Art Smorgasbord - A Real One!

Greetings!  Yes, I have a real smorgasbord this week with everything from a pretty sketch/collage, to delicious meal photographs, to a cute digitally enhanced frog.  I hope you enjoy it!


The art journal page above was inspired by my mother and wife, who are both priceless women, and Proverbs 31:10, which was featured in Word Art Wednesday last week.  I began by sketching an antique drawing of a lady that I found on-line.  I've never sketched anything in this style, so it was fun.  I embellished my page with Tim Holtz tissue tape and a fleur cut with one of his dies, as well as with Art-C trading card clip art.  I am submitting this piece to Art Journal Journey - Challenge Yourself, Inspiration Avenue: Sad Girls with FlowersPaint Party Friday: Week 10, Year 3, Three Muses - Quote, and the Twenty Minute Challenge.


The page above is dedicated to my blogging friend, Jennifer McLean, who is celebrating her birthday this week.  May she "live, laugh, and love" for many years to come!  The hand lettering in this page was inspired by Lindsay Ostrom's alphabets, and was done using Sharpie micron pens, Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens, Prismacolor Pencils, and a paint marker.  I added a K&Company Smash flag as a finishing touch.  I am submitting this page to Artist's Play Room #57 - Birthday Art, What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 206, and Sunday Sketches.


I designed tag-shaped card above to test drive my two new Tim Holtz Baroque dies, as well as 4 other of Holtz dies and a Martha Stewart punch.  I used Canson Mi-Teintes for the card base, as well as burlap, 6x6" paper prints by Maryjo Koch, and up-cycled cardboard for all the collage elements.  I also used Recollections paper flowers, an Art-C fabric flower, and a K&Company Smash brad.  I punched a hole in the top center of the card, threaded a strip of organza ribbon, and tied it in place with some jute cording.  I am submitting this card to Simon Says Stamp and Show - A Little Paper, Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Flower PowerWord Art Wednesday - Challenge #80Tag Tuesday - Letter S, and Paper Saturdays.

(Photograph before cropping for the collage.)
The two photographs above are from my wife's Mother's Day celebration last Sunday.  My daughters and I began her morning by bringing her breakfast in bed, along with her card, fresh flowers, and gifts.  (You can get other views of the card in my last post.)  Then, for lunch I prepared her a full Mexican dinner with my daughters' assistance, which included homemade salsa and chips, guacamole, queso flameado, sangria, sirloin fajitas, nopales salad, and rice.  My oldest daughter, who's a marvelous baker, made a delicious flan.  I cropped my photographs to form the digital collage using a Comic Strip app on my iPhone.  I am submitting this photographs to 52 Photos Project: Gallery 4 {Crop It}, Take a Word Challenge - Mothers, and The Round Robin Photo Challenge: Before and After.


The little fellow above is a visitor that one of my 4th grade students brought to my classroom this week.  Isn't he a handsome dude?  I took the photo while my student was holding it in his hands.  However, I decided to have some fun and play with the photograph digitally in my Pixelmator program.  I began by adding a fog effect, which brought out the highlights.  Then, I changed the color of the child's hands to orange, to create some contrast.  Finally, I brought out the pixels for some fun.  I am submitting this photographs to Orange You Glad It's Friday #38, Mandarin Orange Monday #42, and Inspire Me Monday - Week 72.

I hope you found something in my art smorgasbord that pleased your taste for art.  Thank you for all your kind words during my last post and to all those who are now following me.  I am both humbled and honored by your by your kindness.  I also want to thank the folks at Simon Says Stamp and Show for the $50 voucher I won during their drawing.  They have so many choices, I can't decide what to get.  Hopefully someday I'll earn the honor to be chosen top 3 by their amazing design team.  Have a blessed week!

