” IT IS CERTAINLY A CHALLENGING TASK TO TAKE UP THE ICONIC VOCABULARY AND MAKE IT FRESH AND VISUALLY RELEVANT TO OUR TIME. CHRISTINE SIMONEAU HALES HAS SUCCEEDED IN DOING SO, AND DOING SO BRILLIANTLY. I WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR A CONTEMPORARY ARTIST TO WORK IN THE WAKE OF THE GREAT BYZANTINE MASTERS. AND YET, SIMONEAU HALES HAS DONE SO NOT ONLY BEAUTIFULLY BUT INDEED SHE HAS DONE SO IN A WAY THAT MAKES HER WORK CONSONANT WITH OUR TIMES. “

ANDRE EMMERICH, PAST PRESIDENT, ART DEALERS OF AMERICA”

Christine is equally well know for Iconographic Work For Churches and Private Collectors.

The Term “Icon writing” is often used as a form of speech intended to signify that these painted images are faithfully transcribed Gospel, in visual form. The theology of the icon is based on the Incarnation as pronounced by the Seventh Nicean Ecumenical Council in 787 AD: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14 The spiritual discipline of icon writing involves the slow, patient work of prayer, observation, discipline, and knowledge of the teachings of the church and the lives of the saints.

THE TRANSFIGURATION ICON THAT WE WILL BE PAINTING APRIL9-12, 2024

WE WILL BE USING EGG TEMPERA AND GOLD LEAF GILDING FOR OUR ICON WRITING RETREAT IAPRIL 9-12, 2024. BEGINNERS AND MORE ADVANCED ARE ALL WELCOME.

See icon writing class page for more details. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

“Eyes of Fire” Book

When I first encountered Icons at a convent in France, I was amazed at the beauty and power that I experienced in them. I came back to New York wanting to learn everything I could about them and began to understand how important they are to art making today.

This book is not only my story of how Icons gave me inspiration for my own contemporary art work, but it is also a study in the development of the spiritual in art, through the centuries. This in depth look into the art of modern artists who were influenced by Icons will give the reader new insights into both modern and ancient spiritual art.

I teach icon “writing” online and hope this book will help iconographers in their development as sacred artists and craftspeople. The appendix is a condensed explanation of the technique of painting with egg tempera, and gold leaf gilding.

I wrote this book in order to share my experience of gradually understanding Icons, their rich history, how to create them, and the deep meanings and mysteries of the Christian faith that they have to reveal to us. My experience as a contemporary artist led me to share in this book, the place icons have in the history of the evolution of modern art. A unique view of the history of modern art is combined with a sincere desire to share the importance and great value that icons have for our contemporary life. “Eyes of Fire, How Icons Saved my Life As An Artist” is available on Amazon.

Now Available on Amazon.

What People Are Saying: “Eyes of Fire by Christine Simoneau Hales is a must-read, whether you are an experienced iconographer, a beginning student, or someone who is simply curious about this Christian art form.
At one and the same time, this book is a touchingly personal testimony of the importance of iconography in the life of a talented Christian artist, an art history lesson, and a treatise regarding some of the most important aspects of ‘what makes an icon an icon.’ Mainly, though, it is a thoughtful and loving theological and philosophical reflection on the transformative power of art and beauty in service to the Spirit.
Personally, I was particularly interested in the author’s discussion about the influence of iconography and spirituality on the works of modern artists as diverse as Kadinsky, Klee, Chagall, Matisse and O’Keefe. Added to that, this is a beautifully presented book with gorgeous illustrations, including a number of breathtaking icons ‘written’ by Christine Hales, herself.” Dahlia Herring

Saint Francis Painting by Christine Hales

Saint Francis Painting. Acrylic on Canvas. View this and other mystical paintings click here,

BELOW ARE BLOG POSTS FROM MY NEWSLETTERS THAT HAVE HELPUL INFORMATION FOR ICONOGRAPHERS AND EVERYONE WHO JUST LOVES ICONS!