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Introduction to Iconography

This course introduces the foundations of traditional Orthodox icon painting. Students will learn the complete process of creating an icon, from preparing the drawing and working with egg tempera to building colors, highlights, and final details.

Each stage is demonstrated step by step, with an emphasis on understanding traditional techniques, materials, and the principles that give icons their distinctive visual language.

The course is designed for beginners and provides a strong foundation for continuing into more advanced iconography courses.

What You'll Learn

Understand the meaning and purpose of Orthodox icons
Learn the basic principles and visual language of iconography
Understand traditional icon painting materials and tools
Learn how to prepare and work with an icon board
Prepare and use egg tempera with natural pigments
Learn the traditional process of building color and highlights
Understand the basic principles of gilding
Follow the icon painting process from drawing to final details
Build a strong foundation for further study in iconography

About Course

Each stage is demonstrated step by step, with an emphasis on understanding traditional techniques, materials, and the principles that give icons their distinctive visual language.

The course is designed for beginners and provides a strong foundation for continuing into more advanced iconography courses.

Understand the meaning and purpose of Orthodox icons
Learn the basic principles and visual language of iconography
Understand traditional icon painting materials and tools
Learn how to prepare and work with an icon board
Prepare and use egg tempera with natural pigments
Learn the traditional process of building color and highlights
Understand the basic principles of gilding
Follow the icon painting process from drawing to final details
Build a strong foundation for further study in iconography

Course Content

Understanding the Icon
An introduction to the meaning and purpose of Orthodox icons. We will explore what makes an icon different from other forms of religious art, the role of tradition and symbolism, and the basic principles that guide the iconographer’s work.

What Is an Icon?

02:08:40
The Language of Iconography

03:07:07
The Language of Iconography

Materials & Tools
An introduction to the traditional materials and tools used in icon painting. We will look at the icon board, gesso, natural pigments, egg tempera, brushes, gold leaf, and other essential materials, including how to choose and prepare them for your work.

Student Ratings & Reviews

5.0

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Timothy Scott

1 month ago

amazing fastest ive ever learned a new ancient technique

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Introduction to Iconography

What You'll Learn

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Understanding the Icon
An introduction to the meaning and purpose of Orthodox icons. We will explore what makes an icon different from other forms of religious art, the role of tradition and symbolism, and the basic principles that guide the iconographer’s work.

What Is an Icon?

The Language of Iconography

The Language of Iconography

Materials & Tools
An introduction to the traditional materials and tools used in icon painting. We will look at the icon board, gesso, natural pigments, egg tempera, brushes, gold leaf, and other essential materials, including how to choose and prepare them for your work.

The Icon Board & Gesso

Introduction to Iconography

What You'll Learn

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Understanding the Icon An introduction to the meaning and purpose of Orthodox icons. We will explore what makes an icon different from other forms of religious art, the role of tradition and symbolism, and the basic principles that guide the iconographer’s work.

What Is an Icon?

The Language of Iconography

The Language of Iconography

Materials & Tools An introduction to the traditional materials and tools used in icon painting. We will look at the icon board, gesso, natural pigments, egg tempera, brushes, gold leaf, and other essential materials, including how to choose and prepare them for your work.

The Icon Board & Gesso

Student Ratings & Reviews

Understanding the Icon
An introduction to the meaning and purpose of Orthodox icons. We will explore what makes an icon different from other forms of religious art, the role of tradition and symbolism, and the basic principles that guide the iconographer’s work.

Materials & Tools
An introduction to the traditional materials and tools used in icon painting. We will look at the icon board, gesso, natural pigments, egg tempera, brushes, gold leaf, and other essential materials, including how to choose and prepare them for your work.