Byzantine Iconography Painting Series 1: Painting Basics (1)

🎉 Byzantine Iconography Painting Series 1: Painting Basics (1) 🎨

Introduction to Painting Byzantine Icons

Welcome, aspiring iconographers! In this first part of our series on painting basics, we embark on a transformative journey into the world of Byzantine iconography. This ancient art form is not just about creating images; it's about capturing spirituality and conveying profound truths through sacred icons. Let's dive into the essence of Byzantine iconography together!

📑 Course Breakdown:

Section 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

• Discover the essential materials for egg tempera painting, including pigments and tools.
• Learn how to prepare your workspace and the surfaces you will be working on.
• Master the art of mixing vibrant colors with a focus on egg emulsion.

Section 2: Theoretical Foundations of Byzantine Iconography

• Explore the symbolic meanings behind colors in Byzantine icons.
• Understand how light and color interact to bring depth and life to your icon.

Section 3: Garment Exercise

• Begin with a fundamental exercise to understand the rhythm of photismata by building forms from light to dark.

Section 4: Painting Sleeves - Dark to Light

• Tackle the intricacies of painting with a tetrachrome palette by starting with a mauve sleeve, emphasizing shading and form from dark to light.

Section 5 & 6: Conquering Green with Techniques

• Dive into one of the most challenging colors to paint within tetrachrome: green.
• Learn two distinct techniques for painting green, bringing harmony and balance to your icon.

Materials Needed:

✅ Pigments:

• Yellow Ochre or Iron Oxide Yellow
• Iron Oxide Black
• Light Mars Red or Red Ochre
• Medium Mars Red
• Titanium White

✅ Egg Emulsion:

• Fresh Eggs
• White Wine (to preserve the emulsion)
• Lavender or Basil Essential Oil (optional, to prevent spoilage)

✅ Tools & Supplies:

• Plastic dropper bottles for egg emulsion and water
• Paint brushes (rounds with fine tips, flat brushes, and riggers)
• A palette for mixing paint (glass or plexiglass optional)
• Water container for cleaning brushes
• Paper towel
• Hot press watercolour paper for painting exercises

By the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in Byzantine iconography and be well on your way to creating your own spiritual and aesthetically pleasing icons. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, join us on this artistic voyage and unlock the secrets of one of the most profound art forms in history!

Let's bring these ancient images to life with the knowledge and skill passed down through centuries. Enroll now and start your journey into the divine world of Byzantine iconography painting. 🌟