Comments

bellefrogworks said…
You have filled my arty soul with all your wonderful projects - Love that lady collage. The tag is so full of texture I had to keep myself from touching the screen. And what a meal - I love Mexican food (actually almost any food - but Mexican is truly a favorite!) The frog is fabulous - I've done some frog drawings - that digital "play" is just fabulous. Love it all - HPPF
Maria Medeiros said…
Wonderful!!! Live, laugh, love! Beautiful! :D I also love your Sketch collage! Have a great weekend!!
Neesie said…
My goodness Arnoldo,
What a fantastic smorgasbord this week. Wow ;D
Each entry is so different and shows just how talented and versatile your work can be.
What more could you wish for anyone but 'Live Laugh, Love!
Just perfect :D
Lisabella Russo said…
Your posts fill me with joy. Your art is lovely and filled with happiness and I love your tales. It sounds like mother's day was a fantastic event at your home, everything looks spectacular! Cute frog too...
Giggles said…
This has to be one of my favorite posts of yours!! My favorite quote live, love and laugh, 30 years ago I gave all my friends a small gold pendant with that on it! That scripture is a wonderful tribute to all my friends and my daughter!! I have always loved frogs, and the food is scrumptious looking!! What a wonderful family you are and teacher!! Kudos to you and your girls!!

Hugs Giggles
what amazing post here Arnoldo!? Adorable new artwork!
Thank you for joining us over on Art Journal Journey!
Blessings!

xxx
Susi
Jez said…
Jen will love your card, Live Love Laugh, it's a lovely wish for her birthday. Everything you show here is full of interest, and in particular I love the 'mothers' card.
Stunning, Arnoldo! Thanks for joining us this week in our challenge. It's always such a blessing when you are able to join us!
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Valerie-Jael said…
Lovely projects, and that food looks sooooo gooooood - I just got up and am hungry! Valerie
Bridget Larsen said…
food looks yummy and my mouth was watering but when I saw the frog I spat the food out, I have a fear of frogs I discovered on my last camping trip
Bridget #38
maria said…
All are beautiful! I love your Live, Laugh, Love work. You and your daughters are so sweet, I'm sure your wife enjoyed Mother's Day so much. Are there any left overs?

Your student is so brave to hold that little dude. I don't think I can. Haha.
Melanie said…
Realy like your work. So sweet of you to be inspired of your mom and wife. And the food looks very good. Have a nice weekend.
Liefs, Melanie
Anonymous said…
Your were not kidding, it is an arty buffet - you seem to be able to switch gears and go happily onto painting or creating at whatever catches your heart. Happy PPF
carol l mckenna said…
Lots of wonderful and creative works here ~ love the frog ^_^ ~ Happy Weekend ^_^

