Iconography

“The invisible things of God have been made visible.”
―Saint John of Damascus

Iconography manifests the soul shining through a human portrait. Focusing mainly on the transfigured human face, taken from historical Eastern Orthodox and contemporary models, The Sacred Art Institute teaches classic egg tempera techniques, common to all schools of historical iconography.

Panel Preparation and Gesso making for Egg Tempera and Icon Painters

With Marek Czarnecki

July 12, 2025
Enders Island
In this hands-on, one-day workshop, iconographer Marek Czarnecki will guide you through the traditional process of making true artist’s gesso. Learn to apply linen and build up multiple layers of gesso on a Baltic birch panel, preparing it for egg tempera painting.

Praying with a Brush: A Sacred Art Workshop

With Marek Czarnecki

August 16, 2025
Enders Island
Praying With a Brush is a one-day workshop for iconographers to learn essential brush techniques. Practice calligraphic strokes, study icon structure, and explore tonal modeling using dry brush methods.

Essentials of Iconography: Writing the icon of Archangel Michael: A Sacred Art Workshop

With Marek Czarnecki

September 28 - October 3, 2025
Join us for a transformative icon painting workshop, where you’ll create a stunning shoulder-length depiction of St. Michael the Archangel. Using traditional techniques, you’ll mix your own paint, master calligraphic lines, and blend tones for a luminous result. All materials are provided—come deepen your skills and spirit!