Friday Art Smorgasbord - Luminous Moments

Greetings!  I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since I last posted on my blog.  Not only has it been extremely busy at work, but I was sick for a couple of days and was out of town last weekend.  However, I did manage to have a few luminous moments in which I could express myself creatively.  The following pieces are the result of the latter.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I literally carved some time to work on the two art journal pages above.  I did the second one in the gym lobby at the local air force base while waiting for my daughter who was at swim practice - LOL!  They were both unplanned pieces in which I let myself go, while I prayed and meditated on various issues in my life.  I basically did layers of journaling, washes, fodder collage, drawing, and doodling with various media.  It was extremely relaxing to just enjoy the process without any preconceived ideas of what the end result would be.  I am submitting this pages to Paint Party Friday Week 36 Year 2, What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday #180, Crazy Amigo Challenge - StripesWord Art Wednesday - Anything Goes and Sunday Sketches.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I did the three "Celestial" inspired tags above for my Tag Tuesday entry for last week.  I've been working on a series of tags based on "Lotería," the Mexican version of bingo, so #23 "La Luna," #35 - "Las Estrellas," and #46 - "El Sol" were the perfect match for this challenge.  I used some hand painted papers that I made a while back to cut the various shapes for my collages.  The lettering was all done by hand.  I dedicated these cards to all my family, friends, and other USA veterans.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
The tag above was inspired by the techniques presented by Tim Holtz in his 12 Tags of 2012 - November. I used the background resist technique he presented.  However, I used different stamps and did my lettering by hand using a permanent calligraphy marker.  As to the embellishment, I layered a broach, a feather, and a piece of burlap.  I made the broach out of a piece of balsa wood, which I carved with a Dremel tool and used India inks to draw the design.  I used some rusty wire, beads, a shell, a jump ring, and a Tim Holtz muse token to finish it.  I added a strip of leather to the top.  I am also submitting this tag to Tag Tuesday - Brown or SepiaSimon Says Stamp Challenge - Thanksgiving/Thank you, and Order of the Opus Gluei: Challenge #144 Three-Dee.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
I took the two photographs above during recent trips around Texas.  The first one I took at a sushi restaurant, in Arlington, that my brother took my family and me to.  I loved the dramatic presentation created by the sparkler, so I had to take a picture of it.  I shot the second photograph last weekend when I was taking a walk at A&M, in College Station.  It's of a sculpture depicting the infamous bonfires they used to have before playing UT during Thanksgiving, prior to their new alliance with the SEC.  Gig'em!  I am submitting these photographs to 52 Photos Project {Gallery 30} IlluminateHood Photo Blog - Orange You Glad It's Friday #13A Rural Journal - Your Sunday Best #44, and Lorikart: Mandarin Orange Monday 19.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012
Last, but not least, I got a head start on the holidays by illustrating the artwork I'll be using on my family's Christmas cards this year.  It's a drawing of my original character Anel, wearing an angel costume.  The dove she's holding is representative of a peace token to the world.  I used micron pens, water colors, and color pencils to illustrate it.  I am submitting this piece to Artist's Play Room #35, Artists in Blogland #29,  Illustration Friday - Zoom, and Three Muses: Animal.

In closing, I'd like to thank you for all your kind words during my last post.  You are cordially invited to leave a comment and/or join my blog.  ¡Vaya con Dios - Go with God!

Comments

Absolutely wonderful, Arnoldo! I'm excited to see what you will share with us in January when you Guest Design for us. I will get your word art to you just as soon as I have it. Thanks so much for sharing your art in our challenges. You are always a blessing to us!
Karen L
Word Art Wednesday
beth conklin said…
such lovely work... the sun, moon, and stars tags are especially beautiful. visiting from artists in blogland... so glad i stopped by to see your work!
stefanie stark said…
Again so many beautiful creations! I love the tags!!!
Unknown said…
I've been stuck with no direction in art lately I just need to go play like you did with your journal. Thanks dropped by through AiBL
Darla said…
Enjoyed looking at all your pieces. The original artwork for the Christmas card is really nice. I know people will appreciate the card.

Darla
Currie Silver said…
such BEautimous work, Arnoldo! I have missed your voice in the choir and am so happy to hear it here again!!
Netty said…
Enjoyed very much seeing your artwork and love the artwork for the Christmas card. Happy PPF, Annette x
Nina said…
Such a creativity you posses! I love your aquarelle-paintings, the Christmas angel is wonderful! The sun, moon & stars series is unique!
Molly said…
you have been busy! i really like your tags. and your "peace" holiday card is wonderful. the musical background paper is a wonderfully festive touch.
Deepa Gopal said…
Lovely work! Your tags are always cool!This week,reached here via AIB :) HPPF!
Anonymous said…
wow! so much creativity and inspiration :) the photo you're submitting to Your Sunday Best is exquisite. thank you :)
Leovi said…
Maravillosos diseños, me gusta tu cuaderno de arte. Saludos.
Lunch Lady Jan said…
Thank you for dropping by my blog!
I love the fact that you seem to have so many styles when creating your art. My particular favourites are the sun, moon and stars tags - the graphic design look really appeals to me, they're fab!
Hugs, LLJ '68 xx
carol l mckenna said…
wow! so much beautiful creativity in place ~ love it all ~ very meditative ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
Shoshi said…
Sorry to hear you've not been well, Arnoldo, and hope you are better now. My hubby was really poorly with a stomach bug last weekend, but he's fine now, thank goodness.

