Recently, I purchased this book Drawing Closer to Christ: A Self-Guided Icon Retreat by Joseph Malham* as I had heard of Icon Retreats before and was excited to try this at home! I created my first icon and posted a little tutorial here: Custom Jesus Icon
I created my image as a collage of a few different images and I carefully traced the black and white template onto a 12″x16″ wood framed canvas from the dollar store. I followed many of the helpful tips within the Drawing Closer to Christ book.
I know that my Custom Jesus icon isn’t terribly sophisticated…and I’m already planning what I will do differently next time.
I did enjoy the process so much though, that I painted my own icon of Our Lady.
Mary Icon
Again, I combined a few different images and created a line drawing. I used carbon paper to transfer the drawing to the wood frame canvas. I used acrylic paint, sometimes using a couple layers of paint to get a nice dense color.
I really like the way she turned out!
I’ve always liked the idea of being under Our Lady’s Mantle for protection and intrigued by how artists used to sometimes include their patrons within a painting. I decided to further customize our Family Mary icon, placing our family under her protection.
Spot the difference?
Happy Solemnity of the Annunciation!
*References to Drawing Closer to Christ include our Amazon affiliate link. The small commission I receive for your purchase through this link does not inflate the price you pay! Thanks for your support!
How or where can I get a copy of your Blessed Virgin Mary? It’s beautiful and I’d love to purchase one to print. Thank you.
Miraculous Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. To that end and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask form you… (mention your favour). Amen
This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day, your sincere wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to offer thanksgiving by sharing it and expressing it on granting of your favour. The idea is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.