I am using obscure (in these parts of the world) artwork to make my icon.

Ahh, but now you have at least one person on your f-list who doesn't think it's obscure.

Some time ago I've considered making an icon from Vasnetstov's "Alenushka" and it didn't come out too great. Plus, it's not my favorite painting, even if it's named after me.

I also went through a phase of attempting to icon various Russian cartoon characters, but couldn't find decent pictures anywhere.