A Fishy Post

Isn't it funny how one thing may lead to another sometimes?  Well, that's what happened to me with this "fishy" post.  I didn't intend for it to work this way, it was mostly serendipity.  Well, I may have stretched the theme a little bit, but I believe it works.  LOL!

Fish Trio
3x4 Inch Pastel
© Arnoldo L. Romero 

It all started last weekend when my church celebrated the installation of our new Rector, and my wife and I wanted to give him a welcome gift.  I decided to use a print of a pastel painting I did a couple of years ago to make a gift tag.  I scanned the painting and used Pixelmator to add a quote by Jesus which is found in Matthew 4:19 - "Follow me and I will send you out to fish for people."  However, I couldn't get my printer to work - Argh!  Therefore, I decided to use the original painting as a tag.  I matted it, placed it in an art bag, and attached it to a gift plant through the use of a wire picture holder that I made.  I wrote a message with a reference to the quote on the back cover of the mat.  I believe the gift turned out beautiful.  I am posting this as my entry to Tag Tuesday, but I'm also submitting it to Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday: Week 20, Year 3, Maria's Orange You Glad It's Friday, Jen's In the Studio, Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #52, and Ramona's Inspire Me Monday - Week 82.


Inspired by the same Bible verse, I drew the fish above, which was also inspired by my personal studies of Celtic art and Zentangle.  I did this page for Sandy Steen Bartholmew's Tangled Card Challenge #2, where she asked followers to incorporate her Annee tangle into a piece.  (I am trying to win a set of her tangled card packs for my classroom, so if you like my page, please go vote at Sandy's Facebook Page.)  I began by carefully sketching out the design using a pencil.  Then, I used black and red Sharpie micron pens, as well as a Zig calligraphy marker, to complete my design.  I struggled a little working around one of the corners with the Annee tangle.  However, I think it's acceptable, especially since the main purpose of knot work and Zentagle workouts is meditation, not perfection.  I am also submitting this piece to Karen's Word Art Wednesday - Challenge #90 and Alexandra's Sunday Sketches.


The next piece is from a page spread in my prayer journal, which was inspired by Ephesians 6:13-17, in which Paul wrote, "… put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground… with the belt of truth bucked around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace… take the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  I made the page using a paper doll template that I adapted to create the costume, an origami dragon, and shreds of handmade paper for the flames.  I drew some Celtic knots on the scripture tag and prayers' envelope flap.  In case you're wondering what this has to do with fish, it was the secret symbol used by early Christians to identify themselves.  I am submitting this to Dawn's Journal Journey's Challenge 21 - Hats, Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday, and Manon's Paper Saturdays.

© Arnoldo L. Romero 2013
Last, but not least, I have a photograph I took during the 2012 Christmas holidays, in Santaland, a park in Tyler, Texas.  The park is designed for people to ride in their cars as they look at the various light displays in the route, which was the perfect activity during that cold winter night.  Because I shot the photograph with my iPhone while in a moving car, it is not the clearest, even though I tried to edit it on iPhoto.  However, I really like the composition with the reflection of the lit crosses down below on the pond and the way the string of lights on the right lead the eye up as if they were a stairway to Heaven.  (By the way, I wasn't driving.  I also believe there are fish in the pond, so that's the connection to the theme.  LOL!)  I am submitting this photograph to Jenn's Artist's Playroom #67 - WeatherNesbitt's ABC Wednesday's - Letter B "is for below", and Bella's 52 Photos Project Week 14 {Down Below}.

Do you think my "fishy post" theme was successful?  If you don't, hopefully you were touched by at least one of the art pieces.  I thrive to make every single piece as meaningful as possible.  I want thank everyone who took the time to leave a comment during my last post, as well as everyone who chose to follow my blog.  Blessings!

Comments

Maggid said…
Yes! yes! the entire post is a total and complete gift . .

Thank You Very Much!
-g-
Denise said…
Lovely and inspiring
Unknown said…
You are a very talented artist. How did the challenges go you submitted to last week?? Both of your pieces turned out fabulous. The Celtic Knots are awesome. I'm trying to learn to draw them. I started making a prayer journal a while back, but haven't finished it. I need too. I really admire your strong convictions of faith. Have a great week. (((HUGS)))
Kim
WOYWW #41
Bridget Larsen said…
That fish picture is really nice and I love the reflection of the cruxifixes, have never seen cruxifixes in a christmas display
Bridget #24
LOVE the reflective crosses.
ROG, ABCW
Leslie: said…
I love that shot of the crosses! You're a wonderful artist and I admire your talen at connecting the art with your faith.

Leslie
abcw team
VonnyK said…
I love fish and the ocean so you had me straight away. Your gift is beautiful, I'm sure it was meant to be that your printer wouldn't work.
Your zentangle fish is gorgeous and I love the way your photo turned out.
Have a great week.
Von #53
Teri said…
Absolutely LOVE the 2 fish.
Krisha said…
OH YES!! The fish are perfect. I love the sketch and the tangle both are awesome!
Krisha #22
Helen said…
Well done, it worked! helen 7
Hazel said…
Fishers of men! :) Love the cross reflection.

