Monday, September 24, 2012

670 - Archangel Michael Part I

 
 
For the third time, I am beginning the adventure that is the writing of a Byzantine religious icon.  This time around, I have been inspired to paint the Archangel Michael.  He presents a more martial figure than Our Lady Mary, and allows me the chance to render arms and armour in iconic form.  The basic image is painted out, but it's really rough and not much to show.  As I paint over the figure, I'll have to re-work the lines. 
 
As before, my first step is gilding, which this time around went fairly well.  I was torn between gilding the background or putting a very small castle in the background.  Although I feel I should have done the castle, you cannot go wrong with too much gold: