Materials & Techniques
Traditional iconography relies on carefully prepared materials and time-honored techniques. These methods have been refined over centuries to create sacred images that endure.
Preparing Wooden Panels
Traditional iconography begins with carefully prepared wooden panels. The wood must be properly seasoned and joined, then prepared with multiple layers of rabbit-skin glue and gesso. This foundation ensures the longevity of the icon and provides the proper surface for painting.
Working with Egg Tempera
Egg tempera is the traditional medium of iconography, prized for its luminosity and permanence. The medium is made fresh each day by mixing egg yolk with water and a small amount of vinegar. Pigments are ground and mixed with the medium, creating paint that dries quickly and builds up in translucent layers.
Gold Leaf Techniques
Gold leaf represents divine light in traditional iconography. The application of gold requires careful preparation of the surface with bole (a clay-based layer) and precise technique. Water gilding allows the gold to be burnished to a brilliant shine, while shell gold is used for fine details and highlights.
Pigment Preparation
Natural earth pigments and mineral pigments are the traditional materials of iconography. Pigments must be carefully ground to the proper fineness and stored properly. Understanding the properties of each pigment—its opacity, tinting strength, and behavior in egg tempera—is essential for successful icon painting.
Traditional Drawing Methods
Icons follow established patterns and proportions handed down through generations. The drawing is transferred to the prepared panel using traditional pouncing methods or careful freehand drawing. Accuracy in the drawing stage is crucial, as it establishes the foundation for all subsequent work..
Layering and Colour Building
The iconographic painting process moves systematically from dark to light. Beginning with a dark underpainting, successive layers of lighter colour are applied, each one building luminosity. The final highlights are applied in pure white or shell gold, giving the icon its characteristic inner radiance.
Learn These Techniques
Detailed instruction in materials and techniques is provided through the courses and workshops offered at Evlogia. Each course covers the proper preparation and use of traditional materials.