u/ericarmusik

DAY 38 • FINISHING TOUCHES

Today I’m putting the finishing touches on my Holy Family in the Workshop of St. Joseph commission.

After weeks of building the composition, refining the figures, developing the architecture and atmosphere, and carefully painting the faces, hands, clothing, and smallest details, the painting is now coming together as a finished work.

These final touches are often some of the most important. A small adjustment to a hand, a highlight, a fold of fabric, or a subtle change in light can bring everything into harmony.

This commission has been a deeply meaningful painting for me, depicting the Holy Family in the humble workshop of St. Joseph, with the young Christ holding the wooden cross He will one day carry.

Nearly there.

48 x 60” work in progress

I just finished what is probably one of my favorite drawings of my career: “St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata.”

This year marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata on Mount La Verna in 1224. St. Francis was the first person in recorded Christian history known to have received the stigmata, receiving the wounds of Christ in his own body two years before his death.

I wanted to capture the profound humility, suffering, and supernatural grace of that extraordinary moment as Francis kneels before the Crucified Christ.

This composition will also serve as the foundation for a large original oil painting that I plan to paint next.

“St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata”
Charcoal on paper
22 x 30”

I just finished a two-pope project of Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Both drawings are 18 x 24 inches, charcoal on paper for a private collection in Canada.

There are many things I admire about both of these great popes. In Saint John Paul II, I especially admire his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, our shared Polish heritage, and the tremendous role he played during the fall of Communism and the collapse of the Berlin Wall. In Pope Benedict XVI, I deeply respect his love for Catholic tradition, his defense of the faith, and his support for the growth of traditional religious orders and communities.

I just finished drawing two portraits of Saint John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Both drawings are 18 x 24 inches, charcoal on paper.

There are many things I admire about both of these great popes. In Saint John Paul II, I especially admire his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, our shared Polish heritage, and the tremendous role he played during the fall of Communism and the collapse of the Berlin Wall. In Pope Benedict XVI, I deeply respect his love for Catholic tradition, his defense of the faith, and his support for the growth of traditional religious orders and communities.

Both men, in very different ways, left an extraordinary mark on the Church and on our time.

#catholicart

Day 2: Drawing Pope St. John Paul II, charcoal on paper, 18 x 24”.
Born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Poland, Pope St. John Paul II lived through Nazi occupation and Communist rule before becoming pope in 1978. During his nearly 27-year pontificate, he boldly defended human dignity, marriage, family, and the Catholic faith, while playing a significant role in the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Canonized in 2014, he remains one of the most influential popes of the modern era.

His papacy was a profound gift to the Church, especially for Catholics devoted to her sacred traditions. Through his deep theological wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the truth, he reminded the world that the beauty of the liturgy and the continuity of Catholic tradition are treasures to be preserved, not forgotten.

His promulgation of Summorum Pontificum opened the door for countless faithful to rediscover the riches of the Traditional Latin Mass, strengthening the spiritual lives of many families and communities throughout the world. His writings, preaching, and witness consistently pointed souls toward Jesus Christ with clarity, charity, and reverence.

It has been an honor to create this portrait in memory of a pope whose legacy continues to inspire priests, artists, scholars, and the faithful to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful.

Charcoal on paper 18 x 24” 2026

FINISHED! My commission of “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” oil on panel 24 x 36” 2026. Private collection.

One of the greatest sources of inspiration for my current painting, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, has been the monumental masterpiece by Peter Paul Rubens, now housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Ever since I first encountered the painting, I have admired Rubens’ extraordinary ability to capture both the power of the lions and the quiet faith of Daniel in the midst of unimaginable danger.

As I began work on this commission I wanted to remain faithful to details found in Scripture that are not always emphasized in art. The Bible tells us that Daniel was likely an elderly man by the time he was cast into the lions’ den, having faithfully served under several kings throughout his long life. Rather than depicting him as a youthful hero, I chose to portray an older Daniel whose wisdom, dignity, and steadfast trust in God have been forged through decades of trial and perseverance.
I also chose to include the angel mentioned in the Book of Daniel. When King Darius rushed to the den the following morning, Daniel proclaimed, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me.”

For me, the story of Daniel is not simply about surviving the lions’ den. I’ve reflected on many of the difficult challenges I’ve had to endure and why deep faith has been the only thing that has helped me to persevere. This subject is about remaining faithful through adversity, trusting in God despite overwhelming circumstances, and finding peace in the knowledge that we are never abandoned. I hope my painting reflects not only the drama of the event but also the courage, humility, and enduring faith that have made Daniel’s story an inspiration for thousands of years.