Friday Art Smorgasbord - God's Creations

Greetings!  It's been an extremely busy week, and my schedule for the weekend doesn't look much better.  Therefore, I'm truly thankful for the gift of art, music and writing, which allow me to relax.  Enough said, I now want to thank everyone for their good wishes on my First Year Anniversary post last week.  I was truly touched by your heartfelt comments.  It is my goal to make a difference in the world through my writings and artwork, and due to some of your comments, I feel I'm accomplishing my goal.  Praise the Lord!

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Somehow, all my entries for this post relate to God's Creations, both in Heaven and earth.  The photograph above is of a micron pen sketch I did of a tomato vine in my backyard.  As I was working on it, I kept thinking of John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  Isn't it funny how the arts can evoke memories and feelings from our subconscious?  Anyway, I got a little overwhelmed with the stems and leaves, so I don't feel the sketch looks finished.  Since I used it for my Twenty minute Challenge posting, my time was limited and couldn't add more details.  Regardless, I'm also submitting it to Craft Artwork - Letter T, for Tomato, which is a word many languages borrowed from the Aztec's Nahuatl tongue.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
The second photograph is of an art journal entry I did for Simon Says Stamp and Show - What do you say? and Inspiration Avenue - Perfectly Pink.  I chose to illustrate ©Anel, my original character, who happens to love pink.  The journaling is based on the passage from Proverbs 12:10, "The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."  I love my collection of letter stamps, but I often forget to use them, so this was a perfect opportunity for me to play with them.  I'm also submitting this page to Three Muses Challenge - Windows and Take a Word Challenge - Butterflies.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
The third photograph, is of an art journal entry that could be considered a cat study.  My main source of inspiration was from Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Kristina's Inspiration, which featured a photograph of Kristina Werner's cat, Mannie.  She asked that participants use a color scheme of Black and White, with green, pink, red, blue and gray as accents.  Since I watch Kristina's tutorial videos regularly, I'm familiar with beautiful Mannie, so he was the perfect model.  (As a matter of fact, my greyhound goes crazy trying to find Mannie in my studio when he meow's during the videos.  LOL!)  I did a drawing based on the Mannie's photograph, an origami cat, and a doodle, all of which feature Kristina's inspirational colors.  I incorporated the pieces into my art journal page, along with some hand lettering, punched hearts, and a date strip by Smash.  (The blocks in the strip looked more pinkish on the roll - Phooey!)  I'm also submitting this page to Crazy Amigo - Punches.

Delicate, Soft and Fragile
Digitally Altered Photo
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Two of my favorite of God's creations are my 2 daughters.  Therefore, I am submitting this photo to 52 Photos Project Gallery 15 - Delicate.  I believe there is nothing more delicate, soft and fragile then a child,  "for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these," which is a quote found in Matthew 19:14.  I took this photograph over a decade ago.  My mother was in town, and the girls insisted on sleeping with her in the guest room.  They took turns telling stories until the girls fell asleep.  Since I took the photograph with a 35mm camera, I began by scanning it.  Then, I cropped it, blurred the edges and washed off the coloring digitally to create an ethereal feeling.  This is one of my favorite pictures of the girls, and I think I like it even better now.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
My fifth photograph is for What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday #165 and Inspire Me Monday #30.  As I've mentioned before, I love having artsy vignettes around my studio.  This vignette, which is on one of my studio's reference books' shelve, includes a pair of dolls I made using cutouts of my girls' faces, a artist's mannequin, a vintage paper doll, an anatomy doll, and two angels I made.  You can also see some mail art that I received from Franck de Las Mercedes, Traci Bautista, and Sandy Steen Bartholomew.  All these pieces serve as inspiration and motivation, encouraging me to continue my creative journey.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
The sixth picture brings me to the icon series I've been working on for a couple of years.  For this Christmas greeting card, I used a print of my "Mother of God" icon.  I designed the card using the color story in the The Play Date Cafe Challenge #143, which includes cherry, mint julep, and jade.  I've never been selected as "Cup of the Week," so hopefully their new design team at PDCC will honor me with this title.  LOL!  I used a modified version of the Card Positioning Systems Sketch #276 on a Tim Holtz card base, along with papers from a K&Company's Wintertide pad and a Martha Stewart banner.  I hand wrote the word "peace."  I'm also submitting this card to The Order of the Opus Guei Challenge #136 - Seasons.

