εἰκών

The title of this post is the Greek word for "Icon" (literally: "image").  Over the past year or so, I've really become fascinated with the themes and stylistic choices favored in classical religious icons.  I guess my first real attempt at this style was last year's painting "God's Bear" which I painted for the exhibition at Cafe Verde.  I've returned to that style a few times since then, this being the latest (and darkest):

 This was my first time painting with coffee.  It behaves a lot like...the absolute weakest watercolor paint on Earth.  Even the subtlest of tones here represent repeated washes and brushstrokes.  The ink is Sakura Pigma Micron 05, and the gold is from a Posca paint marker.

This piece will be in a group show at the Ugly Mug (Ypsi) in October.  Details to come.

(Sorry about the crappy photos...I couldn't decide which color I liked better vs. which was more true to life.  Also, it seems I can't focus my shots worth a d*mn). >.<

This is, far and away, the best-smelling painting I've ever done.