Ikons Reinterpreted

The two Marys of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke

What began as a workshop on sacred art and icons became an experiment, then a passion, then a commission. I sometimes use egg tempera or gouache paint, but prefer chalk pastel, as it can be easily “moulded” into fine features.

This particular series is based on the New Life motif (above) from the Seven Training Sketches series. Most of the works here were created over the Twelve Holy Nights, that period beginning with Christmas and ending with Epiphany. This series begins the cycle with the Angel of Judgement. I created one image each night, drawing on zodiacal indications and the descriptions of the nativity given in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The cycle finishes with Epiphany.

If you interested in finding out more about historical and cultural background of these motifs, you can read two short articles I wrote about the Two Marys and the Two Jesus Children.