Archangel Gabriel
8"x10" Canvas - Acrylic
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Last, but not least, I have a photograph of my latest icon, Archangel Gabriel, whom you may have seen in an unfinished state in my last post.  I finished writing him on Monday - YEAH!  His appearance in this post is very appropriate, since he is the one that said to Mary, "Greetings favored one!  The Lord is with you," when he announced the coming of Jesus in Luke 1:28.  He is also known for other good tidings to God's chosen.  I am submitting him to Artist Playroom #20 - Series, since he's the latest piece in my icon series.  I am also submitting him to Paint Party Friday - Week 21 and Word Art Wednesday Challenge #39

This brings me to the end of my Friday Art Smorgasbord, as well as the announcement of the recipients of the ATC's I offered last week.  I had 54 comments, but only Borqna and Tracey Sabella, 2 of my blogging friends and followers, mentioned wanting to participate in the drawing.  Therefore, they will receive an ATC of their choice from the lot of 7 I offered.  Hopefully they don't want the same one.  LOL!  Oh, I almost forgot.  I have a posting on Tag Tuesday - Mermaids, but it's a tag I had already posted on my blog a couple of weeks ago - long story.  However, you may want to stop by and browse through my team members wonderful new creations.  As usual, you are invited to leave a comment for this post and/or add your name to my list of followers.  Thank you for stopping by.  Blessings!

Comments

Marlena M. said…
I love the photo of your sweet girls! Beautiful various art pieces~I'm glad you were able to create and honor Him.
Lovely journal,page, beautifully detailed and I love your lettering and colours. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge. Tracy x
Valerie-Jael said…
Thanks for sharing the photos of your work and workspace, and especially the photo of your two little girls! Valerie
Mary C. Nasser said…
Lovely icon paintings.
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Donna B. said…
Great card Arnoldo! I love the image you created and the snowflake in the background and how you put the sentiment in the banner. It's also one of my favorite Tim Holtz papers. Thanks for playing again this week at The Play Date Cafe!

I used that same paper on a configurations box I'm making my brother for Christmas. He is an amazing piano player and I thought it was perfect for him since he loves music so much.
bellefrogworks said…
I am very glad none of the smorgasbord items are high in calories!! They are all lovely - I just adore the photo of your girls. What a precious picture!
Patrice said…
You're so prolific, Arnoldo, and such an inspiration. I love that Archangel Gabriel. I hope you'll link up at 52 Card Pickup again this week!

http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/08/52-card-pickup-week-31.html
Jennifer McLean said…
thanks for playing this week, we have fewer participants as I think summer and the Olympics is preempting everyone's schedule. Your series is great, wonderful that you find such comfort in iconic paintings.
Serena Lewis said…
Your posts are always so full of creativity, Arnoldo! I love all the pieces you have done, especially your tomato plant sketch! :)
Netty said…
Terrific artwork. Happy PPF, Annette
Ozstuff said…
A wonderful collection of work and words. A browse through your blog is a pleasure indeed.
Amazing art, as always, Arnoldo. And what a precious picture of your girls. It's always a blessing to visit your blog and see your art. Thanks for sharing it with us at Word Art Wednesday in our DOUBLE PRIZE WEEK Challenge.
Blessings,
Karen L
Word Art Wednesday
Tracey FK said…
It is a joy of visual images to come and visit... hope you have a bit extra creative play time this week and the business doesn't get in the way...xx
VonnyK said…
It's lovely to share in your weeks of art. Your Icon paintings are beautiful.
Von
Julia Dunnit said…
So much to see and read! Love your journal entries, your sketches are wonderful. And of course, the pic of your beautiful girlies.
Gini said…
Love you icon card Arnoldo, but I adore your A Gabriel and your colour choice makes it stunning!
However my very favourite is your tomato vines which is so full of vitality :-)
Thank you for joining us at Opus Gluei this fortnight :-)
Gini
xx
Wow, I'm so excited to receive one of your amazing ATC's!! It is a hard pick, but I'll select the Dreams ATC. Thanks so much!!! My email address is garden of grace at juno dot com. If you will email me there, I'll send you my address.

All of your work in this post is gorgeous, and I'm really drawn to the tomato sketch!! The photo of your sleeping daughters is so very precious!! Love this verse! Congrats again on one year!!

~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Neesie said…
There's always a wonderful collection of your work waiting to be enjoyed with the Friday Smorgasbords Arnoldo...amazing artwork and that photograph of your two precious girls is priceless. ;D
Thanks for sharing. Neesie (APR #9)
Eliza said…
Gosh you have so much here to look at and comment on and I don't know where to start, all of your art is amazing and heartfelt. Love the photo of your girls sleeping too.

Happy crafting this week
Eliza
Anna-Karin said…
Beautiful pieces. The photo is so precious. Love the sentiment you used for your art journaling and the great sketching. Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show! And thank you for visiting my blog!
Eliza said…
Thank you, you just made me laugh. OCD for sure....

