There are three things that I focus on when doing drawings and paintings. First thing that I focus on is a quote from Mike Tomlin. I try to keep my work “thoughtfully non rhythmic.” I don’t want my work to look constructed and planned the way Byzantine icons are. The next thing I consider is something my icon teacher Peter taught me. The first time I painted a very complex icon he told me to sit down and plan out where each color would be so that there was artistic harmony in the icon. With the paintings that meant that I kept the colors balanced and with the drawings it means that I keep the Shades of Gray balanced, as well as keeping the shapes in each piece balanced. The third thing I consider when making my current pieces is to keep the rhythm of each piece lively. Rhoda often describes art as being a dance. Thus keep the work lively, interesting, flowing and moving.