Hazel
Julie Lee said…
Some really inspiring and beautiful work here. I particularly like your second fish drawing; it reminded me of Celtic Christian Art. I love the pastel tag too. It looks great attached to your gift. It's nice to see a tag as part of a whole creative gift. Have a happy WOYWW! Julie Ann #17
Unknown said…
I have to say I adore the TT fishy tag :) I am recently a part of the DT there. But I love how the helmet fits in to my Journal Journey Prompt of Hats this month. Love your faith shown for all to see here Dxx
john-w said…
Thanks for stopping by my site and taking the time to leave a blessing comment. We are praying that Father will give us many more years together. Love your artwork. God is such a creative God, and we are made in His image, therefore we are creative beings. Some people don't believe that and are scared to try in case it all goes wrong. As artists ourselves we need to encourage others to try out different art skills. Well done! Keep up the good work! May God bless you richly as you express your faith through your artwork. Blessings, john-w #36
Claire said…
LOVE the celtic art fish - he's my favourite :)
such a great post, thanks for sharing!
happy WOYWW and have a great week :)
no. 61
Julia Dunnit said…
Well yah, I think the theme worked..maybe stretching a metaphor, but hey, that's just being creative! I'm with you - the gift is beautiful.
glitterandglue said…
Well done - got the connection! Loved the crosses and their reflection.
Have a great week.
Margaret #32
Indrani said…
Very inspiring and great art work.
Borqna said…
Gorgeous fish publication - wonderful
pieces of art!
I like very fiery crosses - amazing picture!
Wish you good mood and creative inspiration.
Have a great week.
Anonymous said…
Serendipity! Some things just work out for the best like that and could never have been planned. Love the photo of the crosses and lights reflected int he water. Have a great week.

Hugs
Brenda 28
craftytrog said…
Wonderful inspiring Christian art! Thanks for sharing!
Alison
Susan said…
A good fishy drawing and excellent photo of the three crosses.
I REALLY REALLY like your fish! Especially the first piece. Happy Wednesday!! :)
I will never, ever grow tired of seeing your amazing and creative art, Arnoldo. God has given you such a beautiful gift, and I feel SO blessed that you share your talents with us. Your talent is such a gift and blessing, and I just want to thank you again for sharing.
Have a blessed week!
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Joy said…
Love your Celtic fish. A wonderfully creative post.
Joy - ABC Team
Anne said…
It does indeed work. A wonderful post and I love all your work. Lovely photograph with the crosses reflected in the water. Anne x #9
PS Thank you for popping by my blog. x
photowannabe said…
Well done.
Interesting we were just discussing Eph.6:10-20 last night at our Bible Study.
I like your armor.
ddazzled71 said…
I so am enjoying visiting your blog and seeing your beautiful inspired pieces or art. Both projects are gorgeous! Happy WOYWW! Danie #74
lorik said…
Your fish images is so expressive - love those eyes - but also love the spontaneous feel of the work.
Karen Lakis said…
I love the fish theme and the way you tied these projects together. The reflections in the photo for "down below" are stunning and the composition is fantastic!
Sue from Oregon said…
Happy WOYWW! Lovely fish and sentiment too!
Sue #54
Netty said…
love your beautifully painted fishes and am sure the Rector appreciated it. All fab works Arnoldo, Annette x
voodoo vixen said…
I think your fishes are lovely, especially the one with the knots in the shape and I am sure your new rector appreciated the gift you made for him. Annette #17
sharon said…
Love your fishes, especially the pastel, the colours are awesome. I am pleased to tell you are one of winners for the postcard draw on my blog: http://sharonartinspirations.blogspot.co.nz
Please could you go to my blog and click on postcards page and chose 2 cards. (Er not till later as I just realised that I wont be able to add my new ones till later today.) Anyway email your choice to me with your snail mail address to sharonrevans@xtra.co.nz. Thanks and blessings. Sharon.
Anonymous said…
Fabulous!!!
Peanut said…
What a beautiful fishy post, Arnoldo. Different art work but with a cohesive message of faith in everyday life. Simply beautiful! May our Lord's tender hands be on you and your family, always.
Blessings, Asha
Paula (PEP) said…
The fishy theme makes perfect sense to me. I almost didn't get beyond your Matthew 4:19 Celtic Fish for I was just struck how pastors are accountable to Him even more so because they are 'fishers of men' & there you have drawn the fish on ledger/accountancy paper! When I got to your photo - I could see a person (angel/saint) approaching the stairway - maybe Jacobs Ladder for your photo editing gives the whole a dream'like quality. Thank you for your wonderful thought-provoking post - once again I am richly fed......
Paula (PEP)
Winnie said…
What a wonderful gift for your new Rector! Just perfect! Your fish are so pretty, love the colors. The Zentagle/Celtic fish is so cool. The photo you took of the crosses, is so lovely. I love the reflections. Reminds me of Randy Travis's song. Enjoy the week!
Leovi said…
Me gustan esos pescados, precioso trabajo!
Jen Price said…
Awesome! It makes such a beautiful tag!
Cindy said…
Coming from "In The Studio" - yes, the entire post is inspiring and I am loving that first pastel...and the reflections of the lights in the cross photo...and...and...and...

