Christian icon-painting is currently enjoying a revival beyond the bounds of its traditional home in the Orthodox Church.
Students on this course will use the traditional technique of egg tempera to create an icon painting of their own, working from reproductions of existing portrait-icons.
The course is suitable both for beginners and those with some experience. Guided by practical demonstrations, students will learn how to prepare a gesso ground, practise drawing the forms of the icon with a fine-pointed brush, and make and use egg tempera as a painting medium, building up layers of translucent colour for the face, hands and clothing. (Gilding will not be included.)
As well as these practical techniques, the course will include an introduction to the visual language, symbolism and spiritual meaning of icons as ‘sacred portraits’.
By the end of the week, students will have completed an icon panel, as well as a series of preparatory studies.