2026 Famous Faces – Painting the Anatomy of the Face

Description

Description

Explore classical face anatomy and its depiction in Byzantine iconography by painting four Saints from the magnificent Zvenigorod Deisis currently on display in State Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. These icons were previously attributed to Andrey Rublev which is currently a subject of controversy between art historians.

Taught by Alice Bolgova, trained by professional Russian iconographers. Alice has developed an extensive step-by-step instruction manual that guides students through each lesson with clear demonstrations, practice exercises, and reference materials.

What Makes This Course Unique

Most iconography classes focus on a single icon, while this course with focus on the human face anatomy and explores universal rules that are applicable to any face in any style from the Persian miniature to the Renaisance paintings with the focus on Byzantine tradition. We will explore the facial muscles, various  emotional expressions, age markers and other useful tricks that will help your iconographic faces looks effortlessly beautiful and anatomically correct while remaining in Byzantine tradition. This is achieved through painting four faces of different age and gender in a form of study on thick watercolor paper.

What You’ll Learn

Students will:

• Explore the academic anatomy of the face and how it translates into Byzantine style.
• Learn simple yet effective way to paint the face of the icon as it is taught in Russian iconography schools.
• Paint four faces in different ages, gender and positions.
• Improve the brush calligraphy and build confidence through extensive practice on the watercolor paper.
• Learn the history behind one go the most famous icons of the Golden age of Russian iconography.

Prerequisite

Beginners are welcome. Should have some experience painting with egg tempera.

Class Format

This course meets on four Friday evenings and combines instructor demonstrations with guided practice and individualized feedback. Students will progressively build confidence through carefully sequenced exercises, allowing each lesson to reinforce the skills developed in previous weeks.

Advanced Option:

Paint three saint faces from Zvenigorod Deisis plus draw and paint your own version of Virgin Mary face in the style of the Deisis.

Intermediate Option:

Paint two of the selected four saints with provided cartoon.

Please note the 30 minute earlier starting time.

Instructor:  Meet Alice Bolgova

Meeting Dates:

• January 22, 29
• February 5, 12

Meeting Time: This in-person class meets 4 Friday evenings from 5:30 to 830 pm at St. Pius X Catholic Church.