Art Smorgasbord - The Third Midweek

Greetings!  I can't believe it's the third midweek of 2013, which means we're half way into January.  It's been a marvelous year thus far, thank you Lord, with exciting projects happening in my studio, but time is sure is going fast.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

The first project I want to present to you is a tag I designed inspired by the techniques of Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2013 - January.  I got a Sizzix Big Shot and a few dies and embossing folders for Christmas, so this was the perfect opportunity to use them.  Although I used Tim's Damask embossing folder, I followed Tim's background instructions.  Next, I cut a grungeboard dress form using Tim's die, and created a steampunk "lacy" corset illusion using the foil tape sheet technique he featured last September.  I drew some lines on it with a micron pen to give it some dimension.  Then, I used vintage prints, an old gear, an old watch face, a hand lettered kraft label, Tim's Film Strip Ribbon, Tim's washi tape, Tim's mini- stapler, and one of Tim's memo pins to finish decorating my tag.  As a finishing touch, I stamped some ribbon as per his instructions, but used a different stamp.  I am also submitting this piece to Crazy Amigo Challenge - Embossing Folders, Simon Says Stamp and Show: Lace Love, Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Use Washi Tape, and What's On Your Worddesk Wednesday #189.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013 

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

The next two digital collages I designed using Pixelmator, and feature photographs I took during the last 6 months.  The first photograph I took during my visit to the Big Bend National Park.  I did a little editing to enhance the mood, and then used several layers to create the "Alpha and Omega" monogram and insert the scripture.  I designed this piece for Word Art Wednesday: Challenge #63 - Anything Goes, where I'm blessed to be this month's guest designer.  You can get a free digi copy of the scripture there, which reminds me of His nurturing nature during times of trouble.  I took the second photograph the day after Christmas in Tyler, Texas, where my father-in-law lives.  It had snowed the day before, so the forest areas around his home were covered in a sheet of white.  The scripture I used reminds me that God's blessings are for all of us, both the good and the evil.  Therefore, I should thrive to love everyone equally just like He does, even though it's not always easy.  I am also submitting these photographs to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 39 {Wide Open Spaces}, Artist's Play Room #40 - Weather, Mandarin Orange Monday #26, and Orange You Glad It's Friday #22.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

The art journal page above is a study of Saint Micah, who prophesied that the King of Israel would be born in Bethlehem, 700 years before Jesus was born.  I did this drawing for my post at the Twenty Minute Challenge blog.  (I thoroughly enjoy writing icons, so eventually I'll use this as a basis to do one of Micah.)  I began with a quick pencil outline, and then proceeded to do the detailing using a micron pen.  I barely had time to finish the drawing in the allotted time, so I had to do all the lettering afterwards.  I love this quote from Micah 6:8, although I sometimes struggle with leading a humble life.  I am often influenced by the Capitalist system and the consumerist society in which I live.  May God have mercy on me.  I am submitting this piece to Three Muses - Quote and Journal Page, Art Journal Journey - Crowns, Paint Party Friday, and Artists in Blogland.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013

Last, but not least, I illustrated the second page of my book titled, Anel's Favorite Things, as part of my Tag Tuesday Alphabet series.  You may have seen the first page in last week's post.  I began by doing a pencil drawing, and then inking it with a micron pen.  Next, I used Prismacolor pencils and some Marvy markers to illustrate the drawing.  I matted my drawing on some striped print cardstock and mounted it on a tag base.  I used a Martha Stewart stamp for the letter "B," and then hand lettered the rest of the text.  I am using a book ring to bind my pages.  Anel and I are having a great time illustrating the book and hopefully get it published some day.  LOL!  I am also submitting this page to the Order of the Opus Gluei: Challenge #148 Pink Colour, and Sunday Sketches.

This brings me to the end of this weeks post.  May the Lord quench our spirit's thirst, help us love our neighbors, and keep us humble.  Have a wonderful week!