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A sustained, community based formation in Byzantine iconography conducted online and accessible to all.
Everything you need, all in one place
“ Ian is an inspired methodical teacher able to translate his knowledge and experience to his students with great ease....the modules are absorbing and fascinating as we all walk this ancient, sacred path of Iconography."
Geraldine Burston,
Australia, student on the Academy Course, 2020.
The Academy Course in Icon Painting offers
four Modules, each composed of
two parts, each comprising
a number of sessions.
In all, over 72 hours of teaching, covering all the basics of Byzantine iconography.
(Subtitles are available in Arabic, French, German, Italian, Malagasy and Spanish.)
- They take you through every stage of painting an icon, from design through how to draw to how to paint in egg tempera. It includes how to water gild, how to make a geometric analysis, and how to make inscriptions.
- This formation is rooted in the Tradition of the eastern Churches, the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and the glory of Byzantium. However, it is pursued as a living art form that takes you to the very heart of Christ's Presence among us in the Eucharist.
The sessions includes prayer, reflection, theology, insights into the spirituality of the icon, as well as techniques and methods.
Teaching
is via recorded demonstrations, while giving commentary and explanation of the theology, spirituality and technical details of what is being shown. It gives practical demonstrations as well as in-depth explanations about the theology and spirituality of the icon. Those who wish simply to learn about iconography rather than develop their own practice of it are very welcome.
are encouraged to develop their skill set slowly, step by step and at their own pace. No level of experience or ability is expected. This is viewed as a formation rather than an education either in ideas or techniques. Being an iconographer is approached as a way of living the Christian life rather than simply a body of theoretical or practical knowledge.
The Arbor Vitae Icon Academy
You are also receive an invitation to join the Arbor Vitae Icon Academy when you purchase a module. This is a world-wide association of iconographers who meet regularly for on-going lectures, tutorials, mutual encouragement and for occasional live sessions. We have a growing resource of online books, linked websites, and our own chat forum for sharing info, examples of our work and just making friends among like minded people.
A Facebook page gives students the opportunity to share insights and resources, as well as giving mutual encouragement.
Ian, I have been grateful for so many things over the last two and half years since starting the Academy course.
Thank you for
- Your generosity in sharing of yourself as well as your teaching
- for your no-nonsense and down to earth approach, which has afforded me the space to learn and develop by ‘having a go’ and then to keep going through supportive and robust critique of work.
- the challenge of the ‘self-directed’ study that it has required at times
- above all, for your constant support in recognising how iconography might be a part my vocation and in the challenge of responding to that step by step.
Deo gratias!
Deo gratias!
Rachel
12.12.2022
" Thanks again. I can see you really put your ALL into this class. I don’t know how you managed to teach, answer questions and concentrate and work at the same time. I found it all very helpful, especially when the gold didn’t adhere.... a wonderful learning opportunity. I did the bole yesterday and will gild today when I get some recovery rest. God bless you."
Diane Levy, USA, participant in Module One Pt2, July 2020.
How it works...
BUY a Module
Modules were originally given live via
Zoom. The recordings include some of the live interaction as students asked questions.
Sessions are always available to you so you can revisit them as and when you need, and take them at your own pace.
The Modules are arranged systematically to build up your knowledge of how to paint Byzantine icons in egg tempera step by step. However, you can access them in any order you wish, omitting topics if you feel they are not useful.
You can then also JOIN a global iconography community - The Arbor Vitae Icon Academy
As a participant on the Academy Course you have the option to join the Icon Academy at no further cost. There you can:
access the online Library
subscribe to the monthly lecture series
join a tutorial group
get
email consultations on your icon painting
and
interact with other students from literally around the world, sharing ideas and insights, giving and receiving encouragement, and simply sharing the joy of iconography!
The Modules
New paragraph
Special discount!
Buy all of the Modules for €105!
Simply add all the Modules to your basket, and the discount will be applied before your pay. Simple.
Interested in the Academy Course? I'm here to help!
If you have a burning question, why not email me and I'll do my best to answer you.
Ian Knowles, tutor
