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!