Surrounded by the heat of one of the warmest summers I can remember, I have spent the last week working on the drawing of the icon for our upcoming Fall Intermediate Class: The Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God. The Virgin is shown with her arms outspread, holding a white veil that symbolizes her protection over those who implored her help. This prototype was developed in the 12th century and is a beloved icon of the people of the Ukraine. The unfinished drawing of the image is pictured below.
Our work in painting this icon will be rooted in our prayers for peace in the Ukraine, and those prayers will be reflected in the icon by the details in our image: the bands of trim on the Virgin’s white veil will be painted in blue and gold (the national colors of the Ukraine), and her halo will have an optional decorative design of embossed sunflowers (the national flower of the Ukraine).
Registration is now open for Fall Icon Classes. Below is the fall schedule and brief description of classes. For additional information, please go to our Classes page. To register, email me and I will send you an invoice via PayPal, or you may mail me a personal check. Registration is complete upon receipt of payment. All sessions (except Tuesday critiques) are recorded and made available to students.
Intermediate Project Class: The Protection of the Mother of God, 11 Class Series beginning Aug. 26, $350. Friday afternoons, 2-4 Central Time. Fee includes Tuesday critique classes. Classes begin with introductory session on Aug. 26, followed by three weeks to complete preparatory gilding and line work. Painting begins with roskrish on Sept. 16. Class focus is on painting folds in garments and painting the “crystal garment technique” as developed by Vladislav Andrejev. This is a companion piece to the Christ icon taught in the spring. Boards are available through the studio: either 8×15 flat pointed top ($95) or 8×15 rectangular board with kovcheg ($135), or you may adapt the design to any board of your choice.
Intermediate Fall Independent Study: Tuesday Critique Classes, 12 weeks beginning Sept. 13, $125. Classes held at both 2 p.m. and/or 7 p.m. Central Time. Work on an icon of your choice, with support available each week. This class is open only to those who have previously studied with the Prosopon School or its affiliated instructors, and students must work from a prototype.
Beginners: Introduction to Paint Mixing and Pigments, Sept. 8-10, $275. Class fee includes all supplies. This class is a prerequisite to the beginning series described below. Two sessions each day for 3 days, Thurs, Fri &Sat: 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m. Central Time. Introduces the basic paint applications and pigments used by the Prosopon School of Iconology.
Beginners: The Theotokos, 9 Week Series on Saturdays, beginning Sept. 24, $495. Class fee includes 6″x8″ icon board and Tuesday critique classes. Session times are 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m. each Saturday. These classes teach the fundamental applications used by the Prosopon School in painting icons. Students paint a small image (head and shoulders) of Our Lady. Emphasis is on developing mastery of the basic techniques and skills necessary to undertake more complex work later.
