This and That

It's continued to be extremely busy at work, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel with Summer just around the corner.  However, I have to say I've been able to balance it along with my Church, family, and artful life.  God is good!  The following is a sampling of what I've done artistically.

9/11 Light and Darkness
iPhone/iPhoto Photograph
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #123
Bella's 52 Photo Project - Criss Cross
Jen's I believe in Love
Mother's Day At The Romeros
iPhone Photo Montage
Lorik's Mandarin Orange Monday #93
Denise, Roger & Leslie's ABC Wednesday R is for Romeros
Maria's Orange You Glad is Friday #90
Above are some of my photographic compositions.  The first one is a shot I took during a recent tour of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which is housed at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas.  It's a set of mangled beams from the twin towers after 9/11.  In my mind, this represents the day our nation criss crossed from light to darkness as American heroes tried to restore the light of hope in a nation brought to darkness through a major act of terrorism.  Although it was a disturbing experience to walk through this exhibit, I believe it's important not to forget the lives that were lost during the disaster, as well as the heroes that got the nation through it.  On a much lighter note, I have some shots I took last weekend during my family's Mother's day celebration.  The 3 lovely ladies are my wife and daughters.  On the right is my wife's breakfast tray, as well as the gorgeous tablescape my oldest daughter set for our celebration dinner.  It was a good day.

Amy
Paper Doll & Storage Tag
Tag Tuesday - Dolls
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Spring Flowers
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - M is for Modeling
Rhedd and Rosie Challenge Blog #32 - All About Texture
Manon's Paper Saturdays
Next, I have a project I worked on for several afternoons last week.  It's a paper doll and outfits I designed, along with a double pocket tag to store them in.  I used kraft cardstock, various paper scraps, a Tim Holtz glassine envelope, a Martha Stewart cardstock border, tissue paper, DCWV burlap paper, 3 different Sharpie micron pens, a glue stick, staples, ribbon scraps, and a strip of jute cord to make my pieces.  I also used various tools, which included EK Success templates, a pair of scissors, 3 different Fiskars hand punches, a McGill Flower & Pot punch, and a mini stapler.  I had a blast designing the doll's wardrobe, which was inspired by my daughters' childhood wardrobe.  They were such cute little models!  It also reminded me of my days as a fashion illustrator and layout artist for a small chain of department stores back in the 80's.  LOL!

Bo
Pencil Sketch
Paper, Paint, Pencils & Pens! - Animals
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #132
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #258
Jenn's Artist Playroom #106
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
Enjoy!
Chalk Sketch
Piarom's Mix It Up Monthly - Café
Order of the Opus Gluei Challenge #182 - Flowers
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 10 Year 4
Last, but not least, I have a couple of sketches I did during the last couple of days.  The first one is of my Boston Terrier, Bo.  He's a 12 year old happy-go-lucky dog who enjoys playing ball, going out on walks, and hanging out with the family.  I'm very pleased with the way he came out, because the resemblance is quite accurate.  The second piece is a quick stylized sketch of a coffee mug, rose, and a little hand lettering.  I am truly a coffee lover, so the word "enjoy" is an understatement.  LOL!  I also like the idea of having the word evolve from the vapor, although I'm not crazy about my execution.  It came out a little messy, so please accept my apologies.

I want to thank you for all the kind words you left during my last post.  I would love to hear what you think about these week's pieces too, and be assured that I'll reciprocate with a comment on your blog, as well as answer any questions you may have.  Blessings!

Comments

Leovi said…
Sí, maravilloso encuadre y bonita luz, muy interesante esta foto abstracta!!
Electra said…
Your coffee piece doesn't come across as messy to me Arnoldo-it seems just right! I love the depth in it! And the Boston Terrier gives me a smile, I grew up with a Boston Terrier! Thanks for joining in with us at Opus Gluei again!
zandra said…
Love playing with paper dolls, these are so cute! Love the Boston Terrier, so doggone cute!
Hugz, Z
Anonymous said…
The doll and clothes is fabulous, reminds me of when I was much younger and used to cut them out.

Thank you for joining us at Rhedd & Rosie Challenge Blog.

