Small Strokes and the "Sign of the Cross"

This is new work, graphite 10 x 8" or thereabouts... evidently early Christians gave this sign to one another to avoid persecution...I thought I'd do a painting, this was supposed to be a preliminary drawing, but I kept going and going... Since I began working in casein I thought it would be interesting to apply the same stroke patterns in my drawings that I've used in a few of my paintings. These are small strokes... short and vertical. I am building texture and volume very methodically without shading broad areas. I used an HB 0.7 mm mechanical pencil. It is a very satisfying way to work, and there is meditative quality to the whole exercise. The paper "glows" through the drawing, lending a gauzy effect. My attention is very much focused with this technique...and I find that my thoughts are pleasant ones. 

Sign of the Cross