Friday Art Smorgasbord #5

This was a hectic week, and it's not going to get any better for a while.  Besides the regular house chores to be done, my two daughters and I have been getting ready to go back to school.  However, I thank God I had some time to work in my studio.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
The first two photographs above are for What's on your Workdesk Wednesday #166 and Inspire Me Monday Week 31.  The first picture is part of the current series of vignettes in my studio that I've been featuring.  This area of my studio is for storage and reading.  I use the vintage cases to store finished paintings, surplus art supplies, books, and to display a few decorative items.  The seat, which was in my childhood home, provides a comfortable and cozy place for my dog and me to read - LOL!  You can't see it, but there's an adjustable pegboard bar on the wall that I use to hang larger paintings.  The second picture, which I'm also submitting to Paint Party Friday: Week 22 and Artists in Blogland - Wonder, shows elements that I'm working on inspired by the "Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2012  - August."  Tim used his stamped silhouettes, as well as his flower and leaf die-cuts.  As an artist, parent and Gifted Specialist, I strongly believe in continually fostering a sense of wonder and creativity in myself and others.  Therefore, I cut my own silhouettes based on memories of my daughters' childhood profiles.  I also painted my own kraft paper, as well as designed my own flower and leaf patterns.  God willing, I will share my finished tag design next week.

Art - Enjoy the Journey
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I did get to complete some other projects such as this tag collage, which I titled "Art - Enjoy the Journey."  I don't gamble, but decided I could make a case about the similarities between artists and gamblers.  Both of them take chances in what they do, without knowing what results they'll get.  In my mind, the main goal is probably the joy they experience during the process.  You may read more about my theory at Tag Tuesday - Casino Amusements, as well as take a look at my artist team members' work.  I used a playing card, vintage images, glossy accents, painter markers, Prismacolor pencils, a micron pen, ink pads, a felt heart, raffia, beads, washi tape, and a Tim Holtz word band.

Rt. Rev. Leonardo Romero, DD
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
This leads me to my fourth photograph, which I'm submitting to the 52 Photos Project's Gallery 16 - GiftTake a Word Challenge - Memories, and Word Art Wednesday #40.  This is one of my favorite pictures of my father, the late Rt. Rev. Leonardo Romero, DD.  I took the photograph during a Diocesan Council with a 35mm camera back in the early 1980's.  Therefore, I had to scan it and adjust the hues digitally.  It reminds me of one of the most important gifts I've received.  Through my father, I learned what Jesus said in John:14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  Once I accepted this knowledge, I received the precious gift of redemption.  Although I am not without sin, and probably will never be able to, I do try my personal best to follow a good Christian life.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
This next picture is of an art journal entry I did based on a childhood memory, which I've titled "The Beginning and The End."  My father traveled around the world as part of his ministry, so he visited Japan in the early 1970's.  Later, we were blessed by a visit from the Bishop of Japan and his wife.  It was a fascinating spiritual experience which also made me fall in love with the Japanese culture.  I started by working on the ATC drawing, which I did for my Twenty Minute Challenge post.  You can read about the process there.  Next, I worked on the miniature origami crane card, which I embellished with washi tape strips.  Inside, I wrote the scripture found in Revelation 22:13, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, The Beginning and the End."  I arranged the items on the left side page, and used my "poor" Japanese calligraphic skills to write the "A Un" characters, which stand for "the beginning and the end."  I also stamped the word peace.  On the right side page, I created a design using a store bought "chopstick instructions" tag and some washi tape strips.  I used the design as a background to write a Haiku poem:

TRINITY
Beginning & End,
On earth & beyond the stars,
Father, Son, Spirit.


© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
The next photograph is from another art journal page I titled, "Whiter Than Snow."  I posted it on Monday Artday - Bathtime, and am submitting it to Artist's Playroom #21 - Turquoise and Lime, Inspiration Avenue - Zentangles, and Simon Says Stamp & Show - Paint It Up.  It's a whimsical page to remind me of Psalm 51:7, "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."  I started by doing a drawing of ©Anel's dogs, my original characters, and designed a hose border using Zentangle patterns.  I matted my drawing with a turquoise and lime print card stock tile.  Next, I painted the background using turquoise and lime acrylic paints.  When it was dry, I added 3 washi tabs to my tile and glued it to the background.  Finally, I wrote the scripture with a black paint marker and added some doodling to finish filling the page.  This was a fun page to work on.

