Ancient Technique, Timeless Beauty
I’ve spoken with many people over the years who are curious about my process in making icons. Let me tell you a little bit about it.
Each icon begins with prayer, followed by studying the life of the saint that has been commissioned. Asking for their intercessions, I make a unique drawing of the saint. Next, I transfer the drawing to a prepared gessoed board and begin to paint.
Egg tempera is the traditional medium used in Byzantine iconography. It is made by mixing fresh egg yolk, water, and pigment together. This translucent paint is applied in thin layers -Starting with dark colors and ending with highlights; from shadows to brilliance. This technique mirrors the illumination of the soul by the Holy Spirit; moving from chaos to order, darkness to illumination, separation from God to Theosis. Egg tempera is an exceptionally long lasting medium, when completely cured. With proper care, holy images have been preserved for hundreds of years.
These icons are heirloom quality and make beautiful gifts for special occasions; especially baptisms, weddings, and birthdays.
Sometimes I receive a comssion for a large space, such as a church wall. In this case, I use acrylic paints on canvas. While it is not a traditional medium, I find that it can be used adequately for iconography. Iconographers all over the world, especially in churches where the walls are not made of plaster use this technique to great effect. However, I do not use acrylic paints for portable icons because I believe that egg tempera is superior for small scale use.
Each icon begins with prayer, followed by studying the life of the saint that has been commissioned. Asking for their intercessions, I make a unique drawing of the saint. Next, I transfer the drawing to a prepared gessoed board and begin to paint.
Egg tempera is the traditional medium used in Byzantine iconography. It is made by mixing fresh egg yolk, water, and pigment together. This translucent paint is applied in thin layers -Starting with dark colors and ending with highlights; from shadows to brilliance. This technique mirrors the illumination of the soul by the Holy Spirit; moving from chaos to order, darkness to illumination, separation from God to Theosis. Egg tempera is an exceptionally long lasting medium, when completely cured. With proper care, holy images have been preserved for hundreds of years.
These icons are heirloom quality and make beautiful gifts for special occasions; especially baptisms, weddings, and birthdays.
Sometimes I receive a comssion for a large space, such as a church wall. In this case, I use acrylic paints on canvas. While it is not a traditional medium, I find that it can be used adequately for iconography. Iconographers all over the world, especially in churches where the walls are not made of plaster use this technique to great effect. However, I do not use acrylic paints for portable icons because I believe that egg tempera is superior for small scale use.