Nativity scene in progress

Finally I have found the time to get started on my big project!  This is the beginning stages of my Nativity Scene that I am so very excited about!  I will try to post the progression as I work on it.  Wish me luck!

First I drew all my characters, then refined them and traced them onto tracing paper...

Then I laid them all out where I thought they should be....

Then I transfered my picture onto my canvas with the old fashioned charcoal on the back of the drawing and went over my lines with a pencil...

Then I went over my charcoal impression with ink, and walla!  I am ready to begin painting!!!  

I'm painting this one on a big (24 x 30 ) canvas-should be fun!