Little Love
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Last, but not least, I worked on a baby card.  Working in the education world, my coworkers are primarily women, so I get invited to baby showers sometimes.  I used The Play Date Cafe - Challenge #144 colors of pink carnation, orange sherbet, and lemonade, on the Card Positioning Systems Sketch #277.  I also took the Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Let's Play Bingo, so I used ribbon, a die-cut, and buttons.  I used a Tim Holtz butterfly print for the background, a Punch Studio die-cut dimensional sticker of a baby, orange card stock, Pressed Petals striped print card stock, a lace pattern embossing plate, a pink and a sepia ink pad, buttons, ribbon, a black micron pen, and a scrap of kraft paper.  I believe it could be used for a boy or girl, but I'll need to confirm that with my wife.  LOL!

I hope you enjoyed this Friday Art Smorgasbord.  You are cordially invited to leave a comment and/or join my list of followers.  I want to thank everyone who took the time to do so last week.  In closing, please remember,  when working on your art, enjoy the journey.  Blessings!

Comments

Netty said…
Lots of lovely crafting here, thank you for sharing. Happy PPF, Annette x
Donna B. said…
Very cute baby card Arnoldo! Love the button flowers! Thanks for playing again this week at The Play Date Cafe.
Praise God for Fathers who love the Lord and teach their children of His love. The Psalms tell us that they are like trees planted by the water who bear much fruit. I can see your Father's fruit in you, Arnoldo. Now it's your turn to teach God's love to your children and give them this legacy of love. I know that's what you Father would expect of you. Godly men raise Godly children to continue this blessed legacy.

Thanks for sharing this with us at Word Art Wednesday. It was a tremendous blessing to me.

Your Sister in Christ Jesus,
Karen
Jennifer McLean said…
thanks so much for playing in my APR this week, I think this piece is so cute, the addition of zentangles to the T&L is great.
Thanks for participating in IA's challenge too, I appreciate it.
Best,
Jenn
Anonymous said…
Beautiful projects! I love the art journal page and the scripture behind it! The Simon Says Stamp & Show design team thanks you for participating in this week's challenge! - Ashli
Lori Saul said…
A wonderful journey through your art works- love the Asian inspired journal work!
annie said…
Love the photo and all the artwork too!
bellefrogworks said…
You were able to create quite a bit - even with a hectic week. Wonderful to travel on your art journey.
Gloria j Zucaro said…
Another wonderfully creative week, Arnoldo.
Neesie said…
There's always so much to see when visiting you Arnoldo. I loved seeing your studio space and those vintage cases are fantastic!
The photograph of your father is priceless!
I've actually bought myself a journal after seeing so many people using there's...so now I just have to start. I love your White Washed Dogs...so much fun!
Have a great weekend whatever you get up to. Enjoy!
Neesie (APR#8)
Patrice said…
All I can say is WOW! Love that picture of your father - hope you'll link up at 52 Card Pickup again this week!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/08/52-card-pickup-week-32.html
Candy C said…
Arnoldo, you are so talented. I am just amazed at your drawings. The Japanese lady that you did for a 10 minute challenge...oh my goodness! I would STILL be trying to draw her and it would never come out looking that good! That art journal is beautiful and I love the story behind your inspiration. I loved the "enjoy the journey" ATC, too. Really cool and I love how you photographed it! I also love your "take" on Psalm 51:7. Such a cute drawing and the Zentangle work around this drawing is so nicely done. Thank you so much for sharing your art and your stories with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Eliza said…
I am so please you have joined the WOYWW'ers this week. I do love reading through your travels and tribulations. I love the vintage cases in your room, so precious are the vintage items and your journals are so creative, your fathers picture again, love it all.

