Art Smorgasbord - It's Extra Large!

Greetings!  Yes, I went a little overboard with my art smorgasbord for this post.  My wife was out of town last weekend, so I had extra time to be creative - LOL!

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ;
it's no longer I who live, but
Christ lives in me.
This first piece is an original tag design using techniques I learned from Tim Holtz and a portion of a Bible verse I found last week.  I used a "Scripture By Design" chipboard cross that I won a couple of weeks ago at Word Art Wednesday - Thank you, Karen!  Therefore, it seemed appropriate that I submit the tag to their Challenge #73.  The wings and crown are from a Tim Holtz Grungeboard set.  I looped an teal ribbon to the top of the tag, and tied a purple organza ribbon to it.  As a finishing touch, I added a Tim Holtz Trinket Pin to the top of my tag, and embellished it with a hand wired glass bead and a yellow ribbon tie.  I am also submitting this tag to Simon Says Stamp and Show: Challenge: Quotable and posting it simultaneously at Tag Tuesday - Letter L.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
Last week, I also received another artful gift!  It was a stencil designed by my blogging friend Jessica Sporn that I won during one of her giveaways.  You can see it covered in green paint in the photograph above.  I have used motif stencils in the past, but never background stencils, so it was a blast experimenting with it.  I began by randomly sponging some blue. lavender and yellow acrylic paint on a white piece of heavy drawing paper.  When it was dry, I placed the stencil over the painted paper and sponged green through it.  As a finishing touch, I took the stencil off and spattered some watery red using a brush.  After it dried, I tore a square from the hand painted paper, sketched the fish, and lettered the word "Ichtus" with a #2 liner paint brush.  I glued the piece to my art journal page and did the hand lettering around the perimeter of the piece with a micron pen.  I am submitting this piece to the Order of the Opus Gluei: Challenge #153 - Go Where You Haven't Gone BeforeIllustration Friday - Swim, Paint Party Friday and Sunday Sketches.  For the 2nd page, I glued the scraps on the page, did a timed Twenty Minute Challenge sketch, and then did the lettering.  I am submitting this page to What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 199, as well as to Inspiration Avenue - Seeds, since Maundy Thursday, when the washing of the feet takes place, celebrates Christ's institution of the Eucharist and the sacerdotal priesthood.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
© Arnoldo L. Romero
This week my family and I are celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday, as well as my father-in-law's.  They both have always appreciated my artwork, so I enjoy making their birthday cards.  Rick's card is featuring a vintage botanical collage that I made using a combination of Maryjo Koch and vintage papers.  I used a calligraphy pen to write his name on the label and tied some traditional baker's twine to the bottom.  I am submitting it to Artist's Playroom #50 - Flight, Creative Every Day: March 25-31, Crafting by Designs: Anything Goes with a Twist (Spring), and Collage Obsession: Steam Punk and Beyond.  Dad's card is featuring a mixed media collage background I did on an ATC size card.  I used the latter to mat a print of an icon of Christ which I did last year for a show in San Antonio, Texas, titled Lent Through the Eyes of the Artist.  I finished it in the same way I did Rick's card.  I am submitting this card to Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything GoesThree Muses - Out of Bounds, and Pin and Tack: Spark Your Creativity Now!  Challenge #7 Anything Goes.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
Last, but not least, I have a photograph I took last summer during a lunch date with my youngest daughter.  She accompanied me to one of my art exhibits in San Antonio, Texas, and these flowers were sitting in a vase at a place where we had lunch.  I loved the layers of colors and petals!  You may recall that I used the original composition of the photograph as the subject for a 20-Minute Sketch I posted last week.  This week, I am submitting a cropped version of the photograph to the 52 Photos Project: Gallery 49 {Layers}.  I also took a copy of the photograph and altered it digitally with a Pixelmator program.  I cropped it further and then used a line dye, which I adjusted to get these luscious orange hues.  To better define the shapes, I sharpened the image.  Finally, I flipped the photograph vertically, to enhance the view of the flower.  I love the graphic feel of this last version!  I am submitting this piece to Orange You Glad It's Friday and Mandarin Orange Monday #35.

