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Course Description: Diocesan Iconographical School is inspired by Byzantine and Serbian medieval fresco painting and by the vibrant contemporary work of Fr. Stamatis Skliris of Athens. The course is guided by Snezana Markovic, artist and iconographer who lived at Zicha Monastery in Serbia where she learned the ancient and holy art.
Over a five week period, learn in theory and practice about the creation of icons. Understand their personal role and eschatological importance in the Orthodox tradition. Explore descriptive and expressive uses of color in tempera medium. Attention is given to portrait images, color mixing and the iconographic method of systematic application. Prior art experience favorable but not necessary. The intensive course will follow the schedule below, beginning at 7PM until approximately 9PM on the given dates, and is subject to change.

Course Benefits and Objectives:
Develop a deep practical knowledge of Byzantine Iconography.
To be able to create hand-painted icons.
An increased ability to depict faces and vestments.
To be able to construct a finished icon in its entirety.

Application Procedure: Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are strongly encouraged to apply early as space is very limited. Applications will be subject to a selection process which will give special preference to aspiring Iconographers within the local region, and especially within the Western American Serbian Diocese. A $300 enrollment fee will be required to cover course costs and materials. Also included is Fr. Stamatis’ recommended book “In the Mirror” at a discounted price. Once accepted into the program, the fee will be non-refundable. Please make payment to the Western American Serbian Diocese in the form of a check. Include a completed application form and send to: 2541 Crestline Terrace, Alhambra, California, 91803

Download Application Form OrOnline Application Form

Tuesday, October 14th - Week One
What is an icon?
Introducing iconography: colors, material, styles, history.

Thursday, October 16th - Week One
How to draw Byzantine proportions successfully.
Knowing the elements of the face.

Tuesday, October 21st – Week Two
Illuminating icons with Byzantine-style lighting.
Studying and applying the function and purpose of the light.
The role of the icon in the Orthodox religion.

Tuesday, November 11th - Week Five
Finish remaining work on individual icon projects.
Visit iconographic work-in-progress at local church!

Wednesday, November 13th - Week Five
Finish remaining work on individual icon projects.
Lettering and halo application.

*Subject to change

MATERIALS:
Materials will initially be provided by the Diocesan Iconography Studio. It is highly encouraged that students purchase pigments & brushes for individual practice at home. Here are a list of items necessary:

1. BRUSHES - #1 & #2 round. Also, a larger, broad brush to fill in large areas of base color. Do not buy long handled oil brushes - purchase shorter handle ilustration size brushes. Brushes must be natural hair such as sable or sable-nylon for tempera or acrylic paint. Purchase quality brands like Winsor Newton, Langnickel, Simmons, Da Vinci. A good brush does half the work for you.
2. PIGMENTS - Gamblin, Schmincke, Rublev Colours at naturalpigments.com, www.earthpigments.com.
3. 2H PENCIL, SHARPENER, GREY KNEADED ERASER & PLASTIC ERASER
4. BASIC BOW COMPASS - for drawing halo's.
5. ILLUSTRATION BOARD - for portfolio work, cardboard scraps for studies.
6. TRACING PAPER
7. TRANSFER PAPER
8. PLASTIC CONTAINERS - 1 for clean water, 1 for rinsing brushes.
9. GLASS JAR - small one with a secure lid to hold egg mixture.
10. MIXING UTENCIL - like palette knife, plastic spoon or wooden coffee mixers for mixing tempera paint.
11. PLASTIC EGG CARTONS - palette for tempera colors.
12. 1 GALLON ZIP LOCK BAGS - for storing palettes over-night.
13. DISH TOWEL - for cleaning brushes as you work
14. PAPER TOWELS - not necessary, but handy for spills, etc.
15. SOAP - mild & inexpensive for cleaning brushes.
16. BOX - cosmetic case, tackle box, cardboard box for carrying your supplies.

LIST OF PIGMENTS:
Prussian Blue
Cobalt Blue
Cadmium Red Medium
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Yellow Ochre
Raw Umber
Titanium Dioxide