Next Online Icon Writing Class

* August 20-23, 2024 *

Icon of the Nativity for Advent Online Icon Writing Class

LIVE ON ZOOM August 20-23, 2024

WRITING ICONS IS A WAY OF ENCOUNTERING THE GOSPEL, INTEGRATING IT THROUGH OUR EYES, OUR HANDS, OUR HEARTS, AND MINDS.

By reading the Bible and through prayer, we can increase our conscious awareness of God’s Presence. We can learn to create a sacred environment where we can listen to God, study His Words, and copy the ancient Byzantine models to receive fresh revelation for today. These pictures can bring us into a deeper understanding and experience since the symbolic nature of icons allows us to bring our own dialogue into the Biblical story.

  • JOIN US FOR This live, online Zoom class which is equivalent to a four day Icon writing retreat, including over 12 hours of recorded videos that can be watched as many times as you wish, as the zoom class progresses. BEGINNERS WELCOME!

  • At the beginning of each session there is time for live questions and answers.

  • Perfect for beginners as well as more experienced artists and iconographers, this class is a spiritual retreat, with guided prayers on the process of praying and painting this particular image of Icon of the Nativity

  • You will learn a simple way to gild with gold leaf as well as egg tempera painting.

We have two, ninety minute sessions each day: 9:00-10:30AM and 2:00-3:30 PM. EST

Each session is recorded and then posted on the website:online.icnwritingclasses.com, so that students can watch and rewatch demonstrations for their painting time in between sessions.

Students are encouraged to develop their skill set slowly, step by step, at their own pace. It is not expected that the Icon will be finished at the end of the four days, but with the ability to play back demonstrations any time, the possibility exists for finishing the icon any time. The demonstration videos are thorough and you are gently guided, step by step through what in reality is a rather complicated process, made simple for you in these classes.

Christine Hales teaching Icon Students

This class welcomes those who simply want to learn more about icons as well as the more serious person who wants to develop their approach to icon writing, Becoming an iconographer is approached as a way of enquiry and development in the Christian life rather than just a theoretical or practical art class.

It’s not about making the perfect icon, but it is about having an encounter with God through art materials, understanding Christian Icon history, and prayer and being able to share that experience with others so they can be blessed too.

REGISTER FOR THE August 20-23, 2024. ONLINE CLASS HERE.

Pre-Recorded Online Icon Writing Classes- Many Online Egg Tempera Classes

Online Pre-Recorded Icon Writing Classes: ONLINE.ICONWRITINGCLASSES.COM

 

PRE-RECORDED ONLINE ICON WRITING CLASSES

  • These classes are pre-recorded, self paced online icon writing courses, perfect for all levels.

  • Those wanting to learn to paint Icons in egg tempera will experience the step by step video demonstrations as well as the explanations of icon history and visual theology encompassed within the icon.

  • Each course goes more deeply into a particular aspect of icon writing as well as featuring different icon subjects. Read each course description to see what aspects are covered in that class and choose one that covers what you most wish to learn.

  • Most of these classes are designed for complete beginners with no previous experience in art at all. Particularly recommended for complete beginners: The Good Shepherd class explains the basic Byzantine color palette, how to paint using egg tempera, how to make the egg mixture, and how to make and mix the colors. The Archangel Raphael class , Color Mixing part II, is a continuation and development from the Good Shepherd class. You can also start with this class, but the Good Shepherd explains a lot of the basic concepts.

  • The Madonna and Child class uses the beautiful Rublev icon as the model and includes demonstrations of gold leaf assiste. Fine for beginners and intermediate. This class employs the proplasmos (petit lac, using roskrish and floats) method of icon writing. Prosopon students will be familiar with this method.

  • Christ Pantocrator class, using the famous Rublev, Face of Christ as our model, this class demonstrates the membrane technique which employs a more controlled approach using more individual brush strokes and clear lines.

  • Saint George Slaying the Dragon class, further talks and demonstrations of color development in Byzantine icons, learning more about the legend of Saint George as an archetype of good fighting evil, with God’s help

  • Sacred Geometry class, Christ Enthroned, original by Andre Rublev. This class is a must for beginners and intermediate iconographers. It explains the importance of sacred geometry in iconographic compositions and delineates the differences between a religious painting and an icon through the use of geometry demos and lectures.