Eliza
Currie Silver said…
Lovely, and so generous a sharing of yourself and your Life. The photograph of your daughters is exquisite.
Gloria j Zucaro said…
My minds swirls with all the artwork you create(all of which is thoughtful, and inspiring) and the challenges or blogs you post to.
Karen Smithey said…
Wonderful photo of your daughters--you've really captured something essential about them and about how you love them--
Even though I came from APR this week (I had to skip WOYWW because of a huge project I just posted), I am blown away by everything you packed into this post. I am in awe of your icons and other art, but the digitally altered photo of your two daughters was heart rendering. I loved this photo!
Leovi said…
Pretty, yes, I like
annie said…
Love your "delicate" photo and the icons!
Alicia C said…
what fun pages! I particularly love the one on cats that shows the origami. THe tomatoes are beautiful as well, I love that style. Happy PPF!
Unknown said…
What a gorgeous selection of art. Such an array of styles and colours just beautiful x
Tracy said…
I love visiting you to see all that you've been working on and creating! The icon series is wonderful. :) Have a great week and many blessing, Warmly, Tracy
Winnie said…
Such a wealth of art you share. I think the tomato sketch is perfect as you made it. One peak and you know what it is and get the feel of it with the shading. Your journal is so sweet. Your character always makes me smile, the expression and eyes grab me each time. That pic of your daughters is precious. Love that you shared it.
Ms. Becky said…
my goodness, art smorgasbord is an appropriate title for this post. your art is delightful, I especially like the whimsy of your drawings. my favorite is the photo of your daughters - you've captured peace with your camera. happy week to you.
anya said…
What a beautiful card, Arnoldo. The icon image is amazing, and this week's challenge colors work so perfectly for it. The combination of the snowflake and the sheet music paper really add a richness to this! So glad you could join us for this week's challenge in the Play Date Cafe!
~amy~ said…
Neat projects! thanks for playing with us at The Play Date Cafe!
Sandra said…
Stunning pieces! Love the journal page so much! She looks lovely and those dogies are so cute! Gorgeous!! Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. Hugs, Sandra
krcmasterpiece said…
Thought I'd pop over & get a closer look at your Ode to Cat entry. Very good. I like your art.

Your daughters are precious!
Lynn said…
I love all of your creations, especially your Play Date entry of course, and those cats your drew! You are very talented! Thanks for playing along with us at The Play Date Cafe, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Excelente trabalho....
Cumprimentos
Paula (PEP) said…
So much in this post - I become more & more conscious that God is involved & love the sense that He knows. I had to smile at your Anel with with the dogs - that's a piece of scripture that often pops into my head, it's so true too.
Have a good week.
Paula (PEP)
Gemiel said…
Beautiful!!! Your art inspires me so much each and every week!! Love the photo of your girls!! It would make a beautiful scrapbook page. (smile, I know you don't scrapbook but just wanted to put a bug in your ear LOL) Thanks so much for sharing your art with us at Word Art Wednesday.
Jennifer McLean said…
Hi Arnoldo,
I just went to reply to your comment and I noticed you're a no reply blogger!! that means you must never have gotten all my replies over the months every time YOU left a comment on MY blog!! Gosh, you must have thought I was rude, because you never got my replies!! I reply to nearly every comment I receive so you may want to read my current blogging 101 and connect your email to your blog so you get replies from all the comments you type.
THanks for your compliment on my zentangle, aren't they fun??
Best,
Jenn
Lindsay Weirich said…
cool vintage set-up! happy woyww!
Alicia said…
Just beautiful, as per your usual! Simply stunning work. ~ Thanks for playing along at The Play Date Cafe, see you next time!
Shoshi said…
Really enjoyed your artistic journey, Arnoldo. The photo of your little girls is adorable, a real treasure, and surely the best of God's creations!

Thank you for your comment on my blog, and I'm glad you like my altered box. When time allows, I plan to do more of these. I've already got another partly made.

Shoshi
Thanks so much for your kind words and for letting me know that your ATC has been posted. I'll let you know when it arrives. ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Angi Barrs said…
Love your super artistic projects. Thanks for playing with us at The Play Date Cafe!
Barb Cady said…
I really love your icon art work Arnoldo, the angel is beautiful, very special to pray beside. If you email me your address I have some Beryl Cook to send you. x
Thanks for your comment on my blogpost: Phonepunk...really appreciate it.

You're a creative person...I looked at a lot of your creations and they are so good!

greetings, Alie :-)
Rosemary said…
Arnoldo, I always feel so happy when I visit your blog; your work is exquisite - whether it is a drawing in your art journal, a photograph of your children (beautiful), or your icons. They are so full of love and peace that they bring peace to the viewer. I really admire your talent and know that you give all credit to God, but you deserve credit for using it to His purpose and sharing it.

Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us at Opus Gluei!
Kristen H said…
What a beautiful array of works. You are talent from end to end. What a wonderful piece that you used to share with us at the Order of the Opus Gluei. I love these.
Your whole blog is AMAZING!
I am also glad that you give glory to the Lord. What a refreshing find on the internet.
Thank you for joining us.
I want to come back and spend a good amount of time looking at what you have done!

God bless!