About
During this course students will learn the ancient technique of cold wax painting. One of the most famous examples of this technique are the Fayum portraits which were placed on mummies of Romans buried in Egypt. These are some of the oldest surviving portraits in the world, partly due to the wax medium’s longevity.
These portraits represent a bridge between antiquity and the Byzantine tradition of icon painting. Early icons were painted using the same method and materials as the Fayum portraits. The paint consists of a few readily available non-toxic ingredients and four earth pigments. Aesthetically and culturally the mummy portraits represent a school that lasted for three centuries. They became a model and an inspiration for Christian art and still has echoes in contemporary European portraiture.
Students will learn to make their own paints out of dry pigments and cold wax medium. Beginning with the under-drawing and mapping of the features to the application of layers of paint to create volume and texture, the instructor will demonstrate how these long-lasting paintings were created.
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 should I bring to class?
Brushes:
- Size 1 – round soft natural or synthetic brush for detail
- Size 2, 4, 6, 8 – flat hog brushes
- Plastic or ceramic water colour palette with minimum 7 wells; Ideally, the wells should be deep.
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.
What days do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 10 – 14 February 2025
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.
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
A third-generation artist, Yuliya Lennon has painted portraits of several prominent figures including Alexander Prior, Chief Conductor of Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, TV presenter Richard Hammond for the series The Grand Tour, and has collaborated with British fashion designer Anthony Stoker. She won a Best Portrait Painting nomination at the Santa Barbara County Arts exhibition in 2018 and was a finalist in the Figurative Category at the 14th International ARC Salon, New York in 2019. She is currently working on her PhD at the Prince’s School, focusing on portraiture and Medieval modes of expression.
