Friday Art Smorgasbord - Field of Dreams

Greetings!  Today, I am proud to be celebrating the first year anniversary of "Arnoldo L. Romero Art & Design Blog."  Just like in the movie Field of Dreams, I felt that "If you build it, he (or they) will come."  However, during my first 9 posts, I had no comments and only a few views according to my stats.  I did not give up and kept on working on it.  Eventually, you started coming, leaving comments, and/or joining my list of followers.  My blog audience is now growing - THANK YOU!

Pen and Ink
5x7" Art Journal
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
In addition to my blog, I am now an artist team member on several other blogs.  One of them is Tag Tuesday, where Carolyn Saxby asked us to use a "Rock Pool" theme.  In order to become more familiar with rock pools, I did a little research on them and stumbled upon a picture of a little girl holding a crab.  I loved the image, so I decided to use it for my Twenty Minute Challenge post, where I'm a member of Teri Casper's artist team.  Since it goes with the theme, I am also submitting this art journal page to The Order of the Opus Gluei - Challenge # 135, Where'd you get your suntan?

Mixed Media
Bookmark Tag
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
As I continued my rock pool research, I remembered an incident that took place during a family vacation.  During a walk, we saw a crawfish crossing a parking lot.  I though it would be a great opportunity to teach my girls about the local fauna.  Well, the feisty little creature did not like the idea, and immediately propped his claws up at us when we approached it.  Our youngest daughter screeched in terror, and it ended my lesson.  The memory of that incident gave me an idea.  You may recall Anel, the character I've been developing (From a Dream and Nursery Rhyme - Mary Had a Little Lamb).  I decided to use Anel to illustrate what would happen if the incident had taken place at a rock pool.  Since it fits, I am also submitting my tag bookmark to Craft Artwork - Holiday Tag, where they now know me on a first name basis too - LOL!

Mixed Media
5x7" Art Journal
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Another blog where I am also a member is Art Monday.  Our head, Mike, asked us to illustrate our favorite superhero team.  Around 2001, when my family and I first got cable TV, my girls started watching the "Powerpuff Girls" on Cartoon Network.  The show, which was created by animator Craig McCracken, centered around Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, 3 kindergarten-aged girls with super powers.  It was a fun and wholesome show that we enjoyed watching together, so I chose to illustrate the main characters.  Although my daughters are now in High School and College, they still remember the Powerpuffs' names.  LOL!  Even though I didn't use stamps, I am submitting this to Simon Says Stamp and Show - Hey Girl, because of the theme, as well as to Crazy Amigo Challenge - Free Theme.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I love designing greeting cards, because they are a marvelous venue for me to incorporate my art work and hone on my graphic design skills.  I've featured a plethora of them in my blog during the year and entered them to various blog challenges.  The latter has allowed me to make many good friends, who are talented artist and/or designers.  Therefore, I felt I needed to make a card in lieu of my anniversary celebration.  I used the Card Positioning Systems CPS #275 sketch.  Since I am featuring a print of my painting of Christ titled I Need You Now, I am submitting it to Word Art Wednesday - Never Give Up too  Without Him, who provided me with strength, courage and wisdom, I probably would have given up on my blog.  Last, but not least, I used The Play Date Cafe PDCC #142 color story of cobalt, goldenrod and peony.  I used the color to design my focal point, which I attached to a neutral colored background print by Tim Holtz.  The latter 2 blog teams, which are led by Karen Letchworth and Julie Ranae respectively, have recognized my work on their blogs a couple of times.  Thanks!

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Archangel Gabriel (UNFINISHED)
Acrylic 8x10" Canvas
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
This Summer, I found several new fun blogs.  I am submitting the two projects above to Julia Dunnit's, What's On Your Workdesk? - Week #164; to Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week #20; and to Inspire Me Monday - Week 29.  The first picture is of an inspirational, yet practical, nook in my studio between two of my bookshelves.  I use the collection of vintage boxes to store my finished greeting cards and tags.  I found most of the boxes, as well as the 1930's Remington typewriter, at a local thrift store.  I made the sculpture of my hand a while back, and my iPad holds my eclectic collection of music - LOL!  (By the way, I got the chicken wire drawer set that some of you asked about in last week's post at a local Marshall's Department Store.)  The second picture is of an icon that I'm currently writing - you don't "paint" icons.  I sketched it out about a year ago, but hadn't worked on it until this week.  Icons are truly a meditative form of art, so I have to be in the proper frame of mind to work on them.  God willing, I should be finished with it soon, so that I may share the finished piece next week.