I apologize for the length of this post, but hopefully you found something in this extra large art smorgasbord to suit your taste.  Thank you for all your encouraging comments last week, and if you aren't already doing so, you are cordially invited to follow my blog.  Blessings!

Comments

Ann said…
All wonderful and creative forms of art. Thanks for joining us this week at WAW.
Kim Prowse said…
I like the way you explain your process. I also usually create when I am alone too. Challenges are fun, I have just started on this journey and hope to see lots more of your work. Keep going. Thank you for participating in Seeds.
Anonymous said…
Wow, what a wonderful post! You must not apologize for its length--I see that as a positive. So much to see and so interesting. I am much impressed with the hands and feet. Happy Easter and God bless you!
Found so many wonderful things to enjoy. Your versatility and Ideas are so Inspiring :o) I Love the Digital piece with the warm colours and line detail very much and your Cherish tag. Have a Blessed and Happy Easter
Heather #86
Barb Cady said…
A veritable feast of joy for the eyes. I especially like your father-in-law's card and the tantalising portion of the icon, I'm sure both men will love their birthday cards. Easter blessings to you and your family. X
Julia Dunnit said…
Oh where to start! Love the stencil..and the colour you've been playing with..doesn't it work marvellously on your fish page. Actually it's al about colour from you this week, the flowers too and your photo art from the shot, so cheerful!
Kaylene said…
Lovely work as usual, enjoy Easter with your family.
Faye said…
Arnoldo, your work is truly amazing. I love how you used the background stencil and the fish. Each piece you show this week gives glory to God. The piece with the hands and foot, I think, Is my favorite. Great work.
Anonymous said…
so much creative energy!
Unknown said…
wow, so much to look at! It's all wonderful. Great job with the hand and foot, they can be so hard to do. I love what you did with the sunflower photo, it reminds me of a wood block print. :)
Candy C said…
Arnoldo...Thank you so much for your very sweet comment you left on my blog. I appreciate your thoughts. I have to say that I really like your Easter tags. You remind all of us that the chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs are all fun and they have their place but the true reason for Easter is the sacrifice and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have a blessed Easter! <3 Candy
bellefrogworks said…
Arnoldo - God has gifted you with so many creative talents - I found it all to my liking - all are fabulous! Have a blessed Resurrection day!
Your long post is very interesting, thanks for sharing all the different works.
Wish you blessed easter days,
hugs Anja
Such amazing art, Arnoldo. And an absolutely GREAT JOB with the chipboard cross. Every single person who has used theirs has done something uniquely different with it, and I just LOVE that! Thanks so much for sharing. Have a blessed week in the Lord. It's SUCH a blessing to have you share with us.
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Jez said…
Visiting from APR. As always, every image so beautiful and with lovely framing and design.

Your red-breasted bird looks as if she is just about to take off and fly up to the clouds.
Currie Silver said…
a lovely post and very moving in so many ways, too, Arnoldo. I love the fine details of your work and how much you love DOing that work. it feels like a long cool drink after a walk to read this one through.
Wow, so much going on, and such variety and creativity! Belated happy WOYWW!
Alison x
#36
Paula (PEP) said…
I love your staging of artwork - that first one is delightful with the way the ribbons co0ordinate with your foil covered chocolates & your mannequin's hand is a glorious touch reminding me of Christ's hands upon the Cross.
My favourite of all is your Dad's card - the icon is a beautiful piece of artwork & I keep being drawn to the ATC format.
With Easter Greetings to you & your family
Paula (PEP)
Leovi said…
Maravilloso! Tan exquisito como siempre, bellas flores!
Unknown said…
Arnoldo,
This tag makes me want to copy it or at least try to get the gist of it. I am so drawn to it. The verse is a favorite but I must say all you work takes first prize in my book. Blessings,
Carole
Winnie said…
Enjoyed your post as it had lots of great pieces to look at as always. Your Easter themed tag is just so brilliant! I love how you have such an eye for taking your photos in such creative ways. Your in-laws both will enjoy their b-day cards for sure. I am so intrigued by that sunflower piece you did. I barely take photos, so photo editing like you do is over my head, but the outcome is striking! Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter and a glorious Springtime!
Lisa Richards said…
So many beautful cards! Have a blessed Easter and thanks for visiting my blog!
Have fun visiting all of the WOYWW blogs.
Lisa
#173
Electra said…
I knew you would have some extra special pieces for Easter, Arnoldo.
Thanks for sharing your art with us at Opus Gluei and happy Easter to you!
Beautiful and varied work for this special time
WOW...what a resurrection tag that is! The quote based on Galatians is perfect and the cross, crown, and wings are perfect, just perfect! Perfect seems to be my word! The background is fabulous too! Love the sketches, and use of Jessica's stencil...lucky you! It's a great one, and I love what you've done with it! The fish is wonderful. Great birthday cards. You were productive while wifey was away! Thank you for using your words with us this week here at Simon Says Stamp & Show!
debby4000 said…
Love your Easter tag and your art is very interesting.