  • .Saint John the Theologian serves as our model for this class which focuses on features of the iconographic face, three quarter view, shading, painting with a dry brush, understanding tonality and light in icons. We also learn more about who Saint John was and his role in writing Revelations in the Bible.

  • The Baptism of Jesus, or the Epiphany class we discuss the Byzantine approach to inverse perspective while painting this meaningful icon.

  • The Mary Magdalene class paints the beautiful icon with delicate, transparent veils of color, the membrane technique and proplasmos are used interchangeably as needed, and we create an original interpretation of the Byzantine icon while also learning more about Mary Magdalene

  • Sinai Christ Icon class demonstrations of Kolner gold leaf application for more decorative, shiny gold leaf

  • .Apocalyptic Archangel Michael class, Sacred Geometry in drawing and composition.

  • Holy Trinity Icon class paints the famous Holy Trinity Icon originallyc reated by andrei Rublev for the Holy Trinity Monastery in Russia.

  • Archangel Michael in Battle class The original icon is in the Cathedral of archangels in Moscow. We use Lectio Divina and relevant holy Scriptures for each session to help us draw near to the saint we are depicting.

  • All courses are hosted on the thinkific learning platform and can be seen at : online.iconwritingclasses.com

Please be sure before registration as refunds are not possible. Email Christine with any questions you may have.

HOW IT WORKS

In the first class  you will watch a demonstration of how to begin an Icon, receive an overview of the class topics and schedule, and learn how to mix the egg tempera paints.  Each subsequent class demonstrates the next steps for painting the icon while also offering lectures on history of icons, iconographic  light and sacred geometry in icons.

FOR BEGINNERS AND THE MORE EXPERIENCED.

Beginners are welcome as well as intermediate level iconographers. Please let Christine know if you are a beginner and need more guidance before the class begins.

Students of all level are welcome. There’s always more to learn and  beginners and advanced students have much to offer each other in this creative, prayerful learning environment.  Writing Icons is a spiritual journey as well as an artistic discipline. Each Icon that we write has lessons for each of us to deepen our faith and improve our skills.

Each class is recorded and available at the end of the day. This is perfect for those who need to miss classes due to work or other commitments.

Mary Magdalene Icon Writing Class in Progress Photo

Christine Hales’ Icon Writing Studio in FLorida

IMPROVE YOUR PAINTING AND DRAWING SKILLS

Icon painting classes are a way of helping us to engage with God’s work in a visual and meaningful way.  You can use this class to simply watch and learn, or paint along with it.  Each session will be recorded so that it can be played back anytime later.

Each step of writing the icon will be demonstrated and a recording of each class will be provided for each student to review.

These classes are designed for absolute beginners but will be enjoyed also by those more experienced. Sometimes even advanced iconographers can benefit from going back to basics and re -learning and getting rid of old habits, as well as being introduced to new materials and techniques.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT CHRISTINE’S CLASSES:

  • Christine Hales’ knowledge of iconography us extensive and her expertise and talent for teaching is dwarfed only by her sacred gift for icon writing. She is the complete package, artist, teacher, and vessel!'“, Jennifer Gandia

  • “I found the experience liberating and empowering, your kindness an excellent guide and the ways you have simplified the process freeing.” Kristine Vallon “Working with Christine was a joy. Her love for the icons and for teaching others is contagious. You can’t help but fall in love with icon painting too!” Luciana

  • “I could never have imagined that having no painting background I would actually be able to create an icon that I am completely delighted with, and in the process, feel touched by the Divine. Such is the fruit from working under the compassionate guidance of a Master in the field of icon writing. Christine Hales imparts knowledge, confidence, enthusiasm and profound wisdom into the process of icon writing. This workshop has changed my life by providing a transformation both within and without. Thank you Christine!” Sharon

  • “ Christine is a gentle and encouraging guide who has deepened my appreciation of iconography and fostered a love of icon writing/painting in this beginner.” Rev. Christopher Eshelman

  • Christine is a gifted teacher with real spiritual sensitivity.  She creates a prayerful atmosphere for much needed refreshment as we both learn about icons and practice creating them.  At many points throughout the retreat, God speaks to us.  She has the gift of creating community among students who are brand new or have taken many classes with her.  Her care in preparing for each course shines through..

TO GET AN IDEA OF MATERIALS INVOLVED, VIST CHRISTINE’S STUDENT RESOURCES PAGE, OR CLICK ON A CLASS FOR THE MATERIALS LIST.