Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

Orthodox icons are more than just religious art; they are windows into the divine, crafted with centuries-old techniques that infuse each piece with profound spiritual significance. The original techniques used in creating Byzantine icons have been preserved and passed down through centuries and include strict adherence to materials used, preparations, gold leafing and most importantly drawing and designing. 

1.Christ Pantokrator Study- Oil on Canvas 51cm x42cm

Orthodox Icon Conventions 

Byzantine icons follow strict iconographic conventions and templates, known as podlinniks, which dictate the composition, gestures, and attributes of the saints and religious figures. This ensured consistency and continuity in the portrayal of sacred themes.

Early Byzantine icons were depicted in a highly stylized and formal manner, with elongated proportions, almond-shaped eyes, and serene, otherworldly expressions. This style was intended to convey spiritual rather than physical reality. 

Even something seemingly objective like colour is chosen for its symbolic meanings. For example, blue often represented the divine or heavenly realm, red symbolized divine life or martyrdom, and gold signified the presence of God.

2. Most Holy Theotokos of Vladimir- Oil on Board 50cm x 67cm

Unveiling My Modern Techniques of Orthodox Iconography 

My intention working professionally as an iconographer for more than 25 years, has never been to differentiate my painting approach to what already existed, but instead to add upon it. And even than 'my style' was something that revealed itself to me. 

Egg tempera, a medium made by mixing finely ground pigments with egg yolk and water, is the traditional choice for painting Orthodox icons. This medium is prized for its durability and vibrant colours. Just like all iconographers I studied and employed this technique for many years. 

Being a classically trained academic artist however, I used alternative methodologies for my non Orthodox Icon work like commissioned portraits and alla prima landscapes, which at the heart employ the concept of the my “colour spot” method. 

By applying small, distinct patches of colour—what I call the "colour notes" or the mosaic painting method—I capture the shifting interplay of light and colour on the canvas. Furthermore, the notes are applied with a wax medium in an impasto style, giving the final works a visceral sculptor quality that I liked. I called it the “colour note” method, as each brush stroke of colour has to be the exact colour value within the whole composition and it can not be “off key”.

It wasn’t before long that I recognized the power and potential of this painting method, that I started writing my Orthodox Icons in this way. 

            3. Holy Theotokos Odigitria Oil n Canvas 74cm x 60cm

                                         4. Detail showing subtle colour value shifts within the face.

“Color Note” Icon Painting Methodology in Practice

Although I no longer use acrylic colour pigments with my portable icons (I still use them for all of my church iconography) but instead use oil paints with their long open rate, I still strictly adhere to sacred Orthodox Iconography traditions of design and drawing.

One of the key concepts in my colour note method is colour temperature. Understanding the temperature of colour—whether it's warm or cool—is essential for capturing the effects of light and atmosphere in my orthodox icons. 

Meticulously placed dots of pure colour next to each other, allows the viewer's eye to blend shapes optically. This technique required precision and patience, as I carefully consider the placement and density of each dot. The resulting Byzantine icons shimmer with light and vibrancy and engage the viewer on a deeply emotional and spiritual level.  From a distance the colour appears solid while unclose a journey of exploration and introspection ensues. 

    5. White Angel from Mileseva Oil on Canvas 70cm x 88cm   

     6. Detail showing my Color note technique.

I pray that my Orthodox Icons are more than just a visual stimuli, but emotional and psychological landscapes that at their core serve as a gateway to a deeper connection with the most holy.  

  7. Saint Sava Oil on Canvas 64cm x 44cm

 8. Detail of the saint showing the thick impasto colour notes.  

Holy Images: Preserving Sacred Traditions and Craft of Orthodox Icons

The techniques used in Orthodox iconography are a testament to the skill and devotion of the artists who create these sacred images. By adhering to traditional methods and symbolic conventions, iconographers like me ensure that each icon serves as a true window into the divine, inviting the faithful to deepen their spiritual journey.

For those interested in exploring or collecting my Orthodox icons, understanding these techniques can enhance appreciation for the artistry and faith embodied in each piece. The techniques and symbolism used in creating these icons were designed to inspire contemplation and devotion, drawing the viewer into a deeper understanding of the spiritual truths they represent.

Amin!

   9. St Nikolas The Wonder Worker Oil on Canvas 43cm x 32cm

 10. Detail of St Nikolas