Feature Article

Icon Painting Canon and the Jesus Prayer

In the icon, events occurring in different periods of time are depicted in a single picture plane, as in the icon of Saint George, Russian Museum

The relationship between prayer and the icon

The golden age of modern icon painting may turn out to be a barren flower, unless icon-painting canon is clearly understood. An icon painter must thoroughly understand everything in the icon; otherwise, he merely makes copies of icons. To assist understanding, it is vital today to consider the icon as a form of prayer.

The article touches on one of the most important problems for modern icon painters--the relationship between prayer, and the Jesus prayer in particular, with an understanding of the icon and the process of icon painting.

You can read this and many more articles on icons, icon painting and iconography in the members-only area of Iconofile.

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New Iconofile Painting Workshops

Iconofile sponsors workshops year-round on icon and fresco painting techniques by internationally-recognized masters. Each instructor has a painting style and approach to iconography uniquely their own and different from each other in the Iconofile School of Iconography.

Fresco Painting Workshops

New York: October 17-21, 2005
California: October 24-28, 2005
Chicago: October 31-November 4, 2005

This five-day workshop will give you the skills needed to complete both buon and secco fresco painting for walls and portable icons. The course begins with hands-on instruction on applying the plaster layers. Using a prototype you develop the cartoon, transfer it to the plaster and begin painting the image. At the end of this workshop you will be able to complete at least one portable fresco to take home with you.

Register for the Fresco Workshop

Icon Painting Workshops

New York: February 6-11, 2006
Washington, DC: February 13-18, 2006
California: February 20-25, 2006 (Advanced)
Texas: February 27-March 4, 2006
Chicago: March 6-11, 2006

In this six-day workshop, you use a prototype of an icon of the Mother of God to help develop skills in painting and gilding icons. The icon features fine details and fusing tones in the face of Mary. You learn how to make shell gold, paint gold assiste on Mary's clothing and apply gold leaf. You also learn advanced techniques of petite lac or floating and dry brush painting to achieve the luminosity and colors of this icon.

Register for the Icon Workshop

Icon painting supplies now
available from Natural Pigments

Iconofile formed an agreement to offer its painting supplies through NaturalPigments.com. All painting supplies in the Iconofile store are now available from Natural Pigments. Iconofile will continue offering books related to iconography and new items, such as hand-painted icons.

Iconofile Annual Members will continue to receive a ten percent discount on all orders over $50. Simply use the membership discount code that you received with your membership when you check out your shopping bag at the NaturalPigments.com web site. Proceeds from sales directly benefit Iconofile's non-profit mission.

Go to NaturalPigments.com

Join Us on the 2005 Tour of Russian Icons

It is not too late to join this tour from anywhere in the world!

This is the fourth year of this highly-acclaimed tour that offers a unique view of Russian icons both ancient and contemporary. Iconofile is offering this 16-day tour to Russia once again in the Summer 2005 to visit important centers of icon painting, such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Pskov and the cities of Russia's Golden Ring, such as Yaroslavl and Vladimir. On the tour you will be able to see firsthand icons made by Andrei Rublev, Theophanes the Greek, and many other masters of icon painting. Tours also include visiting ancient churches and monasteries. Iconofile also has arranged visits to the studios of contemporary iconographers and icon-painting workshops.

This tour is one of the most unusual opportunities for icon painters, students, instructors, historians, collectors and anyone interested in icons to see masterworks of Old Russian art. You will be able to see firsthand icons made by Andrei Rublev, Theophanes the Greek, Dionysius, and other masters of icon painting. You will learn styles represented by the Moscow, Pskov, Novgorod and other schools of Russian icon painting. Tours also include visits to ancient churches and monasteries. Iconofile has also arranged for visits to the workshops of leading icon painters.

See Photos of Tour

There is Still Time Left to Go!

There are places left on the tour this summer and there is plenty of time to prepare, so reserve your place on the tour (July 20-August 4, 2005). Call now at 1-888-361-5900 to reserve or to learn more about this tour.

Tour Rates and Schedule

Back Issue of Iconofile: Wall Painting

The latest issue of the Iconofile Journal focuses on church  wall painting and decoration. Three in-depth articles cover the decoration of three modern churches using different painting techniques: acrylics, egg tempera and fresco. The articles examine the process of painting and the issues facing contemporary artists. The issue also features book reviews and guide to the Museum of History and Archaeology in Sofia, Bulgaria. The 36-page issue contains 30 full-color images of wall paintings. Order your subscription today so that you will receive future issues of the Journal.

Get an inside look of this issue

Legal Stuff

Copyright 2005 Iconofile. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The opinions expressed in this journal do not necessarily reflect those of Iconofile.

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Icon Tours

Tour of Russian Icons
July 20-August 4, 2005
 

Painting Workshops

Fresco Painting Workshops

New York: October 17-21, 2005

California: October 24-28, 2005

Chicago: October 31-November 4, 2005

Icon Painting Workshops

New York: February 6-11, 2006

Washington, DC: February 13-18, 2006

California: February 20-25, 2006

Texas: February 27-March 4, 2006

Chicago: March 6-11, 2006
 

Supplies Now Available from Natural Pigments

Iconofile formed an agreement to offer its art supplies through the Natural Pigments web site. All painting supplies in the store are now available from Natural Pigments. Iconofile continues to offer books related to icons and many new items, such as hand-painted icons.

More info

New Pigments
from France

We've added new French pigments, such as ochres, siennas, umbers and iron oxides to the store.

More info

Kolinsky Brushes

These genuine Kolinsky brushes are available in a wide selection of sizes and styles.

More info

Aurum Gold Leaf
On Sale

Aurum 23.5 karat Gold Leaf is now on sale Get up to $2 off per book.

More info

Gesso-Finished
Icon Boards

Boards finished by hand with traditional gesso for a smooth lustrous finish.

More info