About
This course is designed to provide an introduction to all aspects of Byzantine icon painting and to teach students how to create their own patterns for halos.
Students will learn various gilding techniques and how to paint with traditional egg tempera, which is made with natural and semi-precious pigments, on gessoed wooden boards.
The tutor will paint alongside the class to demonstrate each process and stage of this traditional art form, serving as a guide for students to follow. Additionally, the course will include a brief introduction to the history of icon painting, exploring their significance and discussing why icons are still painted today from the perspective of a practicing artist.
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 do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 1 – 5 September 2025, 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:
- A book of 20 – 23.5 carat loose leaf gold. Ensure you are purchasing ‘loose leaf gold’, and not ‘transfer gold’.
- Pencils (1 soft, 1 hard)
- Standard compass
- Palette with wells
- Pointed sable watercolour brushes, sizes 0, 1, and 2. The tutor recommends L. Cornelissen and Son, Kolinsky Red Sable series 80A, Raphael 8404 Kolinsky sable, Rosemary & Co Series 8 or Winsor & Newton Series 7.
- Optional: You may find it useful to bring a notebook and pen to take notes.
All other materials will be provided in the class.
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 full-time students and Seniors/60+. 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
Hanna Ward has an MA in Traditional Arts from the School and has completed a four year Diploma Icon and Wall Painting course with Aidan Hart. Hanna has also studied for many years with various masters from Russia, Greece, France, Romania, UK and Finland. Hanna regularly paints commission pieces for churches and private collectors. She also lectures and teaches in the UK and in Finland and is a visiting tutor at the Icon School of Bethlehem in Palestine.