Thanks for visiting .
Paula (PEP) said…
Well - you've given me the ultimate in treats with your frog, what a beaty. The celebrations for your wife look wonderful & I'm glad you were able to have family day. Your first project with the vintage lady is delightful & I particularly like the way your top image is echoed in in your drawing with the neckline.
Have a super week.
Paula (PEP)
Candy C said…
Arnoldo...Your post this week really is a smorgasbord! Your art journal page featuring Proverbs 31:10 is wonderful. I am so impressed with your sketching. You inspire me to give that a try sometime! :) I love your next entry...your piece in celebration of your friend's birthday. Very pretty. Breakfast in bed for your wife...now THAT is the way to kick off Mother's Day! What a good husband and father you are! :) Thanks so much for sharing your art and your world with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show. <3 Candy
Great post! I love your art and you gave your wife such a wonderful others day:) The frog is wonderful arn't 4th graders great!HPPF
Linda Kunsman said…
really wonderful projects!! Your sketch of that lady is beautiful. Love the happy live,laugh,love lettering and doodling. Your blessings tag is gorgeous. And what a feast you all have had-mmmmm! Happy PPF!
Faye said…
Such a delightful and diverse display of art this week, Arnoldo. Your sketch is inspiring. I'd like to try this myself someday. My favorite part of your post is the beautiful tag card with the flower embellishments. Great post and entry for PPF.
indybev said…
I loved the quote and the sketch, Arnoldo. Thank you for participating in our challenge at Three Muses this week.
Leovi said…
Preciosa rana de chocolate! Saludos!
Barb Cady said…
A beautiful post as ever Arnoldo, especially your blessings tag and lovely sketch page. I'm sure your wife must have had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Lmkazmierczak said…
Wonderful smorgasbord...You are so busy and productive/creative and your kids are lucky to have you as a teacher♫ My OYGIF: http://lauriekazmierczak.com/5-k/
Gloria j Zucaro said…
very hard to pick what I like most this week! I love your drawing of the Victorian lady and all the little details you added to make everything work together. Oh course I think the hand lettered card for Jenn is wonderful. It amazes me all the different products you use and give credit to in your work. The meal is fabulous, how nice of you and your daughters to do that. Thank you for commenting on my blog post this week.
Winnie said…
Such artful fun Arnoldo! Your sketches are so lovely. I love the vintage ladies. Your tag using the cardboard pieces is so great. I found it fun that you incorporated food in your smorgasbord today! Your daughter and you did a great spreads for your wife's special day. Looks so delicious! Congratulations on your win over at SS! Enjoy your shopping! I just decided to try one of SS monthly kits. I have never tried a kit, so it should be fun! Enjoy the weekend!
Unknown said…
I do like your smorgasbord. I love vintage ladies so I like your first one the best with the vintage lady. Thanks for sharing photos of your Mother's day celebration. The frog photo is fun. Glad you played around with it. Good luck with all your submissions. That's wonderful to share and be a part of such a creative community!
Gemiel said…
What a wonderful smorgasbord this week. I am totally stuffed. I love your virtuous woman, looks like she has some "attitude" :) Blessings!
Anne Manda said…
What a great smorgasbord! Seems like you had fun, creative and delicious week! Love your Ladies and the Live, laugh, love- page, wonderful work! And the cute frog! :)
Netty said…
Terrific selection of wonderful and special projects Arnoldo, beautiful post and thank you for sharing.
Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Debbie said…
So many wonderful pieces today! Love the bible quote. Happy ss! I'm a new follower too!
PiaRom said…
aaawwww a little frog, he is the king of the post, hehe but I love your first piece with these lovely ladies too, so soft and vintage ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de
...your smorgasbord this week Arnoldo is a feast for the eyes, with depth of meaning behind each delightful piece, and with the mystical aura around the frog, makes me wonder if kissed a prince would appear!...Mel :)
Oh these are all so wonderful. Love the tag and your wife is one lucky lady, her M-day treats look so delicious!
manomij said…
You have got my taste buds going. Yum yum food just won't leave my my mind thanks to you😉
Great to see you at paper Saturdays. Blessing
manon
Tam Hess said…
You are so busy! SO many wonderful things to see...I think my favorite is the art journal page the best. Beautiful women for the beautiful women in your life. Blessings! Thanks for sharing, Happy SS!
Tammie Lee said…
wonderful to see your artful pages

and to see how your family loves your wife and their mother so beautifully

lovely sunday to you all
lissa said…
it's lovely of you to share these, quite inspiring.

