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!

Comments

Carol said…
I like you art journal for WAW! The lettering is cool and the drawing of your daughters are cute. Thanks for sharing.
Mmmmm . . . I love Pica de Gallo (except I pick out the jalapeno's) Love your illustrative art and beautiful lettering. I also love your take on Word Art Wednesday - what gorgeous art you created with this amazing verse!! ~ Blessings

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Fabulous journal page, great images and writing. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x
minnemie said…
Yum - we love salsa! Beautifully illustrated too.
Tracey FK said…
Love the Friday Smorgasbord idea dn it is a smorgasbord of wonderful... love the recipe and the glimpse at the studio... I usually start the day fairly organised but it slowly unravels as the day and art progress... have a wonderful creative week...xx
GlorV1 said…
Great idea for the Friday Smorgasbord. Excellent pieces and great recipe for Pico de Gallo, of which I love.:) Very nice work Arnoldo. Thx for stopping by my PPF. Have a wonderful weekend.
Patrice said…
You are amazingly prolific, Arnoldo! Love your art journal - I hope you'll link up at 52 Card Pickup again this week!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/07/52-card-pickup-week-28.html
Terrie said…
what a fabulous smorgasbord! each selection more yummy than the last. I like your illustrated recipe (i'm visiting from APR) and your delightful journal page. Great work!
Winnie said…
What a keepsake that recipe will be for your daughters. Not only having the recipe, but the artwork of their dad on it. Love that. I had to smile at your picture with the washtub. I recall being little and my parents found one in a yardsale, and it was our "pool". didn't know any better and loved it. Your cross is soooo pretty.
Molly said…
your recipe is beautifully illustrated and sounds delicious. love seeing your journal page-- i love seeing lettering incorporated with art work.
Great art, Arnoldo! I will need to try that recipe. YUM! Thanks for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday. Have a blessed week.
Karen L
word Art Wednesday
HeARTworks said…
That really was a smorgasbord! Something for everyone! My favorite is the illustrated recipe from your mom, especially since anything with cilantro gets my vote! Patsy from
HeARTworks
Heather said…
A fabulous creation, I love in incorporating your fabulous artwork with recipe.

hugs Heather xx
Thanks so much for joining us with Simon Says Stamp challenge
Marlena M. said…
I was led here by the cross~ ;) It's gorgeous! Your journal is beautiful~thank you for sharing it at Word Art Wednesday. Your girls are blessed to have parents that pray for them!
Mary C. Nasser said…
Love the idea of Friday Art Smorgasbord as a series! Great first post with your Pico de Gallo!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Gloria j Zucaro said…
So much fun to see all your beautiful artwork in many media. I love your drawings,word art and seeing vignettes around your home.
Gemiel said…
What an awesome smorgasboard of art. You have truly blessed us at word art Wednesday this week. Not only did we get to taste the beautiful journal page with the prayer pocket for your daughters-love this idea-we got to feast on your other art!! I am filled with your blessings!!
Jinny Newlin said…
Great projects here! LOVE that jewel-studded cross for our take! Such a beautiful treasure! Thanks so much for playing along with us this week at The Play Date Cafe!
bellefrogworks said…
I enjoyed your art smorgasbord - I really love the drawing of your daughters and the pocket to store prayers in. Happy PPF
Neesie said…
Oh my, you have been busy Arnoldo,
I think your Friday Art Smorgasbord is a great idea which will give us an eclectic art feast!
Thanks for your recipe...I have a friend who makes a Salsa but won't divulge her ingredients, so I'll use your's and wow her!
It was great to peek at your desk too...oh how I wish I had a new laptop (although this one has been so faithful I daren't upset it :$)
I hope you have a super Sunday! Enjoy :D
Jennifer McLean said…
your recipe art is really wonderful. and now I know how to make pico de gallo!
thanks for sharing.
Alicia said…
LOve the beads & wiring that you added to this piece of art. Beautiful work once again! Thanks so much for joining us at The Play Date Cafe this week!
Electra said…
Good to see you here with your lovely fence and BBQ grill! and I think your idea for Friday Art is wonderful! Thanks for playing along with us at Opus Gluei this week!
VonnyK said…
Love your recipe (although I will have to leave out the chillies, they are too hot for me). Great illustrations and the journal page with the children is beautiful.
Have a great week.
Von #51
Bella Cirovic said…
Loving your photos here! Thank you for linking up this week :)
I came from WOYWW and APR. You can't go wrong with any recipe using cilantro. I grow my own, but have no luck with peppers, even ornamental ones!
Lynn Cohen said…
Wonderful art journal pages...delicious and so well drawn out too...lovely artsy cross and enjoyed reading your family life stories as well.

HPPF on Sunday!
Abela said…
Hello, welcome to the artists the Friday meeting, your recipe is a bit strong for me, recently returned from Mexico and my stomach and my mouth burning are still lol. Saludos desde España.
Ms. Becky said…
your thumbnail in the gallery instantly caught my eye - I think it was the cross hanging above the circles. I love it! happy day to you.
May said…
Hi Visiting from WOYWW... WOW.. what AmAzing art work...love your recipe.. fab!! I had to join as a follower so as to visit again soon... Have a happy week... Hugs May x x x No 8
*Alison* said…
I really love the doodling in your art journal :)
It's always a pleasure to come and view your art, Arnoldo. There's always something fresh, unique and delightful here! The cross is so beautiful. :) Thanks for playing with us at The Play Date Cafe, and for leaving me some love at my own blog, too!

PS - pico de gallo = YUM!
Melissa Bove said…
Fabulous pieces of art Arnoldo! The Art Journal pages are awesome and I love that amazing cross! You are a true artist!!

Thank you very much for joining us this week at the Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog!

Hugs...
Melissa
Great multitasking post, participating in many challenges and sharing your art and life. Way cool.
michelle gd said…
especially loving the circles photo :)
Anna-Karin said…
Fabulous projects! Lovely colours, details and messages. Thank you for playing along at Simon Says Stamp & Show!
Wendy Swenne said…
Wow Arnoldo.... this is stunning. You keep surprising me with so many different kind of art you make.
So great to see that you are so versatile :D

Love the recipe card. And the art journal page is so cute.
And that cross!!! That's my fave color.


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

Wendy
Linda said…
I love all the work, especially the recipe page for "Pico de Gallo". Yummy!
Donna B. said…
Beautiful cross Arnoldo! Also loving your art journal page and the text on it. Thanks for joining us again this week at The Play Date Cafe.
WOW! You have been SUPER busy! Great creations--my fav is that cross! LOOOOOOOOOVE the design and use of colors and beads! BEAUTIFUL:) THANKS so much for joining in the fun and playing along with us over at the PDCC:)
Barb Cady said…
Wonderful art Arnoldo, but I so love that cross. I started to collect painted wooden crosses from our Cathedrals here in England as we are trying to visit as many as possible, but I never thought of doing my own. You are inspiring! love and light to you and your family. x
Jana said…
Love your works. That recipe is wonderful. The grill scene is SO AMERICAN. LOVE it. Thanks so much for playing along with us at OPUS GLUEI.