Taking place in the Cathedral library this course provides an introduction to all aspects of traditional Byzantine icon painting. The aim is to understand the history and meaning of icons and to gain the skills to be able to draw and paint them.
During this course students will paint the beautiful Virgin Panagia Paramythea, an 8th Century miraculous icon, Vatopedi Mother of Consolation and Comfort which can be seen at Mount Athos, Greece.
Beginner painters will paint the face only and more experienced the entire icon.
Students will be given step-by-step guidance through the various disciplines of this ancient tradition. This will include: drawing from the original image or the ready made line drawing, the use of compass, the use of clay and gold leaf for gilding the halo, learning to understand the symbolism and harmonious use of colours, and painting with egg tempera and earth and semi-precious pigments.
Students will also learn to understand the meaning of icons and brief history of them.
At the end of the course, your icon will be blessed by a member of clergy from Southwark Cathedral.
Your Tutor
Hanna-Leena Ward is a professional Byzantine Iconographer. She has researched and studied iconography and Orthodox Church painting under several masters from Greece, Russia, Romania, Finland and UK.
Hanna has a Masters Degree in Sacred Traditional Arts from Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London and she has finished the four year diploma studies in iconography and wall painting under iconographer Aidan Hart in Prince’s School’s Liturgical Arts Program.
Hanna is especially interested in Church wall painting and has been to Romania to research fresco painting under Church painter Adrian Iurco. Hanna has also assisted Aidan with the fresco of the Transfiguration at Leeds.
Hanna has also researched sacred geometry and underlying symbolism in Church architecture as she is an interior designer and has spent her working life in architectural design and drafting. Hanna has painted and taught traditional Folk Art for many years which has given her strong technical skills and foundation for mastering complex icon and wall painting, which is now her calling and passion. Hanna believes that when creating contemporary icons it is important to obey liturgical principles, whilst allowing creativity, in order to uphold this very special image of prayer.
Hanna teaches icon painting and works for commissions.
Information
This course is for six days Monday to Saturday between 9am - 5pm and there will be a 60 minute lunch break.
Please note that lunch is not provided so you should bring your own or use the number of options available within the local area.
Equipment
Please bring along the following equipment with you;
Clutch pencil with eraser
30 cm ruler
Good quality compass
A palette
Note book
All other equipment such as paints and high quality brushes will be provided .
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