Lots of simply gorgeous photos on your post! So varied. You are very talented!

Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog, and I'm glad you liked my Remembrance Day page in my art journal.

Shoshi
AM Zafaran said…
The amazing variety of your creative efforts are such an inspiration! I liked the cute angel with the dove and the unplanned journal page. Art is liberating!
Thank you for your visit!
Joyfulartist said…
You are having way too much fun! I love your work.
Barb Cady said…
Sorry you have been unwell Arnaldo and hope you are on the mend. Your blog is, as ever, inspirational. I love the photographs especially and the design for your Christmas cards! Peace be with you. x
Unknown said…
I enjoyed looking at your art. Enjoy your Sunday!
Christine said…
Thanks for the show, lovely pieces!
Anne Manda said…
Lovely pieces, thank you for sharing! Your tags are just exceptional, so beautiful and rich in detail and color, love them!
Gloria j Zucaro said…
Hi Arnoldo, I really love the celestial tags and the one with all the ephemera..leaves, fish on balsa, etc. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,
and thank you for your comment on my Crow & pumpkin painting.
sharon said…
It is my first time here and all I can say is wow! So much creativity. Blessings to you and yours.
Lynn Cohen said…
For someone who was "under the weather" and away, you have been incredibly productive and creative. I enjoyed looking at each piece, photo, detail, drawing, etc. etc. etc. Happy Sunday Sketching.
Liz said…
Lovely work! Happy MOM.

Mine are here and here.
Ileana said…
Beautiful art and tags. You have a wonderful technique/style. PS - I'm new to Sunday Sketches and wanted to pop in and say hello as well. :)
lovely warmth,sometimes having a break of any kind can be good.
Electra said…
Stunning work, as always, Arnoldo.
Your tag is wonderful, hard to believe you made such a beautiful broach, but you seem to be able to do any kind of art so well! Thanks for joining us at Opus Gluei again, I always love to see what you have created!
Zosia said…
So much creativity and talent!
Thank you for stopping by at Polonica: Home Again.
Winnie said…
Arnoldo: I am glad you are feeling better! Love your tags and journal pages. I always get a peaceful feeling when I read your posts about your faith and prayer. I just love your Anel character and to see her as an angel for the holidays is just so sweet. Lucky family to receive them. Hope things slow down a bit for you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
lorik said…
Interesting collection. I really like the tag with the shell etc... very creative.
I hope the sushi was delicious after such a dramatically pretty presentation!
Thank you for taking part in Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Serena Lewis said…
Lovely work, Arnoldo...well done on fitting in some time for creativity.
Rita said…
Lovely tags and beautiful angel, that will be a great Christmas card...and sparkling sushi??? Wow.
Carolyn Dube said…
Sometimes the art jouraling I do on the go (esp. while waiting for people) gives me the most insight! Your layers look so meditative! Happy Mandarin Orange Monday!
Lori Saul said…
Wonderful expressive creations all- love the angel!
Beautiful artwork, Its nice to see the different styles and techniques you have used, love them all
Sim said…
Beautiful artwork Arnoldo! :D
rainfield61 said…
I am surprised by your artwork.
Sharon Wagner said…
I love the tags. They are a gift in themselves. And thanks for participating in my blog giveaway!
Gemiel said…
Arnoldo, so sorry to hear that you've been sick but I'm glad your're feeling better. I know all about being busy LOL. Isn't it a blessing when God allows us to carve some time out of the business to create. Enjoyed your smorgasbord this week. I am always inspired by your art. Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Word Art Wednesday. I can't wait until January (smile). Blessings to you.
Marlena M. said…
Fantastic pieces~all of them! Your journal is beautiful~I love the free flow and colors. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving~
Sarah J Moerman said…
Fabulous work! Love your art pages and tags! So creative! Thanks for joining us for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge!
Taluula said…
Thank you for sharing at The Three Muses.
Bill said…
What a fun angel! All of the tags are beautiful, too. Vaya con Dios, tambien. :)
Nancy said…
Love your tags and drawings Arnoldo. So talented.
Every single item gorgeous!!! The journal is so fun, and your Tim tag is fabulous...love the fish...perfect embellishment!!!!
Deann said…
Such fabulous work I especially like the tag with the fish and leaves beautiful!!!
Wow, your art always amazes me! Love it all, but the butterfly piece really captures my eye!! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your art with us! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/
Seema Misra said…
The celestial inspired tags and the wooden carved fish broach are absolutely lovely. I have really enjoyed reading this post and looking at your art work.

It's been a non-art time for me, and the little that have done, I haven't gotten around to chronicling them. This post has inspired me to carve some time out for my art and art blog.

Cheers :)
I love all your pieces but especially your Art Tags. Your Leafed tag however is my all around favorite and I enjoyed reading how you made the broach, it is such a nice addition to this piece.
:) Chris / CS Designs
Bella Cirovic said…
Beautiful artwork and awesome photo submission to 52 Photos Project! Thank you for sharing.
Rosemary said…
As always, a treat for the eyes to come by and see what you've been creating! Love the tag, I like yours so much - I follow Tim's monthly tags as well, and I like how you've used the inspiration but made it so you. The balsa wood brooch is fab! Thank you for sharing your art and soul with us at Opus Gluei!
Ozstuff said…
A great body of work! Thanks for participating at Take a Word this week.
Sharon Wagner said…
I drew names out of a hat and you won my book! I'll send it as soon as I get an address. Here is my email swag08@usiwireless.com