About
Animals often appear alongside saints to highlight their character and virtues. For example, St Francis shows kindness to even the smallest birds, while the ascetic St Seraphim is shown living in harmony with a wild bear.
This course focuses on painting an icon based on a 15th-century example of St George and the Dragon from Novgorod. St George is shown as a Roman soldier on horseback, with the dragon beneath the horse’s hooves, symbolising the triumph of faith and goodness over evil and sin.
The course will explore the challenges of painting both the saint and the animals. It also offers an introduction to traditional Byzantine icon painting, helping students understand the history and meaning of icons while creating one themselves.
Students will learn to paint using translucent layers of egg tempera with natural and semi-precious pigments, and will also be introduced to gilding with clay and gold leaf.
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 February 2027, 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 sable watercolour brushes in sizes 0, 1, 2 and 3. Brands such as Winsor & Newton Series 7, Rosemary & Co’s Series 8 or Raphael Series 8404 are good quality brushes.
- A palette with wells
- A book of 22 or 23.5 carat loose leaf gold. Ensure you are purchasing ‘loose leaf gold’, and not ‘transfer gold’.
- A pan of shell gold. (See example)
- 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 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
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.