Moira DT xx
Unknown said…
Looks like you have been up to a lot.
Love the doll.
Zoe said…
What a fabulous project Ronaldo, thank you for joining in Rhedd and Rosie's, good luck Hun, Zoe DT xx
Reader Wil said…
Your art is excellent! Thanks for sharing.
Have great week.
Wil, ABCW Team
Lin said…
Your paper doll is so fun, Arnoldo! Someone special is going to have lots of fun with it! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge!
Bella Cirovic said…
What a lovely family photo!! Thank you for adding to the {criss cross} gallery!
PiaRom said…
You are so profilic Arnoldo and always such a joy to visit your blog! Love all your work and the mothers day foto! I am happy you have a cup with us on Mix It Monthly ♥ Conny
That's an interesting piece of metal.
ROG, ABCW
Unknown said…
Bo looks like he is ready to step off the page. Thank you for dropping in to visit us at Word Art Wednesday today with this beautiful pencil art. Blessings, Carole
Carole said…
I love paper dolls, so fun. Bo's sketch looks great...and the mug speaks to me. Be well Carole #44
I love how you always share a variety of projects in your posts. Sometimes the one you choose to link isn't the one that catches my eye the most, but nonetheless, every piece you create is always stunning. I was drawn to the kraft pocket with the girl peeking out - it's ADORABLE! It reminds me of "Flat Stanley" (a friend I recently met through my 1st grade niece - you'll have to goodle that one...LOL). Thanks SO MUCH for sharing your WONDERFUL art with us, Arnoldo. Your art is such a blessing to me.
Karen
Word Art Wednesday
Borqna said…
I really like your " 3 girls" -
you are one lucky man!! - Smile!
I'm sure you're an excellent teacher at the school too.
Great ideas and thoughts!
Good luck!
Anonymous said…
Happy WOYWW. Loving all of your fab crafting, especially the paper dolls. How emotional to be so close to those beams from the Twin Towers. Ali x. #94
April said…
Thank you for sharing the picture from the 9/11 tragedy. That is a very moving picture. You family is just lovely. Including Bo. :-) We had a cocker spaniel named Beaw. We used the first letters of each of our names.
April #75
Shoshi said…
An interesting and varied post, Arnoldo. The exhibit about 9-11 must have been very moving. Your family looks so lovely! - and lots of great projects too.

Thanks for your visit and your nice comment. My main work zone in my ARTHaven is pretty organised, and this WOYWW it looked much too tidy! It's slightly more messy now that I have started painting my album pages. It's the rest of the room that's a total tip!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #34
Meihsia Liu said…
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and creations. Your sketches are fantastic! :)
Mona Pendleton said…
Fantastic collection of projects! Thanks for joining along with the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge!
Indrani said…
Excellent creativity! Love the creations! So much of talent in these.
Jez said…
All very interesting pieces of art and all so different, highlighting all your various talents and skills. I particularly love the chalk sketch for Café, it's good to see a different medium used and it really works well in your colourful sketch.
Thank you also for your comments on my blog and on PPP&P, it's good to see you there.
Chrysalis said…
Powerful first pic, lovely family, dog and mug ones, too. The doll project is a great idea, and lots of fun for a little girl (or not so little!) to play with. Hope the rest of your week goes well. Chris # 23
Netty said…
Love all your beautiful work Arnoldo and thank you for sharing your photos. Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
Unknown said…
Thanks for stopping by my blog, I think your coffee cup piece is great...don't change it lol.
Dawn #54
Nancy B said…
That drawing of your dog, Bo is so special. I know that you will treasure it. The coffee painting is great too. I love the blending colors on the cup.
Wonderful artwork and thank you so much for the nice photo from the beautiful Romero women...
I specially like your coffee cup this time... amazing expressive art!
xoxoxo
Susi
Valerie-Jael said…
Lots of creativity this week in spite of not having much time! Valerie
Zana said…
Love the paper doll, but my favourite is the coffee piece, very intense colours and so yummy.
Giggles said…
Beautiful artwork this week my friend! Your family is also creative with their beautiful outfits and table settings!! You truly live an artful life my friend!! Love your dog and I too have made a couple of cups of coffee but not posted them yet.... It's my drink of choice as well!!
Adorable paper dolls...

Hugs Giggles
EricaSta said…
Read and see your Blog first Time: Very nice here! Like all your drawings :)

Thank you for the friendly comment to OYGIF-Post. Do you know Augsburg in Bavaria?

Wish you a very nice Weekend!