Until next time
Eliza #30
Vinay Leo R. said…
A beautiful haiku, that one... I can picture something without the explanation as well :)

Thank you for sharing, and welcome to Haiku Heights :)

~ Leo @ I Rhyme Without Reason ~
...a delightful posting Arnoldo, richly filled with fond memories, a wonderful moment in time of your Father taken by your own hand, loVe your collage tag it's beautiful and I look forward to seeing Tim's August tag too...have a super weekend...Mel :)
Anna-Karin said…
Another post full of inspiration! Love the silhouette you cut and the great art tag. Fabulous journaling page and a great photo of your dad. Thank you for joining us again this week at Simon Says Stamp and Show!!
VonnyK said…
I love looking at all the things you do each week. You always manage to do so much. Your silhouettes are beautiful and I love the turquoise and lime entry for APR. Lovely memories of your father. All lovely.
Have a great week.
Von
Natasha said…
So much inspiration in this post. And I love your vintage cases!!
TwinkleToes2day said…
Always so much to view and admire. Thanks for sharing :0)
So many wonderful projects - some of my faves are always your art journal entries. You are so right about art takes chances without knowing the results. LOL! Love your thoughts and memories expressed about your dad and his influences on your life and faith. I received your gorgeous ATC and of course even more beautiful in person. It will be treasured!! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Maggie said…
I love the puppies in the washtub, and the zentangle frame is the finishing touch!

The Japanese journal entry is wonderful, as is the story to go with it. I'm also drawn to the tag ~ red, black, and white is one of my favorite color combinations.
Mary C. Nasser said…
Loving the Whiter Than Snow journal pages especially! I am such a dog-lover! :)
So prolific again! Wow!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Lynn Cohen said…
good grief man! You are involved in so many art groups it boggles the mind. I am going to react to one that popped out at me and that is the gambler art card! I love playing cards; I see the art rush/gambler rush as somewhat similiar...I like the card and how it's put together. Yes, for me drawing is a bit of a gamble...trying new things, will anyone like it, will I like it, but mostly its just have fun and enjoy the journey! And I do.
Lunch Lady Jan said…
I love that tag, it's so exciting! But most of all, I love that photo of your father - he's almost not the subject, being small in frame and not in the centre, but it encapsulates everything he must have been...wonderful :)
Hugs, LLJ #13 xx
Marji said…
What a awesome post. You have so much going on. I'm loving those tags. Beautiful work. Happy PPF
Teri said…
I'm new to following your blog and I am enjoying it very much.
Hwee said…
Wow, you're a busy man! I love all the work that you've created. It's amazing to see someone do so much in a week!
Fuchsia said…
Thankyou so very much for your kind words:0)
I love your studio and the vintage storage your work is awesome
and the picture of your father is quite lovely
have a great week
Siggadisart said…
Lots to read and lots to look at, love the boy and a girl cut out. Thank you for visiting my blog.
Leovi said…
Excelentes composiciones, me encanta tu poesía visual. Saludos.
Kaylene said…
Thank you for sharing your recent work and stories. Cheers
Boy, you've been busy, Mister! I can't believe with getting ready to go back to school times 3 that you had the time to create and post. :) I always enjoy reading what you write and seeing what you show. Love that pic of your dad.
Shoshi said…
Gorgeous art, as always, Arnoldo. So varied, and so interesting too - I loved the picture of your father, and reading about him, and about your faith.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad we are not alone in having so much stuff! My work space is actually not very efficient, although I am working on it! I'm having a huge clear-out at the moment which will enable me to move things a bit and hopefully get more organised, especially as I've now emptied a filing cabinet, and once I mend one of the drawers, I will have more storage space.