Nature in White
B&W Digital Photography
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Mark 5:36
5x5" Art Journal
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Just like Paint Party Friday, some of the blogs that I've joined this Summer dedicate themselves primarily to the fine arts.  I am submitting "Nature in White" to Bella Cirovic's 52 Photos Project - Gallery 14 {White}; and "Mark 5:36" to Jen McLean's Artist's Playroom # 19 and to Inspiration Avenue - Swirls.  The photographic composition that I put together consists of a ram skull and a couple of deer antlers, which are all indigenous to the Southwestern region of the United States where I live.  I emphasized the white in my subjects by transforming the photograph into a black and white image and adding a white mat.  For my art journal entry, I used the "ink, pens & paper" theme suggested by Jen, along with my calligraphic skills to write the text.  Then, I illuminated the letter "B" by adding flourishes which transformed into a vine of swirly flowers.  This was a fun project to work on.

ATC Collection
Various Media and Techniques
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Finally, I want to present to you a collection of 7 of my ATCs that I worked on during the year.  I am submitting the collection to Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes and the fish ATC collage to Collage Obsession - Fish Are Jumping.  Since I never participated in an ATC program, I am giving these ATCs away through a drawing in celebration of my blog anniversary - no trade necessary.  In order to be eligible to participate in the drawing, you must do the following:
  1. Be a member of my blog.  If you are not currently a member, please join.
  2. Leave a comment on this post by Thursday, August 2, 2012, and tell me you want to participate in the drawing.
  3. I will post the winners' names on the Friday Art Smorgasbord, on August 3, 2012, and request that winners e-mail me their mailing addresses at that time.

Well, although my "Field of Dreams" is still very much a work in progress, I am very proud of its development thus far.  To begin with, I want to continue to broaden my audience, set my Etsy shop, and join a couple of other teams.  I want to thank all my blogging friends once again for your motivational comments and/or following my blog.  I also want to give a special thanks to all my artist team members at Tag TuesdayBorqna, who awarded me the Liebster Blog Award; and Tenia Nelson, who conducted my interview for Fascinating Fridays.  Above all I thank my Lord, for a loving family and for allowing me to make it this far in my artistic journey, as I read, explore and create.  Blessings!

Comments

Eila A said…
Hi Arnoldo! Congratulations for your blog's first anniversary! Your collection of atcs looks great - such a variety of themes and techniques. But I noticed that there is something in common in almost all of them: the theme of flying. So let your dreams and imagination fly on - you will create wonderful things!
Maggie said…
These are all wonderful! You have been busy! I especially love the tag "at the rock pool" and "Nature in White".
Winnie said…
Happy Anniversary!! So exciting. It is great that you have been growing your blog and stretching and sharing your artistic talents. I love that you are working with others as well. I love that facial expression on the bookmark, and those great powder puff girls! Your drawings are so great. I am glad to have found your blog!!
Karen Smithey said…
Happy Anniversary! You certainly have been busy!

Your crawdad story would have ended differently in my family :) All three kids would have oohed and aahed and then they would have had me pick it up and move it somewhere safe, and I would have done it because after all, it's just a pinch, and "you've been bitten by an alligator lizard, mom--it can't be worse than that!"
Alice said…
whoa! you've been busy! love the power puff girls - brings back lots of memories! and i really like your mark 5:36 page!
Great mix of artwork and I love the vintage typewriter!
Borqna said…
Happy Anniversary!
Wonderful post! Great overview of the work throughout the year! Thanks for having mentioned my name.
I really want to participate in the drawing. / I will go on 3 August evening. I will not have a computer three weeks /.
When a person is talented, when one works with passion, he radiates positive energy.This positive energy we feel in the air and enjoy, it makes us happy and good.
Thank you, Arnoldo!
Blessings!
Jennifer McLean said…
You have been very, very busy this week. thanks for fitting in APR, your drawing and quote are lovely.
Best,
Jenn
Jennifer McLean said…
Oh, and I forgot, congratulations on your one year!! It only gets better from here. :o)
Patrice said…
Happy Bloggerversary, Arnoldo! You're such an inspiration...I hope you'll link up again this week at 52 Card Pickup!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/07/52-card-pickup-week-30.html
Neesie said…
I have no idea how you fit in so many challenges Arnoldo...I'm in awe!
Your work is amazing and so beautiful.

