Description

Also Available in Evening Classes

Beginning Iconography Level I (In-Person)

Description

Begin your journey into one of Christianity’s oldest sacred artistic traditions by writing the Holy Mandylion (Holy Face of Christ on the Cloth)—the first icon for every student of the Classical Iconography Institute.

Designed for complete beginners, this course requires no previous artistic experience. Guided step-by-step in a contemplative classroom environment, you will transform a blank traditional gesso icon board into a sacred image using the ancient method of egg tempera, a painting technique practiced by iconographers for nearly two thousand years.

Learn to write an icon in the ancient technique of egg tempera, the icon’s history, how to make egg emulsion, mix your own pigments, various methods of painting in the egg tempera medium, brush and line techniques, and gilding with 23.75 kt gold leaf – all offered in a contemplative environment conducive to prayer.

You will receive professional instruction in one of the world’s most ancient techniques of painting with historic pigments made from natural earth and ground minerals sourced from Zecchi’s Colori Belle Arti in Florence, Italy, the location of a pigment purveyor since the 1300s. Zecchi’s supplies the Uffizi with the very same pigments we provide you, to conserve the world’s masterpieces.

Along the way, you’ll discover that iconography is more than painting. Through prayer and disciplined craftsmanship, each layer of pigment becomes part of a centuries-old sacred art tradition.

To learn more about the traditional method of egg tempera, click here to take a look at this brief summary.

Why Paint the Holy Face?

The Holy Mandylion, also known as the Image Not Made by Hands, is considered one of the oldest and most significant icons in the Christian tradition. According to ancient tradition, Christ impressed His own image upon a cloth that was sent to King Abgar of Edessa, becoming a visible witness to the mystery of the Incarnation. For centuries, iconographers have begun their formation with this sacred image because it proclaims that God truly became visible in Christ.

Click here to read more.

What Makes This Course Unique

Unlike many introductory icon classes that focus only on completing a project, Beginning Level I provides a comprehensive foundation in the traditional practice of iconography.

Students learn not only how to paint, but why each material, color, and technique has been preserved through centuries of Christian tradition. Every stage—from preparing the board and mixing pigments to gilding and building the face through successive transparent layers—is taught with both technical precision and theological understanding.

A Structured Learning Experience

Students receive a comprehensive instructional manual that guides every stage of the icon-writing process and serves as a lasting reference for future work. Weekly demonstrations, individualized instruction, and personal guidance ensure that each student develops both technical competency and confidence while progressing at a thoughtful pace.

A Contemplative Classroom

The Classical Iconography Institute is committed to preserving not only the ancient techniques of iconography but also its spiritual tradition. Classes are conducted in a peaceful, prayerful atmosphere where students are invited to set aside the distractions of daily life and enter into the quiet discipline of sacred art.

What You’ll Learn

By the completion of this course, you will:

• Learn the symbolism and significance of the Holy Mandylion.
• Prepare and transfer an icon drawing to a traditional gessoed icon board.
• Learn how to mix authentic egg emulsion from fresh egg yolk, water, and vinegar.
• Learn to mix historic dry pigments for egg tempera painting utilizing different ratios.
• Learn foundational brush techniques unique to iconography.
• Learn to gild an icon using 23.75 kt gold leaf.
• Understand the traditional iconographic progression of color through sankir, masses, glazes, and highlights.
• Complete the Holy Face of Christ using traditional Byzantine methods.
• Experience the contemplative discipline of writing an icon as prayer.

Class Format – In Person

This course meets in person on Monday evenings.

Meeting Dates:  Monday Evening

• October 19, 26
• November 2, 9, 16, 30
• December 7, 14
• January 4, 11, 25
• February 1

No classes the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s

Meeting Time:  Monday afternoons from 2:00pm – 4:30pm.

Location:

• St. Pius X Catholic Church (Community Center)
• 1280 NW Saltzman Rd
• Portland, OR 97229

Tuition: 

• $700 Total ($50 nonrefundable) for professional instruction, foundational supplies & step-by-step instruction manual, includes a$25 Supply Fee for traditional gesso icon board & historic pigments