The old
"U-Bild" No. 7 Nativity Scene is tired and in need of a face-lift. It's usually a half-day event to assemble with much heavy-lifting and consultation regarding placement of figures and lighting. This year, considered creating a faux stained glass painted on Plexiglas, but tests prove the daytime display is quite dull. Decided instead to create a single panel that's more like a large orthodox icon than a creche. Would like to flank it with angels at some point. However, the central panel should be painted by advent -- angels will be a bonus.
The rough mock-up for the central panel is based on French mediaeval windows and early English manuscripts.
Reviewing the mock-up with Mickey Jay, it seems a bit trite to rely so heavily on the stained glass motif. To offset this and give the piece a more contemporary feel, I looked to
House Industries' great CPG graphics. The loose colour application with bold black over-print are great. Plus I just love their illustrative style.
Still a bit like stained glass, so have to refine the mock-up further. The line work in progress. Need something seriously bold that can hold its own over the vibrant colour.