Congratulations on your 1st Anniversary. ;D
Carry on having fun and inspiring us all.
Enjoy your weekend :D
Neesie (APR) #11
Tracey FK said…
congrats on the anniversary and that is a huge post of wonderful... loved seeing the powerpuff girls... I remember when my daughter loved them to bits... seems so long ago...xx
Gloria j Zucaro said…
Beautiful and enormous amount of art work again this week, Arnoldo. Congrats on the beginning of your second year of successful blogging!
Thank you for stopping by my blog to leave a comment on my APR entry this week.
Mary C. Nasser said…
Happy Blogoversary!
You are so very prolific and inspiring!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
TwinkleToes2day said…
Happy Anniversary Arnoldo!
What a lot of beautiful work you've created over the last week! I popped in from the APR and I love your submission for it. The flowers remind me so much of Charles Rennie Mackintosh roses - Just LOVEly :0)
Anna-Karin said…
Happy blog anniversary! Fabulous post with so many interesting pieces. All those ATC's are gorgeous. Lovely colours and design. Thank you for your comment on my train suitcase (I love old trains too, and can't ever walk past a train stamp without getting it). Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show this week!
First of all congratulations on your blogversary!! Your work is inspired and inspiring. Thanks for offering the ATC giveaway of your work. It would be a privilege to own some of your original work!! As you know, I have been a follower and appreciate your always kind and encouraging comments on my scrapbook pages. ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Lin said…
Hello Arnoldo, so glad I got to visit your blog! Your ATCs are wonderful, all so varied - thank you so much for sharing them with us at the Simon Says Stamp challenge!
Marlena M. said…
Lots of colorful and interesting pieces here! I am so glad you stuck with your blog~God is using it for sure! Thank you also for faithfully submitting to Word Art Wednesday!
Rosemary said…
Happy anniversary, it can be frustrating when you are building up blog traffic. but you won't have any trouble once people see all of the art you're creating. You have such a wonderful mix of projects, it is inspiring and I love the stories to go with them. Your art journal page and the bookmark are PERFECT for our Opus Gluei challenge. The store about your daughter really made me chuckle. Great illustration!

Thanks so much for finding our challenges interesting and joining up with us!
carol l mckenna said…
Happy Anniversary ~ lovely creations and your various styles are wonderful ~~ thanks, namaste, (A Creative Harbor)
bellefrogworks said…
I love all the very different art work - The PowerPuff girls are still a fav of my 7 yo grandson! I get to see a lot of cartoons with him! Happy Anniversary - I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary in September and trying to think of something special to do for it. I just love all the online friends I have made this year.
Gini said…
What a fabulous collection of your work! Congratulations on your 1st blog Birthday Arnoldo :-)
Thank you for joining us at Opus Gluei this fortnight:-)
Gini
xx
When I first started my blog, NOBODY came. It was sad. But I also didn't have a clue what I was doing. I am just so grateful to God that, through blogging, Word Art Wednesday, and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have all met one another and can share the gifts He has given each of us and glorify Him through our art. I am SO grateful for you sharing your beautiful gifts with us at Word Art Wednesday, Arnoldo. I am grateful for your friendship and for God allowing me to meet you and all the wonderful people I have through this outlet we love and call BLOGGING. God bless you for sharing these beautiful works.
Blessings,
karen L
Word Art Wednesday
Jinny Newlin said…
So many beautiful creations! I really love that bit of twine you've added beneath your image on our take! Such a great finishing touch! Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at The Play Date Cafe!

And thank you, too, for the kind words you left on my blog! Oh! And a big congrats on your celebration!
Leovi said…
Maravillosas, me encanta esa naturaleza en blanco, delicioso B/N. Saludos.
Anonymous said…
Congrats!!
Hello Arnoldo and a BIG Congratulations on your blog anniversary!!! I always love popping by your blog to see what wonderfully creative things you've made~
Linda said…
WOW you have been busy creating all these great art works. I have to say I really love your Anel tag. It is so sweet.