Ha, ha, thanks for sharing!
Ivy said…
Love your Trio of Fish, they have such energy and presence. Well done! HPPF!
Joy Murray said…
I think the fishy theme worked splendidly. Fish and water are such potent symbols and you captured that beautifully. I like that the photo is blurry, it gives it an ethereal look that matches the message of light in darkness, and a safe shore to rest upon.
Faye said…
All of your today's post is just superb art, but I guess as a fisher person, I'd have to say I fell in love with both fishy pieces. The work is beautiful and of course, the scripture is vital.
GlorV1 said…
Hi Arnoldo. Your fish are a beautiful sight. Very inspiring and lots of faith that your blog holds. You always do great work. Thanks for the beautiful post. I do believe I have the Frida book you just read. Thanks for mentioning it. Have a wonderful weekend.
gloria
Linda Kunsman said…
what meaningful and touching projects Arnoldo!! I especially love the first pastel fish art.Just beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend. :)
i love your "fishy post" theme! the 'fish trio' piece is just beautiful. something about the 'looseness' of it. love it!
Lmkazmierczak said…
Serendipitous indeed...love the results♫ My OYGIF effort: http://lauriekazmierczak.com/variations-on-a-theme/
Giggles said…
I think your gift is a perfect treasure...designed just beautifully for him at the perfect time!

Hugs Giggles
maria said…
So beautiful and very inspiring. I also love the photo you took on the park.

Have a great weekend Arnoldo.
Anne Manda said…
Absolutely successful fishy post! :) The present is just beautiful and I really like your photo of crosses in Santaland - the lights, the color!
Ayala Art said…
I do love the fish!
I don't like eating sea food, bu love to paint fish, funny isn't it?
I always enjoy your posts
I almost skipped reading the complete post, soo many letters!!!
But the beautiful fish-art pulled me into reading, and how could I stop after I had started?
I understood all the hints and relations about fish and the religious symbols and it makes this post so special.
Thank you for sharing your art and knowledge!
Ilona
bellefrogworks said…
Very successful! That gift for your new rector is wonderful - I, of course, would love the original art much more than the (and I love plants). That tangled fish is also wonderful - that is a fantastic photo from last year. I need to get organized and make a prayer journal - what better inspiration for art than God's word? HPPF
robin. said…
excellent how that worked out.
manomij said…
Hi there! I love your Fishy post :)
ManonX
Morph Waffle said…
Great colors in the fish trio and love the zentangle fish.
I like the fish which reminds me of the early Christian period of art and Celtic designs
Lynn Cohen said…
I'm sure that gift with the original art will be greatly appreciated!zen rocks too!
Love the fish theme! Beautiful work as always. Thank you for sharing and happy SS!
Lisabella Russo said…
I think you definitely made the fish theme work for you! Love your fish art pieces too. What a wonderful way to welcome someone into your life with that beautiful and thoughtful piece of art!
Annemor said…
As an answer to your question: Yes.
Have a nice day.
Mormor

http://www.starbear.no/mormor/2013/07/29/mandarin-orange-monday-2/
Jez said…
Amazingly successful, and the three fish painting is beautiful, as is the celtic knot tag. I do like the photograph too and the effect of the lights. You are an amazingly multi-talented man, I'm full of admiration.
The Artful Diva said…
I think your something fishy drawing is wonderful. I hope you win the set of cards - good luck!
lorik said…
I have already told you how much I love that fish image...and now i am back to thank you for lovely comment and for sharing the fish with Mandarin Orange Monday:)
Gloria j Zucaro said…
As a person who has had ponds and aquariums in her life, I love the fish theme. I also really think your Zentangle fish card is wonderful. I also like that fact about using the fish"signature" as a Christian. Thank you for your comment on my blog.
WOW I love the fish! And the photo is amazing!
I really love this fish piece Arnoldo!
You are such a great talent !
blessings!
Belo trabalho...Espectacular....
Cumprimentos
Stephanie said…
Wow! Your zentangle is amazing!! I love the fish theme and there's just so much detail!! Again, Wow!! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday.
denthe said…
I love the soft colours on that fish trio! Your Rector must've been very pleased with it! And that zentanglefish looks great too!
Ana K. said…
Arnoldo, I LOVE your 3 fishes so much.....your talent is amazing! Also fantastic flip cards in newer post, specially the one with shells! Have a nice weekend!
FABBY'S LIVING said…
So nice to meet you Al, you are a wonerful artista, I am soo impressed! I love artwork, myself. Why don't we follow each other so not to miss any of your posts! Thank you for finding me, as this led me to you!
FABBY
Cathy Michels said…
Hi Arnoldo. I think your fish are great! I especially like the trio done in pastels - love the subtle colors and loose strokes. I also really like how you took 'Umbrella Man' and changed it to a flag - very ingenious and great texture! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your lovely comments. Cathy