Enlivening Lines

I finished Saint Nicholas' facial features, which also included the last highlights: the enlivening lines. These are the hardest to do because they are meant to be precise. I should know better than to try to paint them after consuming two cups of coffee. It always leads to unsteady hands.

I have decided to order Holy Image, Hallowed Ground before I begin another icon. My class notes are lacking and I believe the book will help to fill in some of those gaps. A few students had brought a camera and a tape recorder to class. Smart thinking. Especially where it's hard to watch the demonstration and jot down notes at the same time. I ended up watching more than jotting. Hmmm, live and learn I guess.

I will start the nimbus and work on the background in the next few days. It's time to move on and think about another icon. Saint Nicholas has been very patient.