Thanks for visiting my blog today.
Eliza said…
Wow what post congratualitons on your bloganniversary that is one milestone now for many more to come. Your work is wonderful and I really enjoyed reading your story. I can't believe I am actually doing a layout well been sitting on my desk, started 1 week ago but still in the works, of the power puff girls, hows that for coincidence? Love your crab story and the girls at the rock pool. You are one amazing artist. Thanks for visiting me and please enjoy your anniversary. "I'll be back" as Arnie said. LOL

Eliza who was #16 but is now #17
Electra said…
Big congratulations on your blogiversary!! That's a very speical milestone. I love your wiritng and your art and the story of your girls and the rock pool is so precious. What a treasure this tag is! Thanks for joining us at Opus Gluei this week!
Congratulations on your first blog anniversary! I am so happy you linked up with 'in the studio' this week. It is nice to meet you and see your variety of amazing work! Love that you give credit to the Lord for your artistic journey. Such a blessing!
Linda Beeson said…
How fun to see so many great and different little creative pieces!!! Nice.
Alicia C said…
fun drawings (powerfuff girls LOLZ) and lots going on! how wonderful all yu could do in just one year of blog!! awesome
VonnyK said…
Congratulations on your one year anniversary. I must say you have been so busy to get all that art done. Your piece for APR is beautiful, those flowers are really lovely. I enjoy following your journey in the art world each week.
Von (APR)
gurka_krolowa said…
Haha of course we know you in Craft Artwork blog :D you are one of the most active person in many challenges there :)
Thanks for your holiday memories, it's great!
Unknown said…
WOW, you certainly made some fine pieces here Arnoldo, they look so good! Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog, have a great Sunday, Ira
irascreacorner.blogspot.com
Bella Cirovic said…
Happy 1 year of blogging! Thank you for linking up again this week :)
Paula (PEP) said…
Your Mark 5:36 is what I found here when you left a comment on my blog which brought tears to my eyes for I know He is involved. Seeing your artwork for Mark 5:36 I know He knows.
Thank you.
Paula (PEP)
Lou Anne Hazel said…
Congratulations on your Blog anniversary. I'm so glad you hung in there, even when you weren't receiving feedback.
Tracy said…
Happy One year!! Your Mark 5:36 for APR is gorgeous and beautiful. You are a busy busy person with all your involved in. I LOVED the expression on the girl with the crab on the bookmark! Warmly, Tracy
Adri Munhoz said…
Arnoldo, happy anniversary! I'm so happy! You're a wonderful artist and a supporter friend.
Thanks for sharing your art with us. Hugs
Kat W said…
Beautiful pieces of art & design. I'm visiting from the Inspiration Avenue challenge.
Congratulations on your first year blog-anniversary :-)
Kat
Wow! First, congratulations on your blog anniversary, Arnoldo!

And I am blown away by the number of design teams you have become part of, and how much work you've been doing to show us. The creativity is pouring forth!

Thank you so much for including The Play Date Cafe as one of your challenges this week. We are always glad to see you. :)
Unknown said…
Congrats on your first Blogoversary! :)
I found your wonderful blog through a comment you left on my daddy's blog. Love your art!!
Lynn Cohen said…
Oh my goodness, you follow so many art challenge groups I do not know how you can keep up with them all.
I'm there with you on TMC so I saw that top drawing and liked it already; and I'm here with you on PPF too. But that's my limit except for Sunday Sketchers. You not there yet? LOL
I love the book mark and the story that goes with it. Happy Anniversary!
Thank you for stopping by, Arnoldo! Although I don't always have time to read everything you post, I do enjoy your mixed media and other postings very much.
Eliza said…
Thank you for visiting me, I thought I had already left a comment but I cannot find it now and I am following up to make sure. I am so sorry. Loved your comment and funny enough I am now doing a layout on the power puff girls from that same holiday. Love your art and you are such a tallented artist, thank you for sharing your story, it is beautiful.

Eliza
Natasha said…
Happy one year anniversary! You have been so busy! My goodness, I am wondering if you ever sleep. :)
Donna B. said…
Congrats on the 1 year anniversary of your blog! Love the beautiful card you made with the Play Date Cafe colors this week! Thanks for joining us again at the Play Date Cafe this week.
WOOOOW! These are some amazing projects that you've shared---so beautiful!! All of them! I love the Powderpuff Girls! I never saw the show, but totally remember them! Fab use of the PDCC colors--beautiful drawing! I am glad you didn't give up on your blog--hoooooooray for your first birthday! CONGRATS:)

THANKS so much for joining in the fun and playing along with us over at the PDCC:)
Daniele Valois said…
very nice collection!
debby4000 said…
Fabulous interesting post, love all your artwork, my fave was the bookmark.
luv
Debby
Wendy Swenne said…
Happy blogoversary :D

And your art is so much fun to look at. And I love what you are sending in for us on WAW. Love it. Love your style of making art.

Thanks so much for sharing your art with us on WAW.

Wendy