About
This course will take students through the process of creating an icon in liquid tempera technique, which involves the use of natural earth and mineral pigments.
Students will learn techniques for gilding with genuine gold leaf and painting with shell gold. The course is designed to help participants make substantial progress in creating an icon and develop the skills needed to complete it independently.
On this course, students will paint all the same subject, an icon of the Archangel Gabriel, from an icon in Saint Catherine’s Monastery.
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, 8 – 12 June 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. The tutor recommends L. Cornelissen and Son, Kolinsky Red Sable series 80A, sizes 000 and 3.
- 1 x palette with wells
- 1 x book of 22 or 23.5 carat loose leaf gold. Please be sure it is ‘loose leaf gold’, and not ‘transfer gold’.
- 1 x pan of shell gold
- Notebook and pen to make notes (optional).
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
Irina Bradley, PhD, is an alumna of The King’s School of Traditional Arts in London where she was awarded a doctorate for her thesis, Spiritual Striving in Icon Painting with a focus on the image of St George and the Dragon. Irina is an iconographer who follows the traditional way of icon painting which is regarded as a contemplative practice. Irina’s work is in churches, places of private worship and collections worldwide. Irina has exhibited at several international exhibitions and has presented her research and icons at Christ Church, Oxford, the Temenos Academy, the Boghossian Foundation, Villa Empain, Brussels and the V&A.