Heidrun
GlorV1 said…
You are such a dedicated person Arnoldo. Love the photos of your three ladies and your first photo is awesome. Thanks for the info on it. Have a great day.:)
DVArtist said…
Arnold you have such a lovely family. Your art is also wonderful. That paper doll sailor is awesome!!! I like the dog too.
Have a very nice weekend
Nicole/Beadwright
Linda Kunsman said…
First I must say how much I LOVE the dresses and skirt your beautiful ladies are wearing! Your paper doll/ wardrobe is darling. You know I love your sweet sketch of Bo, and your coffee mug is wonderful!!! I love how the "steam" spells out the word and the softness the pastels give it. Have a beautiful weekend!
robin. said…
at first I thought this was leather...very chilling find out what it actually is.
Candy C said…
Arnoldo....you are such a deep, creative thinker. I really enjoyed reading your post about going to the Bush Library and Museum, the photograph of the twisted metal of 911 and all that it represents with the lightness and darkness. You put that so beautifully and I'd never thought of it quite in those terms until now...but you are so right. Your family is lovely and such bright beautiful pictures. Her Mother's Day tray is so cheerful and you can tell it was prepared with such love! Your paper doll project is darling and of course, I always enjoy your sketches. Have a blessed weekend. <3 Candy
Fallingladies said…
I love the paper doll, i miss making paper wardrobes!!!!
Victoria said…
Hi Arnoldo..awesome post..love your photograph..carries such strength and visual power! Thanks for sharing about the exhibit, and the impact it had on you. and LOVE your sweet pup...adorable , gorgeous work
Victoria
Unknown said…
What a fun and busy post..you are always up to a lot of wonderful things. I especially like your paper doll. So amazing, whimsical and fun!
Unknown said…
What lovely ladies you have in your life and what a special day you made for her. I like your take on what the beams from the exhibit mean. I can't imagine the affect it must have had on you (or anyone for that matter) to actually see them in person. Thanks for sharing.
Darnell said…
Hi Arnaldo! Sorry I'm so late hopping through WOYWW and returning your visit to me (thank you!). Your post is full and interesting! Thank you for sharing the beams and your deep thoughts and your wonderful photos of your Mother's Day celebration with your beautiful wife and daughters. Your paper doll/clothes and the sketches you've made recently are all delightful! Enjoy the rest of the week! Hugs, Darnell #24
Darnell said…
PS, forgive me for the typo in your name!
AM Zafaran said…
Lovely pic of your wife and daughters! Beautiful tray with the wrapped gift on it and the mug, dolls clothes paintings are so cute!
Debbie said…
I love the paper dolls, and your chalk drawing is wonderful too! The blending you did is so great.
carol l mckenna said…
Always such creative diversity here and love the latest creative photos ~ Beautiful family on Mother's Day ~ Happy Week to you ~ xoxo

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Great collection! I especially love your paper doll!
Lorraine said…
lots of lovely art
All creations are lovely, and I especially enjoy the coffee drawing!
Redlane Geraine said…
I enjoyed this post, as always. Love that coffee mug chalk sketch. Have a great week!
Unknown said…
Great make! Many thanks for joining the Rhedd and Rosie’s challenge and good luck!!! Melissa (DT)
Jen Price said…
Such an interesting photo! Love it!
Rosemary said…
Love them all - not a surprise! Enjoy makes me smile, I can almost smell that coffee. I love when my husband goes into Starbucks, he always comes out scented like coffee - it isn't messy what you've done, I feel like it has a great cheery vibe! Your daughters and wife are lovely and what a special Mother's Day you gave her. Paper dolls, I love them still - I enjoyed them in my childhood so much, you could use the beauty of your imagination to your heart's content. I love that these were inspired by your daughter's childhood. You're a terrific dad!

Thanks for participating with us at Opus Gluei!
Anonymous said…
I love all of the photos and projects you've shared. Those paper dolls have a very nice wardrobe and I'm in love with Bo. I like the sketchiness of the mug too.
This is a sweet post, Arnoldo. I love reading about your week, home life and your artistic works. I'm smiling here on the sofa this morning. :)
Jo Ann said…
Great variety of projects in this post, Arnoldo. All of them are so wonderful. We are blessed that you joined our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday. I want to encourage you with God's Word in Ephesians 6:7 which says, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people."

Hugs and blessings,
JO ANN
http://jatterburycreations.blogspot.com
manomij said…
Hi Arnaldo! I have finally arrived just before our next paper Saturdays link up. I guess you will know what my favourite piece is here at your post...the paper doll of course!!!! I am so sorry I have missed so much over the last couple of weeks but internet seems a bit better we have a new provider :)
Also a big thank you for your lovely comment on my post about home away from home. I will let you in on a little secret...most of my family lives in Amsterdam so I have one in the UK and one over in Holland. Take care for now and I will come and visit very soon. Manon :)

Anonymous said…
Love the dog sketch
Margik said…
Como siempre has hecho un post genial. Me encanta la muñeca tan graciosa y sus vestidos. El dibujo del perro es magnifico y la taza de café ha quedado estupenda por los colores y la composición, la rosa le ha dado un toque muy romántico. Unos trabajos excelentes!
Mar
Unknown said…
Love your little dog sketch. You have reminded me I need to draw my cat a bit more often, I used to draw her when she was a kitten, but she is still quite pretty now she's grown up.