About
Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn is a revered Christian icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, venerated by the faithful in the Chapel of the Gate of Dawn in Vilnius, Lithuania. This sacred painting serves as a devotional image of Mother Mary.
In this course, students will learn to paint an icon of Mary using a distinctive and refined technique. We begin by grinding our own pigments to create a thin, translucent paint that allows for a soft and delicate finish. This method is used to honour and reflect the gentle essence of Mother Mary.
Students will also learn how to gild the halo using clay, a process that requires sensitivity and care to embody Mary’s grace. The technique taught is the Russian dry brush method, which involves layering very fine coats of paint to achieve a luminous, ethereal effect.
By the end of the course, each student will have made significant progress in painting their own personal icon of Mother Mary.
(Please note for the purposes of this course we will be painting the robes rather than gilding, as in the original icon.)
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 27 – 31 July 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What should I bring to class?
Students should all bring:
- pointed round watercolour brushes (sable) in sizes 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- a book of loose gold leaf for the whole background, or a book of 5 sheets for the halo only; the carat and colour is up to you, but be sure that you are purchasing loose and not transfer gold.
- a palette with wells
All other materials will be provided in the class, including pigment and an icon board.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Louisa Brouk is originally from Paris, France. She has always been interested in the traditional perspective, particularly its symbolic purpose and craftsmanship. After discovering the beauty of traditional art in multiple cultures, she became inspired and delved into their intricacies and symbols.
