Short and Sweet

I went to visit my daughter at Texas A&M over the weekend, because I had a students' parent meeting to attend.  It was a very informative meeting, and I had a marvelous time visiting with my daughter.  Therefore, my studio time was curtailed, and I only have a few pieces to share in this post.


This masculine greeting card was loosely inspired by the Tim Holtz card on the Ranger Blog and his new Picture Wheel die cut, which I purchased over the weekend.  Yeah!  I began the background of the Inkssentials ATC, by dragging different colors of acrylic paint onto it.  Next, I created the coin embellishment by stamping the image on cardstock, embossing it, staining it, spreading some Crackle Accents over it, and cutting it out when it was dry.  When the ATC was dry, I stamped some other coins and used various Distress products/tools to finish the background.  Then, I decorated it with the mailbox letter, a Tim Holtz license plate sticker, baker's twine, and my coin.  I layered the ATC over a distressed cardstock print and a distressed cardboard picture wheel.  I am submitting this greeting card to Simon Says Stamp and Show: Background and Crazy Amigo Challenge - Backgrounds.



The art journal page above was inspired by several sources.  First of all, Jenn, at the Artist's Play Room #53, challenged the artists participating to use a color combo they liked and name it.  I did a little research into color meanings, and found that Green stands for "growth, harmony and nature," while pink stands for "unconditional love, nurturing and compassion."  Since I liked these qualities, I decided to go with this combination, which I'm naming "Verdi-Rosea."  I used these colors on the hand painted papers that I used to make my heart, as well as for the page detailing.  My journaling is an excerpt from Jeremiah 15:16, which was featured at WAW last week, so I'm submitting this piece to Word Art Wednesday #76.  I'm not crazy over the resemblance of the pen self-portrait sketch, but considering I did it in less than 15 minutes, it's not terrible.  I am also submitting this page to the Twenty Minute ChallengeWhat's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 202Paint Party Friday - Week 6 Year 3, Sunday Sketches, and Paper Saturdays.



Although not literal, the photograph above features another self portrait in the form of an assemblage.  I staged my photograph in an area in my studio where I have a vintage globe and typewriter.  The latter represent my traditional values and global views, as well as my love for writing and dreams to travel around the world.  The books represent my love of reading, especially the Bible which is prominently sitting on top.  Finally, I added one each of 3 different pairs of boots I own, to represent my eclectic nature.  The Western boot represents my family's ranching roots, the preppy boot represents my private school rearing, and the green Doc boots represent my artsy persona.  I am submitting this photograph to the 52 Photos Project: Gallery 52 {Self Portrait}Orange You Glad It's Friday #34, and Mandarin Orange Monday #38.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute that I spent in my studio.  Although not much, I want to dedicate this post to the victims and families of the Boston bombing, as well as my Bostonian friends.  May the peace of the Lord be with them.

