Friday 3 August 2012

Buddha

This week's APR challenge was 'In Series' with the intention being to select an item - such as a teapot - but show it in a series of variations.

I instantly thought of my Buddha collection.


I have quite a few Buddha statues in my home and,
although I didn't intentionally set out to collect Buddha statues,
it seems to have turned out that way.


I have close to ten Buddha statues but I've only sketched three here.



The truth is that I planned to do a double-page spread showing more of my collection BUT
time ran out.

Pencil-free sketch using Stabilo Point 88 pens, Faber-Castell Artists PITT pens and watercolours in A5 sketchbook.

This was a sketch I did a week or so back but kept forgetting to post it.
It was one of the Every Day Matters challenges and, as the text says,
it's plain but it serves me well.
Pencil-free sketch using Faber-Castell artists PITT pens with a touch of watercolour for the cast shadow in large Moleskine sketchbook.

I'm hoping to get another chance to post before I go into hospital for my hysterectomy on the 9th
but that will depend on how busy the week gets as I have lots to do.
 I'm getting quite nervous, that's for sure.

POST EDIT - I thought it was interesting to note that I felt so drawn to painting the background of the sketch in orange on my Buddha sketch page.  Not usually a colour I would choose so, after publishing this post, I looked up the colour 'orange' and it's meaning.  I found out that 'orange' is related to the sacral chakra which is associated with organs in the lower abdomen such as the uterus, large bowel, prostate, ovaries and testes.  I wonder if I subconsciously connected with the colour because of my uterine issues and upcoming surgery?

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

~ Love, light and peace ~

55 comments:

  1. Oh I do like your buddhas... and that green sketch is magnificent!! I have 2 buddhas .... and a candle thing with them on it too, and I dont collect them either! I bought the red one you have and I had a gold one too which I like very much.

    Wishing you tons of luck re hospital, all the best for a v ery speedy and good outcome on that! hope you manage to post before though!

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    1. Thanks, Krissie! I noticed the other day that Overflow have a smaller version of my red Buddha. I'm tempted. lol

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    2. I think I may soon have the small one too. ;)

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  2. Interesting connection with the color orange. I love your buddha sketches and your lamp. I hope all goes well with your surgery and I'm sure you are looking forward to post surgical life/freedom from pain! I'll see you "whole" , happy and healthy.. Much love directed towards you.

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. Your well wishes are very appreciated. xo

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  3. Oh I love to paint as well. and I love your bedside lamp. It is simple yet elegant.


    Thanks for sharing

    Ciao Bella
    Sensible Sarah

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I'll have lots of time to browse other blogs while I'm recuperating so I will definitely pop by and visit your blog too. :)

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  4. It's funny...I too found myself collecting Buddha statues without really looking to. I have quite a few around the house and they always make me feel peaceful. I like how each one is different than the next. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. I agree...I love the Tibetan/Indian style of Buddha best because they always look so calm and at peace.

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  5. I love that orange background. Really makes your Buddha drawings pop! Wishing you all the best as you prepare for the 9th. Hugs & blessings, Tammy

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    1. Thanks, Tammy....I wasn't so sure about the orange background but it's growing on me. :)

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  6. hmmm thats really interesting about orange, something must have been triggered in your head :)

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  7. Love your buddhas sketches Serena. Nicely done as always. Wishing you well on the 9th and hopefully things will be a lot better once the procedure is done. ::hugs:: and ::get well wishes ahead of time::

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    1. Thanks, Gloria! I'm hoping all the hysterectomy will set me on a path to wellness. xo

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  8. Hi serena,
    I'm LOVING that orange. Normally I really don't love orange but you've convinced me I'm wrong. wow, it so emphasizes the buddhas. Love your series. I hope your surgery goes well, hope you're ok!
    Best,
    Jenn

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    1. Thanks, Jenn! I'm yet to totally convince myself about the orange. lol Thanks for your well wishes. xo

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  9. Love your buddhas! And all your art! Good luck with the surgey, isn't that about the color such a cool little " sign"!

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  10. I was nodding my head in agreement when you said you didn't set out to intentionally collect Buddhas, but the same thing happened with me. I didn't set out to collect red birds or cardinals, but once I had three of them, people started adding to my collection. Now my upstairs bathroom is filled and overflowing with them. I totally appreciate your Buddhas. Here's hoping your surgery goes well, too.

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    1. It's funny how things like that happen unintentionally....then, suddenly, you realise it's a collection. lol I've been given a few Buddha statues as gifts also. Thanks for your well wishes. x

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  11. I love, love, love your buddha series painting! The colors, composition and lettering are amazing. Blessings!

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  12. Your Buddhas are fabulous, I love the orange. Makes you wonder if it is connected somehow. I have a few Buddhas too. That lamp looks fab too. I hope your operations goes okay, will be thinking of you on the 9th.
    Von.

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  13. I wouldn't say orange was a colour I would usually be drawn to, but Serena I have to say it got my attention immediately! It just seems perfect to offset the Buddhas. I love it ;D
    I was fascinated to read your post edit too...Amazing!
    Don't worry too much about your operation because I've had so many friends go through the procedure and they've had no problems...just do as you're told, behave and rest as much as possible after the op and I'm sure you'll be fine. Get a few good books lined up and put your feet up ;D
    Good luck and let us know how you get on. xox
    Neesie (APR #9)

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    1. Yep, I was the same about the orange but I felt drawn to use it....interesting what I found out afterwards. Maybe a sub-conscious connection. Thanks for the encouraging words re. my surgery. I hope to do a lot of sketching and reading while I'm recuperating. xo

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  14. Your "pencil-free" sketching is so wonderful. I love the colors you have chosen. That was fascinating info on the color orange. I have always used orange ...and turquoise/blue/green in almost all my artwork. I had a hysterectomy in 1989 and all went well and I am fine. I am sure you will be also. Any surgery is scary, so that is a normal feeling. You will have 6 weeks after surgery to take it easy and draw to your hearts' content. I wonder what turquoise means???

