Palm Sunday artwork

The black and white detail images I posted last week were from this painting, for a Palm Sunday church bulletin cover (ink and monotone watercolor, approx. 5" x 6"). Though I love to study religious art, it's not often that I personally create it. Here, I was inspired by several Russian icon images while illustrating John 15:5 and John 17 in a subdued manner.

Traditionally, icons are elaborately gilded, then painted on prepared wooden panels with the bright and saturated colors of egg tempera. Since they are so rich in symbolism, it may take years for an icon artist to master his/her craft. But the finished art is just striking to behold.