Comments

Jez said…
That's a very inventive way of naming a colour. I didn't realise colours had defined meanings. Ii shall have to find out what red and black that I used mean!
I like your page, and the boots image. I have a similar 'self-portrait' footwear photo I took for a photographic course. It would make a good challenge, wouldn't it!
I always enjoy your posts.
Paula (PEP) said…
A lovely dedication for Bostonians, rugged & real.
My favourite part of this is the final photo & all it stands for. I had to really smile for I have a collection of boots too & I love wearing my green pair!!
Paula (PEP)
Every week, you have wonderful things to see on your blog. It truly is a joy to see, I Love your photo and especially Vintage items too :)
Fascinating and thanks so much for showing them.
Happy WOYWW Heather #111
Francesca said…
Lovely ATC, and I am coveting your Green DM's love them. Hugs Francesca #67
Deborah said…
great interpretation of your 'self-portrait'!
Candy C said…
Arnoldo...Love your art journal page. Your sketching is so inspiring. Love your spiritual messages through your art are so wonderful. Your card using Tim's picture wheel is awesome! I love the layers of different elements you've used on this; the license plate image, the bakers twine, the cool picture wheel die cut, all layered together. It looks great! Thanks for sharing your art with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Thanks for the heads up about the Take A Word Challenge site :)
its a lovely blog x
I credited you in my post, hope that was okay x
MyPage
Winnie said…
After such a long and sad week with all the tragedies on the news, it is lovely to have your blog to visit that I inow will be filled with kindess, and light. I never knew colors had meanings and I love pink, so that made me happy to read that defination! Your journal piece is just lovely. The way you desribed the photo you took really gives insight into you!
Enjoy the upcoming weekend!
Paper rainbow said…
Wow! you have used a lot more thought and research into the colour combination challenge than me! A lovely name for a colour. :)
Leovi said…
Preciosa la foto de las botas! Saludos.
Barb King said…
Love all the details on the ATC. I am taking a class with Tim on Sat., and can't wait to meet him. You've done great work with week!
Barb
sharon said…
Lot of great work here, love the color combination, but my favorite of all is the photo of boots!, blessings.
minnemie said…
Verdi-Rosea sounds so... artistic! Only you would research color meanings AND manage to symbolize them in your illustration. I love the name and how you used it.
Dan said…
Lovely pieces, and what a great idea to use a colour combination with meaning like that. Thanks for joining us for this week's Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge!
Dianne said…
fun and creative art work...I really enjoyed your 'self-portrait' in the form of the still life! so meaningful and yet classic. happy PPF!
You have still managed to get a lot of lovely work done despite not being in your studio as much. I love the concept of your boots
Elisa said…
the cards are just so lovely. very personal touch. and the self portrait photos are really cool. love vintage!
great ATC and fab artwork.. thought I was here yesterday- but didn´t find my comment- mybe I forgot?

anyhow

HAPPY PPF!

xxx
Susi
from
monthly challengeblog to join:
ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY

GlorV1 said…
Awesome ATC and I really love those boots. Love your illustrations. Happy PPF and thank you.
Tracey FK said…
Verdi rosea is a great colour and glad you had a good visit with your daughter but still found time for your work. I love the drawing on the journal page especially... you have a great sense of line...xx
Giggles said…
Very nice compilation!! Great card and self portrait..especially in such short time!! I love your green docs!! My first choice..love how you put that whole photo together...you should blow it up and frame it for your home or studio!!

Hugs Giggles
Anonymous said…
For a busy person you certainly had alot of creation....I got the new picture wheel die and I love how you used it, hope to try it out this weekend. You green and pink page has a wonderful open drawing in your figure, makes me want to know that person better. I adore your self portrait and what you included in it. Fab boots - and how they speak about you. Happy PPF. xox
maria said…
All are lovely but the self portrait is the best. Thanks for joining Orange you glad.
Anne Manda said…
Lovely pieces, really like your unusual self portrait, awesome collection! Love the pink and green page, too - great colors, nice to know their symbolic meanings!
Lovely work, the layering is great.
NatureFootstep said…
nice self portrait. :)
Lorraine said…
great post and I like your card and drawing. Its been a difficult week with the Boston bombing and the Texas tragedy so hope you are all ok over there
Anonymous said…
Beautiful!!! Thanks for joining Crazy amigo's
Unknown said…
I love your self portrait ~ assembly. Found you through Bella's project 52.
Netty said…
great ATC and fab artwork, glad you had such a happy visit. Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Unknown said…
how thoughtful to investigate the symbolic meanings of the colors. And the name you chose is poetic! wonderful artwork as always! :)
PiaRom said…
The first piece is so interesting with the old coin and the cool wheel! Love it! and your scetch is wonderful too ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de
Linda Kunsman said…
You really make the most fantastic cards a la Tim Holtz style -impressive Arnoldo!! Your journal page is a soft and beautiful contrast to the card. Happy PPF!
Zauberpalme said…
Awesom work Arnoldo! Happy weekend ;D
Victoria said…
Wow..brilliant post..love your cards ..the coin is amazing.Love your self portrait sketch..totally fabulous! ad your photo of the boots touched me deeply..not only a magnificent photo..but boots/shoes always make me think of my father who is a shoemaker ..from Italy..seeing every kind of shoe and boot you can imagine in his shop since I was a little girl has been wonderful! so I LOVE That! And loooove the green docs..i have never had green ones..yours are beautiful..I always had ox-red ones growing up, then black, blue. Glad to know a docM kindred! they are the most comfy boots ever!

