Art Smorgasbord - Put On The New Self

Happy 2013!  It's a new year, so it's the perfect opportunity to reflect on Paul's letter to Colossians 3 and "Put On The New Self."  Therefore, in this post I will "seek the things that are above, where Christ is, at the right hand of God… not on things that are on earth."

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

Over at Artists in Blogland: Fall Fearless and Fly Challenge #7, Joanne Sharpe challenged us to reflect in our art journals on the perfection/imperfection of what our lives turned out to be.  As a human, my life has not been perfect, and probably never will be.  However, I can thrive to follow Paul's advice and "put to death" what is earthly in me.  How can I do this?  According to Paul, I need to put on a compassionate heart, be kind, humble, meek, patient, bear with others, and be forgiving.  However, above all, I need to "put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."  I composed my art journal entry based on the latter quote.  I started by writing the key words with a gel pen and layering watercolor washes using a paint scraper.  When it was dry, I collaged some scraps of Oriental script and highlighted different areas with a water soluble pencil.  Next, I lettered the text with a micron pen, and added some markings on the corners.  The rebus heart was done with water soluble pencils too.  As a finishing touch, I added a K&Company Smash tab and a faux stamp.  I am also submitting this page to Paint Party Friday: Week 42 Year 2 and What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #187.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

In the same spirit of renewal, I designed the two pieces above.  The first piece, which I titled "2013 Renewal," is in my post for Tag Tuesday - New Year.  You can read all about it there, as well as how I tried a new technique I learned from a Martha Stewart glittering kit.  I am submitting the tag to Simon Says Stamp Challenge: New Something and to the Crazy Amigo Challenge - Happy New Year.  I designed the invitation for Word Art Wednesday Challenge #61 - Trust, where I'm the guest designer for the month of January.  (Thank you, Karen!)  I used a Tim Holtz card base and attached a faux postcard, as well as a postage stamp to it.  I hand lettered a portion of Psalm 118:8 on the postcard with a calligraphy marker - you can download a similar digi of the scripture for free on the WAW blog.  I hand colored the digi36801 Crosses Border by Eureka, who is one of our 3 sponsors this week at WAW, with colored pencils and markers.  I glued the border to my card, and enhanced the central cross with Glossy Accents.  As a finishing touch, I tied a strip of ribbon along the bottom portion.  I am also submitting the invitation to Simon Says Stamp and Show: Totally Mad (No Rules) Tea Party and the Order of the Opus Gluei: Challenge #47 - Free For All.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

Last, but not least, I want to renew my vow to my Lord with the two pieces above.  The first one is a pen and ink drawing I did back in the year 2000, for my brother, who has it prominently displayed in his living room.  I titled it "El Calvario" or "The Calvary."  I gave it to him as a reminder that Jesus was the atonement for our sins.  Therefore, Resurrection Sunday, or Easter, is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar in my mind.  I am submitting this piece to the Artist's Play Room #38 - Celebrate.  The photograph, which I took last week during a walk with my daughters, is a reminder to me of the importance of leading my daughters in the way of the Lord.  Although I will perish or "fade away" someday, I want to make sure they are saved.  I am submitting this photograph to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 37 {Softly Fade Away}.

In closing, I want to wish you all love, joy, peace, health, and a financial stability during 2013.  May we all put on a "New Self."  Godspeed!