Another Beginning

I selected one of a number of drawings I worked on of Saint Michael and will copy it to the board. And yes, I've resorted to claybord once again. I seem to be stuck in claybord mode and thought I'd try a head study, such as those you'll see over at Whistling Trains Flicker, before a three-quarter image on gessoed board.

My teacher told our class that he had spent three months practicing the calligraphic-type brushstrokes, integral to icons, before actually being allowed to paint an icon. I couldn't imagine why it would take three months to perfect such strokes, but after watching him freehand a perfect circle, and then trying it myself.... Well, better a humble beginning, than no beginning at all. And if all else fails, there is a compass : )

Time

I made my second trip to the Museum of Russian Icons--this time with a camera and notebook. Fifteen minutes before closing, I realized I hadn't taken any notes, or pictures. Not surprising really, because when you're among icons, time just "is."

An icon is a window where the earthly and the Divine meet. It is not meant to represent an external reality, but a spiritual reality. And maybe that's why I lost track of time, and why I feel the need to return.

A Crown

Dandelions. The perfect flower for fashioning into a crown. And during the grand children's visit, that's just what we did. A few violets for color and the coronation could begin. No matter how rudimentary the crown, when placed on children's heads they immediately don an aura of mystery and majesty.

As I watched the young girls in the parish go up to receive their First Communion, I couldn't help but notice their headpiece and veil. They had that same mystery and majesty about them as my grandchildren did when wearing their crowns.

My prayer at that moment--that their love for Christ increase each time they receive him.