Saturday Art Smorgasbord - On Reflections

Although I love Christmas, this time of the year can be hectic and stressful for me.  I am an introvert, so I need down time to re-energize after social events.  However, there are so many commitments during this season, that down time is almost nonexistent.  The latter unfortunately also affects the time I can spend in my art studio.  Therefore, this post is on reflections regarding what keeps me going.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

First of all, I constantly reflect on the reason for the season, which is the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  As per Luke 2:14, the angels announced his coming by singing, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward Men."  The two watercolor postcards above, which I illustrated in 2008, serve as a marvelous reminder.  I based them on my two daughters.  I am submitting these to Word Art Wednesday:  Challenge #59, Illustration Friday - Glow, and Inspiration Avenue: 12 Days of Christmas.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Something else that keeps me sane is being able to give thoughtful gifts to family, friends, and those less fortunate.  (Sometimes spending time with someone is the most valuable gift.)  I believe Saint Nicholas said it best, "The giver of every god and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves."  I designed and cut by hand the costume for this die-cut snowman back in 2005.  You can read more about him in my post for Tag Tuesday - Bauble/Ornament.  I am also submitting this piece to the Order of the Opus Gluei: Challenge #46 (Baby its cold outside), and Craft Artwork.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

Another reflection that keeps me going is a question found at Artists in Blogland - Challenge #6, "What Does God mean to you?"  I've believed for sometime now, that 3 words sum it up for me, "Creator, Savior, Redeemer."  I began this art journal page by writing various names for God that are found in the Bible with a gel pen.  Then, I added a couple of water color washes using the edge of a credit card.  After the latter were dry, I did a quick sketch of Jesus' face with a micron pen and colored pencils.  I also doodled a Sacred Heart with the colored pencils.  As a finishing touch, I made Dymo labels of my three words.  I am also submitting this page to Paint Party Friday - Week 41, Year 2,  Sunday Sketches, and Crazy Amigo - Friendship.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2012

In closing, a reflection that is keeping me going is the knowledge that the sun will rise up tomorrow.  That no matter what curves the season may bring, brightly colored or not, I can find courage, strength and wisdom in the Lord.  I am submitting the street photograph to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 35 {Roads I Travel}.  As to the last photograph, I am submitting it to Orange Your Glad It's Friday #18 and Mandarin Orange Monday.  May your holidays and the upcoming year of 2013 be filled with love, joy and peace.