Creating and Understanding Russian Icons
A combined history and practical workshop where students will make their own icon. Materials of $40 included in course fee and students will take home a set of paints.
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Description
This icon workshop will introduce the ancient art of iconography. We will explore some of the history surrounding the use of icons. You will create your own icon drawing inspiration from traditional icon making techniques. The workshop will cover the preparation of a wooden panel (your surface for the workshop will be given to you ready to go), painting, symbolism and using gilding paint to create a gilded effect. We will integrate making with plenty of discussion. By the end of the weekend, you'll take home your own icon. Depending on the complexity of your image and your speed, you may not quite finish all the painting. You'll go home with a set of gouache so you can complete your artwork.
This course runs 10am - 1pm on the Saturday then 10am - 4pm on the Sunday.
Expected learning outcomes
- Understanding some of the history and significance of iconography.
- Creating preparatory sketches for icon compositions.
- Preparing icon panels.
- Painting a contemporary icon.
What to bring
Bring your lunch on the second Saturday as the session runs a full day. We'll provide tea and coffee in the staff room for breaks. All materials are included within this course fee.
Who should attend?
Anyone eager to learn how to make an icon and understand some of the rich history informing iconography. Suitable for both those new to art and those with some experience looking to explore a new art form.
From tutor Libby Brookbanks
The intention of the icon is to usher the viewer into a place of reverence and contemplation. Contemporary culture often sabotages and challenges this space for consideration. I have been exploring the significance of icons through my own icon practice and have produced many icons based on ancient icon painting techniques.
.jpg "Russian Icon")
People who attended this course also attended...
Byzantine for Beginners, Understanding Contemporary Art, Maori Art History, The Dawn of Modernism, NZ and the Venice Biennale
Testimonials
From our inaugural 2019 course:
"I'm so delighted with this course. The potted history was fascinating and informative. Libby is just so knowledgeable about this subject. Then making the icons: for someone with no art training like me, I had some worries about the practical part of the course. But Libby was so encouraging and helpful. Her practical steps to creating the icon were clear and easy to understand. What a great teacher!" HC