And such beautiful words..wishing thoughts of comfort and love to all those who need peace in these tragedies!
Victoria
bellefrogworks said…
That card is just amazing - self portrait not bad at all for 15 minutes! I also love you put pieces of yourself and your family into each post. I love to hear people's stories and we all have stories to tell. Wonderful dedication - evil abounds in this world - but good has won the victory! HPPF
Faye said…
Your masculine greeting card using the TH things is really nice, Arnoldo. It would be a treat to receive. And the journal page is simply great.
Ritu Dua said…
Lovely...lovely post ! The cards are so good and that portrait is amazing...the words engrossing as always !!
The photograph is my favorite for I just love"vintage'!
Lmkazmierczak said…
All your creations are intriguing♫ Happy week-end♥ My OYGIF: http://lore-eleven.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-break-in-clouds.html
Adri Munhoz said…
hi Arnoldo: wonderful creations! bless you! we have another challenge at Blog dos Desafios: this time you need to use a sketch that I drawed. i'm looking forward to seeing what you will do with it. hugs
http://sodesafios.blogspot.com.br/2013/04/desafio-13.html
MaiThreeBoyz said…
i love the last photo. that's a great self portrait.
Joy Murray said…
We are all so blessed that you make the time to be creative. I love your cards and collages. The self portrait is so compelling -- it kind of takes the self out and puts in the history and soul. Blessings to you!
Ayala Art said…
As always, fantastic and super creative work, thanks for sharing :oD
Anonymous said…
Love the self portrait.
Lynn Cohen said…
Lots on that act all grand!
Love the boots. Especially the green ones!!!
Thanks for sharing yourself this way!
DVArtist said…
All very nice. You always have wonderful art to share.
Nicole/Beadwright
manomij said…
That is a fabulous post I really love all those boats and they say so much about you. I am wondering what mine will say about me. Great idea! You have got me thinking now:)
Maria Medeiros said…
Absolutely wonderful! very positive piece. Meaningful and cheerful! Fantastic!
Meihsia Liu said…
LOve your beautiful creations. Thank you so much for sharing. ^_^
Annabelle said…
Lots of great art work , loving the last pic of your self portrait...a memorable piece : )
Unknown said…
Love the artwork this week, especially the boots... Great photo.. :)
Unknown said…
I can't really read the text to your post, but I love the drawing in your journal! :)
ASHISH BARDHAN said…
Wonderful Art work. Absolutely Amazing
Here's my Work
http://ashbeezone.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/sassy-diva-sketching/
}{appy Sunday !!
great post...love all the art and color naming idea! The self portrait is very telling. I might try that!
cheers, dana
Anonymous said…
Wonderfully creative masculine card and journal ~ love your 'self portrait' photo ~ says so much ~ especially the boots ~ ^_^

Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Unknown said…
you are so creative!!! lovely work!!!!
Gemiel said…
Short and sweet, your smorgasbord is still extremely filling. I love the symbolism in your photograph and that the bible with the cross is in a prominent position so that the viewer knows without doubt, to whom you belong. I've been eyeing that Tim Holtz die for awhile and I love how you incorporated it on your card. Great self portrait too :). Have a blessed week!
What a great sketch! You're always so creative! :) I also like your old typewriter, too.
Anna-Karin said…
Another beautiful post! I am glad you had a good time with your daughter. Great piece with the Picture Wheel and the journaling page is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
Barb Cady said…
I love your posts. Aren't daughters a blessing? God gave me mine after a wait of ten years, I still can't believe I am so blessed! Glad you had a good time with yours. I had to buy that picture wheel too, I love what you have done with it on this card and the rest of your post. Live love and laugh Arnoldo, hugs x
annie said…
Love your post and your interpretation of your self portrait!
janice smith said…
Wonderful, wonderful work! Love that self portrait sketch and the card is really great. The boots are genius! Looks like you had a lot of fun.
lorik said…
Interesting self portrait through objects - I guess I did something similar:) I also have a vintage typewriter sitting here on a shelf:)
Great composition and lovely glow.
Thank you for sharing on Mandarin Orange Monday:)