Saturday Art Smorgasbord - Día de los Muertos

Greetings!  It's hard to believe, but All Hallows Eve (Halloween) is around the corner, which of course is followed by All Saints' Day, on November 1st, and All Souls' Day, on November 2nd.  These are holidays observed by most Roman Catholic Churches, as well as many Anglican, Episcopalian, and Eastern Orthodox Churches.  Although both of the latter holidays are considered important, el Día de los Muertos, or All Souls Day, is the one most closely observed by many Mexican descendants - click here for further information in my 2011 post.  Most of my artwork in this post was inspired by this holy-day, that unfortunately has been paganized and commercialized by our society.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

First of all, I worked on an illustration for a t-shirt design for my school.  The students will be participating in an academic competition, and every year the school district has a theme for the event.  This year, the theme is Fiesta, so I decided to do a piece in commemoration of José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican artist who brought the traditional Mexican folk art of the calacas, skulls or skeletons, to the mainstream art world.  His work has inspired artists throughout the world, including me - LOL!  I began by doing a pencil drawing, inking it, and scanning it.  Then, I used Caran d'Ache water-soluble wax pastels and Bienfang watercolor brush pens to illuminate a print of it.  I can't wait to see my illustration on the students' t-shirts!  I am submitting this piece to What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday #177, Illustration Friday - Haunt, Paint Party Friday - Week 33 Year 2, and Blue Chair Diary Illustrations: Sunday Sketches.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Next, I worked on my Twenty-Minute Challenge for the week.  I was inspired by a photograph I found on-line.  This is an example of a traditional costume used in the processions I described in last year's post regarding "El Día de los Muertos."  Although I've never participated in these type of festivities, they are fascinating to observe.  I used Conté pencils and micron pens, and worked in my art journal.  Although I didn't have time to complete the drawing in the allotted time, I feel I captured the feeling of the festivities.  I am also submitting this piece to Artist's Playroom #32 - Pairs, Inspiration Avenue - Trick or Treat, Take a Word Wednesday - Roses, and Order of the Opus Gluei - Leaf It Up to You.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

My next project was inspired by the techniques of Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012 - October.  I followed Tim's background technique, except I used a leaf stamp to simulate a graveyard.  As to the dry glittering technique, I did not tint mine, because I used one of Tim's grungeboard skull shapes instead of his BOO and spider shapes.  To get a sugar skull feel, I used various colors of Distress Stickles and crackle accents on the orifices.  To enhance the graveyard feel, I added various fabric and paper flowers, as well as a hand lettered label stating Descansa en Paz (Rest in Peace).  I finished my tag by adding a spray of various orange ribbons, a Tim Holtz journey token, a mother of pearl cross, and some glass beads.  I am also submitting this tag to Word Art Wednesday #51 - Anything Goes, Tag Tuesday-Halloween, Collage Obsession - Night, Artists in Blogland: Fall Fearless and Fly (Second Challenge), Crazy Amigo Challenge - Halloween, and Craft Artwork - Extraordinary Times.  However, I'm dedicating it to my father, the late Right Reverend Leonardo Romero, DD, whom always supported my artwork and taught me the meaning of, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also," Matthew 6:21. 

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Inspired by the same theme, I created a tablescape in my den area.  This is the kind of candle holder used in altars built in memory of loved ones during el Dia de los Muertos.  Although I was not raised with this type of tradition, I certainly appreciate the Christian connection that was made.  I am submitting this photograph to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 27 {On the Table}, A Rural Journal: Your Sunday Best #41, Hood Photo Blog: Orange You Glad It's Friday #10, and Lorikart: Mandarin Orange Monday 16.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Last, but not least, I want to share two pieces I posted last week in other blogs that I'm a member of, as well as on Word Art Wednesday #50 - Blessings From God.  I usually post them simultaneously there and on my weekly post here, but I did not have a chance to post on my blog last week.  The wire heart I posted on Tag Tuesday - Rust, and the drawing of my wife I posted on the Twenty Minute Challenge.  You may recall the photograph that I used for the drawing from one of my previous posts (Click here to view).  I dedicated both of these to my wife, Lisa.

I hope you enjoyed my Saturday Art Smorgasbord as much as I did putting it together.  Thank you for all your encouraging comments, as well as to all whom have joined my list of followers.  Vaya con Dios - Go with God!