oil and gold leaf on canvas, 18x24in

In Western traditions, St. Christopher was a giant, born during the reign of Emperor Decius, who carried travelers across a dangerous river. Later martyred by the ruler of Lycia. However, in Eastern traditions, St. Christopher was born as 'Reprebus', during the rule of Emperor Diocletian. He was captured in the land of the Marmaritae west of Cyrenaica. The Marmaritae were know in antiquity as Cynocephalus, a race of people with the head of a dog and thirst for human blood. The existence of Cynocephali was a common belief and "fact" during these times. It wasn't until he found god that his head turned into a human's head and changed his name to 'Christopher'. Later martyred in an unknown land. However, most some Eastern style icons, show St. Christopher still as a Cynocephali during his martyrdom.

There's SOOO much wrong with this painting. The head is lopsided, the hands need to be fixed, the breasts, the shoulders and the background. I'm going to work on this a little bit, but otherwise it's done. The gold does look better irl, trust me. It's shit.

I need more painting and anatomy practice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lJeQAFyJgQ