Thank you for joining us at Simon Says Stamp challenge.

luv
Debby
AMAZING!

blessings Arnoldo!
Happy EASTER to you and your family!

I am very happy to know your blog !
xxx Susi
FROEBELSTERNCHEN FROM AUSTRIA
ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY
MOO-MANIA-CHALLENGE
Netty said…
A beautiful and inspiring post Arnoldo, loving all your various creations.
Happy PPF and Happy Easter, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Anne Manda said…
Just gorgeous art, lovely pieces! Love the tag, the journal pages, the cards and the photos, everything very beautiful and inspiring!
Victoria said…
Wow..total bliss and beauty..so many gorgeous creations. Your cards made for loved ones are so wonderful..that special touch makes them so personal and special! And the flower from lunch with your daughter is really stunning..very strong and poetic...the color is also quite magical! Washing of the feet is very sacred..beautifully done.and love the first one too..with the butterfly and cross so powerful and symbolic!
Blessings friend...thanks for sharing such beauty!
Victoria
Liz said…
Lovely work as usual but the sunflower image is my favorite. Thanks for joining us at Orange You Glad.
Rosemary said…
I feel like I'm attending a private art exhibition when I visit you, Arnoldo! I love it and I love how you take us into your creative process. The page you created for Opus Gluei, well, it's marvelous, I love the feel, the colors and the mood. Your birthday cards for family are unique to each of them, which makes a recipient truly feel special, and they are so well done! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us! Best wishes for a happy and blessed Easter!
GlorV1 said…
Love the cards you made for your family. All your work is wonderful and It's great the way you've told us how you've created. Thank you Arnoldo. Happy Easter to you and your family and yes he will be with us again.
Anonymous said…
Happy PPF and Happy Easter. Quite a wonderful array of work...you spend lots of time in your workspace and that's a good thing....xox
Unknown said…
So much creativity.
indybev said…
It's always a pleasure to visit your "art corner", Arnoldo. Thank you for sharing your talent, and thank you for your kind comments on mine! Easter blessings.
Unknown said…
Wow how creative you are. Well done and thank you for sharing your art and lovely thoughts.
Anonymous said…
Wow! So much beautiful creativity here ~ glad you had more time to create ~ love the tag and everything really ~ Photography is exquisite ~ Enjoy ^_^

Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Linda Kunsman said…
I thoroughly enjoyed your art smorgasbord Arnoldo!! A blesssed and Happy Easter to you and yours.
Dianne said…
A beautiful assortment of art work! I think my favorite is the Ichthus...
but they are all gorgeous. and...receiving one of your handmade cards must be a treasured gift!
Lorraine said…
some lovely art here hope you and your family have a lovely Easter
Giggles said…
Happy Easter, enjoy this wonderful occasion with your family!! The Birthday cards are wonderful! You know me and my love of color, that orange piece speaks to me!! Gorgeous!

