Friday Art Smorgasbord

Well, I have been trying to come up with a regular post series of my own and believe this may be it.  I am titling it Friday Art Smorgasbord.  LOL!  I usually try to have a specific theme to my posts, but it just didn't happen this time.  Here is my first post in my new series!

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

This art journal page is for The Artist's Playroom #18, where Jenn McLean challenged us to illustrate a recipe.  I am also submitting it to Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Let's Get Fruity!  After much thought and deliberation, I decided to illustrate a recipe for "Pico de Gallo" (Rooster's Beak), which is a spicy Mexican salsa that I grew up eating.  After doing the lettering, I illustrated the 5 main ingredients in pen, ink, and watercolor pencils.  You are welcome to use it, but please give me credit to my mother.  By the way, you may substitute the fresh jalapeño pepper with fresh serrano peppers, as well as adjust the amount you add according to your taste.  This salsa will keep well overnight if you refrigerate it, but it's best when served fresh.  Enjoy!

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

This picture is for What's on your Workdesk Wednesday #163, which is hosted by Julia Dunnit.  As you can see, I'm back in my studio and loving it.  I just got a new laptop, which I needed desperately, since my 6-year old one was extremely slo-o-o-o-o-o-ow!!!  I was between art projects when I took this picture.  I usually am very organized, but get quite messy when my creative juices are flowing.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

This art journal entry is for Word Art Wednesday #36, where Karen Letchworth and her team are featuring Isaiah 54:13 in their artwork.  I am also submitting it to Simon Says Stamp and Show - Layered.  With 16 and 19 year old daughters, they're always on the go.  I know they love the Lord, since my wife and I instilled His word in them since the day they were born.  Therefore, although we worry about them when they're on the go, we feel confident that they know Him and can find His peace during life's tribulations.  For this page, I used a K&Company Smash pocket, clip, and pad sheet, which I decorated with hand lettering and doodles.  I used a pencil, pens, markers, painters and colored pencils to complete this piece.  I also used collage to make the flower with my own hand painted papers.  I will use the pocket to store prayers for my daughters. 

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

This picture is for 52 Photos Gallery #12 {Circles} and The Order of the Opus Gluei: Challenge #13 America, America or Wherever You Hold Allegiance.  There is nothing more American than a grill in your back porch - LOL!  I often use circular figures in my artwork, since I love organic forms.  However, I never noticed that I also use them in my decor.  When I replaced my back fence a couple of years ago (yes, I'm capable of doing hard labor), I salvaged this gate because I loved the weathered look and how it contrasted against the limestone brick walls of my home.  Anyway, I created a vignette over it with a vintage wash tub, basin, cowboy grill, cylindrical bird house, and other circular items - even the cross has a circular embellishment in the center.  I love the rustic American country feel.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Last, but not least, I painted and embellished this cross for Paint Party Friday - Week 18.  I am also submitting it to The Play Date Cafe Challenge #140, since I used the Caribbean blue, shoreline, and sunshine color scheme that they're featuring this week.  Sometimes I like to cut out my own crosses, but this is a store bought one.  I began by using collage strips of paper from a church bulletin featuring Psalm 130, which is where the verse that I wrote comes from.  Then, I did various layers of acrylic paint, doodling and lettering.  Finally, I wired and glued beads to add more depth, texture, and layers.  It also has that rustic feel that I love.

Well, hope you enjoyed the first post in my new Friday Art Smorgasbord series.  I want to thank my growing number of followers and people that leave such encouraging comments, and cordially invite others to do so as well.  Blessings!