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    1. Thanks, Gloria....I find that I'm feeling more confident with a pen than with a pencil which is quite strange. I LOVE turquoise, blues and greens. I know turquoise usually means clear thinking and open communication....they say to wear a turquoise necklace as it will help if you are nervous talking in front of people. Green stands for balance, well-being, growth and harmony. Glad to hear your hysterectomy went well. Thanks for sharing your experience. xo

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  15. BEautimous Buddhas, Serena. I love the colour and the way you've rendered each one.

    And I send you good thoughts for your upcoming surgery. I had one in 1995, and it was, on the whole, quite a wonderful experience. If I could DO it over today I would find good things to read and or "listen" read, and things to BE creative whilst resting up after. I will hold you in thoughts and look forward to your return.

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    1. Thanks, Currie! Thanks for the well wishes re. my surgery too. I know the outcome will be for the best but I don't like the idea of being stuck in hospital for up to five days. I'm very worried about my little dog, Cody, who suffers terrible separation anxiety when I go out anywhere. I've never been away overnight so I'm praying he'll be okay. We bought him an Adaptil collar that releases pheromones meant to soothe him....it was a special prescription from the vet. I hope it helps. He will have my adult children here with him but I'm sure he will miss me regardless. I'll be counting down the days to getting back home, that's for sure. :)

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  16. Hi Serena :)
    Love your Buddhas! The green one looks exactly like the one I have but mine is a deep burgundy-brownish color. I know how you feel about Cody. They are like our children and they need constant care and companionship. Best of luck with the surgery dear Serina.

    Namaste
    Monica

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    1. Thanks, Monica. It probably is the same type as my green Buddha used to be a dark rosewood colour too until I decided to paint him. Yes, the worst thing for Cody is that he won't understand why I've suddenly disappeared. :(

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  17. The orange background really makes those Buddha's pop! I love how you investigated the draw to that color. I believe we receive nudges and niggles from all sorts of places... even through our artwork. :) I have one itty bitty laughing Buddha that sits on my desk. I like your lamp drawing too! Oh heck, you know I'm a big fan of anything you draw. :) Warmly, Tracy

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    1. Thanks, Tracy! Yes, I found the further investigation on the colour proved very interesting. I also believe we receive nudges or message. xo

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  18. Hi Serena,
    I am back my friend!
    Hope you are feeling well. :)
    I love all of your New Art especially your Buddhas. That orange that you used for the background really makes them stand out. :)
    I love the color Red and your bag is beautiful!
    Hugs

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    1. Thanks, Norma! Good to see you back in Blogland ~ xo

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  19. I love your Buddha series, and that is kind of freaky about the orange isn't it... I will be thinking of you later this week and sending lots of positive thoughts and vibes your way... xx

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  20. You know how much I love Buddhist art, so this was fabulous and inspiring to see, Serena--LOVE this! Thinking of you and sending good vibes & prayers for your surgery. :o) ((HUGS))

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    1. Thanks, Tracy....home from surgery and just need lots of rest and healing now. xo

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  21. You are so inspiring, Serena! Love that orange.. And your drawings make me want to rub his belly. :) Will be keeping you in my prayers! xoxo

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    1. Thanks, Jenny! I love that we artists can all inspire each other. xo

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  22. Love your EDM...lamp. I did that one and it was a hot mess!!! (Disaster). Love your Buddha sketches and the colors you chose. Interesting you picked that orange, which, BTW, is also my favorite color!!! Best wishes on your upcoming surgery...I hope to talk to you again prior to it, but if not, I will be praying and sending out loving thoughts your way, Serena! I am heading home after a week away, in the morning. Should be home by 7pm on the 7th of August.

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    1. Thanks, Julie! I'm home after surgery...recuperating with lots of bed rest but I hope to post soon when I feel a little more up to it. xo

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  23. I've always loved that little green Buddha man. You did a great job on that page.

    I'm sorry to hear you have upcoming surgery, hopefully nothing too serious...

    Have a great day!
    Michael Lounsbury

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    1. Thanks, Michael! I'm on the mend from surgery now....thanks for the well wishes. :)

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  24. Firstly, and most importantly... Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. Well, I suppose it's today now for you, since - if I'm not mistaken - it's a little after 5am on the 9th with you now? But, anyway, good luck! *Hugs*

    Secondly, I think it's interesting how your subconcious paired the orange with your buddha statues... An unconcious prayer for your own recovery, perhaps?

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    1. Thanks, Tori...I'm back at home after surgery. Everything went well and now it's just a matter of rest and healing. Yes, I found the colour 'orange' connection very interesting too and I do believe it was definitely something going on from the subconscious level.

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  25. Hi Serena, I hope everything went well with your surgery. Thinking of you! Hugs and blessings, Tammy

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    1. Thanks, Tammy! All went well with surgery and I'm back at home now, recuperating with lots of bed rest and healing needed. I'm so glad I bought a laptop a few weeks back....so much easier to write from bed. lol I have my good and bad moments pain-wise but I'm so happy it's finally been done. I hope to do a quick post as soon as I'm feeling a little more up to it. xo

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  26. Serena, i love your Buddhas, and the colors you chose are fantastic. I would probably not have dared to fill that background with orange,
    but you did and it looks fantastic!! Such a perfect fit with the 3 buddhas... beautiful work. i enjoyed catching up on your blog. Always makes me smile. xox

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  27. Serena, i've been thinking about you and now I see you are home from surgery. Hope you heal fast and all is okay,
    sandy

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