Lenten projects...not much cooking going on

Busy working this Lenten season on the Narthex Project. It was rolled out at church last week to favorable responses and all 10 icons are now spoken for. I am also busy with a few private projects like the one below.

I always prefer smaller panel work which I find more intimate and easier to control. This is the preliminary drawing by brush on the panel itself. I am learning from my Greek friend, Christian,  and completing a black and white drawing with shadows before proceeding to colors. I actually find it easier to draw with a script liner brush than a pencil or pen. More control over the line quality.