Hugs Giggles
I enjoy your art and your inspirational messages that shine through! Thanks for sharing your creations!
Anna-Karin said…
Wow, this is a fabulous post!! SO many wonderful pieces. I can see you had a fun creative week. Thank you so much for sharing with us again at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
Paper rainbow said…
Happy Easter Arnoldo! Beautiful work as always, your work is always of such a terrific standard, I especially like your bird. Thank you for your lovely comments.
I always enjoy looking at your creations. Beautiful work, as usual!
Lmkazmierczak said…
Love your process...thank you for sharing and Happy Easter♥ My Orange: http://lore-eleven.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-positive-negative.html
Borqna said…
Beautiful work as always!
Fantastic inspiration! Thank you!
Happy Easter, dear Arnoldo - to you and yours family!
Happy Easter to those who are celebrating now!
/ Here in Bulgaria our Easter will be 5th May./
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Good luck!
manomij said…
You have some wonderful art stuff here and I am glad I have come across you. Just wished we had some more Tim H stuff over here.Happy Sunday sketching!
Nice meeting you
Manon:)
janice smith said…
So much to appreciate here! I love the Ichthus page the most, I think...or maybe the foot washing. Everything is just fabulous! So happy to find you through Sunday Sketches!
Oh these are really good!!!
sharon said…
Beautiful art yet again, I love the bird, that is stunning, Blessings for the coming week.
stefanie stark said…
You have been really incredible creative last week and I love the birthdaycards you did for your brother and father in law! They are wonderful! I also love the fish and the sketch. It's always such a lovely surprise to visit your blog! Happy Easter to you and your family!
Alicia C said…
Hey Arnoldo I am absolutely amazed at how much you can accomplish in just one week! Alll so lovely too
I love your hand/foot sketch. Really speaks to me and the sacrifice Christ made for us. Beautiful. I had to chuckle at your opening statement of your wife being out of town so you getting to be creative more. hee hee

Happy Easter! :)
WrightStuff said…
I always enjoy seeing your work Arnoldo. Happy Easter to you and your family.
MaiThreeBoyz said…
I find the tag design very interesting. you have incredible pieces here and i enjoyed reading about all of them.
xinex said…
You are very talented. Your art works are amazing!...Christine
liked reading your blog today and learning about your creative journey
Christine said…
wonderful work this week, thanks for sharing!
Nicola said…
Wow you certainly have been busy, I love how you are not afraid to try lots of different ways to create and how you are inspired by so many things. Wonderful work! :0)
April said…
I LOVE the sunflowers - the close up is awesome. April #175
I spotted the orange flower :)
Liz said…
These are all amazing! Happy MoM.

Liz (mlc)
Liz (yacb)
Sharon Wagner said…
You have been busy! It is obvious how much fun you have creating.
PiaRom said…
Wonderful pieces...it is a pleasure to look at each one!
Gemiel said…
Arnoldo, thanks so much for the extra-large smorgasboard this week. I always love seeing your art so I'll consider it our Easter blessing. Love how your 1st tag coordinates so well with the Resees Cups LOL. Blessings!
Unknown said…
beautiful and inspiring work this week, as always.
Neesie said…
You always have such amazing creations for us to appreciate and this week even more so. Each piece is beautiful and inspiring.
I hope your Easter was filled with many blessings for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing :D
Doris T. said…
What a beautiful project - thanks for playing with us at Crafting by Designs!
Doris :)
Adri Munhoz said…
Wonderful job! I hope you and your family have had a blessed Easter. Hugs
Julia said…
Gorgeous vintage creation. Thanks for joining us at Crafting By Designs.
Hugs,
Julia
EVA said…
A great smorgasbord indeed! I especially love your fish.
Deborah said…
love the sunflowers!
great treatment ...
Lisabella Russo said…
I love your art! You have such a great eye for presentation too. It is art nestled within art...
lorik said…
You have transformed the sunflower into a most lusciously orange artwork! The linear patterns remind me of a block print - lovely work Arnoldo.
Thank you for sharing it on Mandarin Orange Monday:)