Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Hello!  ¡Hola!  I survived all my Holy Week responsibilities, so I praise the Lord for illuminating my way.  This week I had to drive my wife to a doctor's appointment in San Antonio, which is 145 miles from Del Rio, but we made a day out of it.  Other than that, I had Chapel for our parochial school students, Church meetings, and Church bulletins; but don't have to write a sermon, since the Archdeacon for our Diocese will be our guest preacher on Sunday!

During our day trip, we visited Half Price Books store, which is one of our favorites.  I found a book titled "Kawaii Birdies - Learn to Draw 80 Adorable Feathered Friends," by Jennifer Budrock.  As I've mentioned before, I'm fond of Japanese art's simplicity, so I had to buy it.  Kawaii is a Japanese term that translates to lovable, adorable, or cute, so the cultural concept reflects an emotional warmth, charm, and playfulness.  This art journal page was inspired by a hen and chick in the book, and Jesus' quote from Luke 13:34b.  I am submitting this page to Try It On Tuesday: Make it Cute, As You Like It Challenge - Simple or Fussy, and Path of Positivity Challenge #140. 

I also drew the Warbling White-eye that's in the book, but drew him wearing an Ecclesiastical shirt and a Pectoral Cross, to look priestly like me.  I used a Pentel Brush Sign Pen, a Funcils Copper Chrome Marker, and a set of Mont Marte Real Brush Pens.  For the lettering of Psalm 16:5, I used a Copic Fine Nib Inking Pen.  As a finishing touch, I used a Spellbinders Kanga & Roo mug die cut to give him a cup of coffee.  (BTW, I made the cardstock base using a Kscraft ATC die cut set.)  I am submitting this to First Cup Challenge #13 April, where I was a Top 3 Coffee Aficionado for March; the April 2026 ARTNUDGE426C with its cup and color scheme; and Inspirational Challenge #364 CAS, with E is for Ecclesiastical, where I was a top pic for challenge #363.

To continue the bird theme, I decided to do a pastel painting of a Painted Bunting, using a JDS Woodless Charcoal Pencil, a set of Derwent Pastels, and Conté Pastels, on a Vista Jute Canvas sheet.  This species of bird is in the cardinal family, and is a common Summer resident in Texas.  The bright colored plumage of the male makes it easy to identify, but it's difficult to spot, since it often sings while hiding behind foliage.  I am submitting this piece to Friday Face Off 4/10/26 and Saturday's Critters #643.

Speaking of colorful, this is a photograph of an assemblage that Glo Striker, one of my parishioners, did in the narthex of our Church.  We use a nook there to display a painting I did several years ago, titled "In the Garden."  However, during Easter, she incorporates crosses and Ostrich Easter Eggs she's made for this stunning display to celebrate our Lord's resurrection.  I am submitting this picture to What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 879/99, since church was my primary desk last week.

Last, but not least, I have a digital art journal page inspired by my gorgeous daughters and handsome grandsons.  (I wish my wife was in the picture, but she chose to finish making dinner, while we had an Easter Egg hunt in our backyard.)  Using my iPad's Procreate app, I digitally painted the arch of Easter colors and layered the Word Art Wednesday - Weeks #746/747 scripture.  I'm also submitting it to Art Journal Journey "Tree's Are Awesome?  Aren't They", which is being hosted by my friend Gillena, from Art For Fun Friday 3906.

Thanks for your visit!  ¡Gracias por su visita!  I'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment, and I'll happily reciprocate.

Shalom,

Arnoldo+