter.

Anonymous said...

You can feel the energy in this piece...It is fabulous....I would love a copy of it if possible...It is truly a heartfelt beautiful piece and I thank you for starting your day with me and allowing me to touch your life...as you do mine...
Artfully Yours,
Pattie

Sandy said...

Wow wow wow this is absolutely stunning. Unbelievable piece.

Thanks for this brilliant entry to Saturday´s Workout.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. LOVE the colours!!!

Anke said...

WOW GREAT Alberta, love the colours.

Anonymous said...

Awsome card! So many things to see. Great colours.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card and colours

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow, how fantastic is this?! Such a great background and wonderful images. Great use of acrylic colours.

Barbara said...

Marvelous work and coloring

Patrick Foley Plummer said...

I'm not laughing at this title! It makes me a little teary-eyed. Thank you for including me. The collage is so, so, so beautiful!! I think it is my favorite collage ever...by anyone! And yes, I am impressed. You are a super linker.

Patrick Foley Plummer said...

Oops! hahhahahaha I am on our work computer and Patrick was signed into google. hehehehe So, um, Patrick is Lisa right now. :)

Janet said...

The colors in this piece are so yummy and rich....I love it!!

Faye said...

Alberta and Ava, gorgeous, rich colors.

Rosie said...

Wow!! What an exciting collage! I love the colours and get a sense of flow and peace in the way you've layered and coloured this lovely piece!
And thank you for such a lovely compliment to me on my blog! I do love this community... ;-]

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

Colorful, energizing friendships that bond and give inspiration!...it says it all!

Willy said...

Fabulous piece!

Char said...

An eye catching piece. Love the theme.

Claudia said...

beautiful, love the colours.

*jean* said...

wowee!! this is FANTASTIC!!!! your colors, layers and images are incredible!!! clap clap clap clap, bravo!!!

Gaby Bee said...

This piece is really fabulous. Wonderful color and composition!

Kenning Stone said...

Beautiful rich colours on this card, and lively movement.

Barbara Hagerty said...

FABULOUS! I love the colors and all the mixed media! What a depth you have achieved by using different mediums on top of each other! And your images and placement is inspired! Bravo, Alberta!!