Russian icons are fascinating pieces of religious art and I thought it would be fun to paint one. I found a picture of a gorgeous one to try copying (see below.) If you aren’t familiar with these icons, they are painted faces and hands of the Mother and Child but then the surrounding areas are covered with silver or gold leaf or tin in three dimensional low relief. Originally I thought of using the wine cap foil as the surrounding metal, but that didn’t work out so I just used acrylic paints with shiny metallic gold paint for the surround. Painting is hard, sheesh. But I’m happy enough with this little painting and it’s tender message. I feel fortunate to have our family together for the holidays and hope all is well with you and yours. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with peace and joy.

Detail from Vladimir Mother of God, 1874 from the book Mary Images Of The Virgin In Art by Marion Wheeler