Shoshi #50
Gemiel said…
I so thoroughly enjoy your Friday Art Smorgasbords. Your art and your careful thought behind each piece inspires me each week. I hope you have the time to continue the smorgasbord after the school year begins. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday !
Winnie said…
Such great pieces. I love that you used your daughters' silhouettes as inspiration for Tim's tag for the month. Your baby card is awesome. I love the use of the butterfly paper for the background. I loved that you shared your dad's picture with us. He gave you the most precious gift of faith. It will be with you always, as I know he is.
rebecca said…
welcome to haiku my heart. i love your trinity haiku and favorite photograph of your father. you are so right, it is always about the journey; about being present and living life from the heart, thank you for sharing yours.
Electra said…
Your work is always so fascinating. I love your Oriental piece and thank you for describing your process!
Anne Manda said…
Lovely works, so rich and warm! Really like the "gambler tag", great insight, too, the japanese style page and the puppy drawing are beautiful!
Bella Cirovic said…
Beautiful photos, words, and reflections! Thank you for linking up again this week :)
Victoria said…
Hello Arnoldo..super beautiful post..a feast for the eyes and heart..i love the photo of your father..deeply touching..and love all your gorgeous artwork! I was also admiring some of your previous posts..and love your icons..very powerful and spiritual!
Victoria
Morti said…
I'm really late getting round to everyone this week! Thanks for stopping by my blog though.

Fab post with lots to look at - v. interesting and some great artwork!
Unknown said…
Beautiful post! Love the photo of your studio corner. Your artwork is fabulous as are the silhouettes.
Priti Lisa said…
What a fantastic blog! I love your whimsical humor in your art and the fact that it also carries a bigger, spiritual message.♥
Queen Lightwell said…
You have been very productive! I especially like that last baby shower card. Precious! :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a congratulations. I really appreciate it! :)
Deeyll
Carolyn Dube said…
So much creativity here!!
Unknown said…
Hi Arnold - phew you have been busy!! I love your Art Smorgasbord - I know what one is but I definitely needed your help to spell it :-) I can't wait to see your Tim Tag the silhouettes of your girls are fabulous. I love to visit your blog as you can feel how much very single piece of your art means to you - Have a great week - I am really late visiting this week. Belated WOYWW Hugs from Helen 23
Jane Wetzel said…
wow wow wow! I LOVE everything here...the pic of your father is breathtaking and the tag=awesome...what a feast for the eyes!
Veronica Z said…
I am just in awe of your talent! Everything you touch is a work of art! I LOVE the baby card you created, definietly something to be framed for a permanent display! Thank you for playing along with us this week at The Play Date Cafe!!
Janetcraft said…
wow wht an artistic blog!
Thanks for visiting my blog and glad you felt the Victorian feel!
Sharon Wagner said…
Your collages really tell a story. And you do a great job explaining your work and telling where you are submitting it. Very interesting.
Jen Cuthbertson said…
What a wonderful baby card, Arnoldo! Thank you for playing along with us at The Play Date Cafe this week!
~amy~ said…
awesome projects! Thanks for playing with us at The Play Date Cafe!
Lisabella Russo said…
Wow, you've been quite productive! I love your studio and the ART/gambling tag is so beautiful. I think it's an interesting thought, art can be a bit like gambling I suppose, I don't gamble for the most part either though.
Connie Mercer said…
I loved the vintage feel of this card!!! Thanks for playing with us at the PDCC!!!
Meihsia Liu said…
Wow...these are such awesome creations. Thank you for sharing...:)
Kristen H said…
I love your creativity! The wash me and I will be whiter than snow sketch is so wonderful! What a great way to illustrate the love of that message. I am so glad I found your blog through the Opus Gluei. I am truly being inspired to get me sketch books out and just be free with them. I haven't done that in a while.
God bless you and your art! You are amazingly blessed!
cheiron said…
Everything you have created is wonderful! Love your tag with the hearts and the card you have made for the challenge. Thanks for playing along with the Simon Says Challenge Blog this week!
Paula (PEP) said…
I love the attention to detail you place in your photos - they are like mini pieces of artwork on top of the artwork you are photographing! I had to smile at the photo of your father - my mother ordained by one of the UK Non-Conformist churches so that she could work within the Prison Chaplaincy. Very specially my husband to be asked her to conduct our marriage.
Paula (PEP)
Kate Yetter said…
So much to see! You are quite talented. Can't wait to see more of your art!
Clare Lloyd said…
lots of fab projects.