thanks for stopping by my blog. have a sweet day.
SAMARA said…
haha I nearly freaked when I was looking at the gorgeous food and thought "mmmm I'd like to eat there and then scrolled down to see rivett rivett!" I am SO glad I read every word of the post! Happy birthday Jennifer - I am sure she will love your Live Laugh Love - it is beautiful and vibrant and I love the sketch and for a first of this type of woman, it is quite beautiful. That card is stunning! Lovies, samara
Christine said…
lovely pages this week Arnold! Fab food photos, not sure about that frog who came to class though, lol.
Anonymous said…
Jenn's birthday are is great. What a wonderful way to celebrate Mother's Day!
Tracey FK said…
Congrats on winning the voucher and as always this is a wonderful post... I read your posts in a different way because I always scroll through look at all the art, then scroll back up and read it, but I am too impatient to wait for the art to reveal itself so I have to do the double scroll... which is a double pleasure of course... and have to say if I am ever in your neck of the woods I am going to hunt you down so I can taste a feast like that... it looks delicious...xx...
annie said…
Nice crop! The food looks delicious!
GlorV1 said…
Wow, you are such a very nice person Arnolfo. Looks like it was a success at your moms. Nice project you have going and how very kind of you do a gift for Jennifer. You rock! Have a wonderful week and happy ppf.
I always love your full posts...so much to see! That frog is crazy cute! LOL!!! Your card is amazing! I love the corrugated paper, and the flowers...so beautiful! The journal and sketch are wonderful! And, your food photos have me salivating! Lucky MOM!!! Thank you so much for sharing your love of paper with us here at Simon Says Stamp & Show!
Victoria said…
Yay Arnoldo..what a fabulous post! I am so super drawn to the antique lady..she has such a wonderful presence..I love her gentle face,her hair...gorgeous vibe to her..awesome! I love everything you create..your frog is soooo adorable..!
Beautiful work..gorgeous art! always a joy to visit!
Victoria
PS: and yummy..the food looks fantastic..I'd love some for me please!
Unknown said…
the first piece is a beautiful tribute to your mom and your wife. What treasure... and it wasn't til I hopped over from Mandarin Orange Monday that I realized that was a frog in your picture. A handsome dude indeed!
Annabelle said…
Arnold you are one very lovely fella.....such a big generous heart : ) I'm sure the ladies loved the meal and the arts.
All your creations eatable and for design are scrumptious and beautiful and even the frog is kinda of cute...lol.

Thanks for sharing,
Annabelle O,O
I just love your "Live, Laugh and Love" piece. Very lovely. I also really like your first piece, too. I'm all about hair and LOVE artwork which includes beautiful hair. Well done and thank you for your sweet comment regarding my father. :)
Anna-Karin said…
Beautiful post! I love the tag you created with all the dimension and details. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp and Show!
Ayala Art said…
awesome post! (I want flan now!)
DVArtist said…
Great post, great art and ohh the food. Love this post.
Nicole/Beadwright
Lou Anne Hazel said…
Arnoldo, I never realized you were a 4th grade teacher. (I just retired from teaching.) As always, your varied images are a delight!
Anonymous said…
Always a pleasure to look at your post of treats!
Unknown said…
Arnoldo,
What a feast for the senses. It must be wondrous to be part of your family. I like it all, however the sketch with L L L is so you. The frog is very sweet. I happen to really like frogs, Mexican food, and the flan looked very delicious.
Thank you, thank you for sharing this wonderful artwork with us this week.
Abundant Blessings,
Carole Robb Bisson
Word Art Wednesday
Oh to be so talented my friend...there is so much eye candy on your post...it is a visual delight!
Stephanie said…
Wow! so much talent in one post. I'll focus on the card but the meal looks fantastic too. Now I'm hungry. :) Your tag card includes so many details. I really like the colors, the flower...all of it. Thanks so much for playing along at Word Art Wednesday.

Stephanie
WAW DT
lorik said…
I love that frog present your student brought it! Great editing! And a lovely tribute to your mum and wife.

Thank you for sharing your work on Mandarin Orange Monday:) (the pics you commented on were by my sister- she will be so proud , since it is her first editing effort!)
Unknown said…
So many things to see here and it's ALL good ;) Love your drawing in the first piece very elegant. Lovely story as well about the B'Day surprise and yep the frog is a cool DUDE!
Gaby Bee said…
Gorgeous projects, and that food looks yummy...my mouth is watering:)

Gaby xo
Ana K. said…
Your sketches all looks fantastic and this vintage lady is not exception…I also love the tag card which is gorgeous with all details....I little less I like your frog friend :)
Hugs from Slovenia
Dagmar said…
Your page with the lady is simply drawn fantastically - I can not!
The side with the Doodelei is a dream and I had to look at me long once - you always make such great things and I like to look over.
Love, Dagmar