King David was the greatest king of Israel, author of the psalms, father of Solomon, and a noble ancestor of Our Lord. This powerful 15th-century Russian prototype was originally part of the prophet’s tier of an icon screen and is kept in Moscow’s Tretyakov Gallery. It stands as one of the best and highest examples of the Moscow school of Russian Orthodox Iconography.
In this workshop, you will create a shoulder-length copy of the face, crown, and upper robe on a flat 8” x 10” gessoed wood panel. After making a careful drawing in ink, you will make your own paint by mixing egg yolks with natural pigments. You will parallel the model’s historical technique step by step, applying color in several successively brighter layers. One technical challenge is the long rays of light in his crown and collar. Strong but fine calligraphic lines will define the overall drawing and final system of parallel highlights in the hair, beard, and face. His elderly face is creased with wisdom, and its glowing forms are revealed with several layers of softly blended transparent passages of tone, building to full opacity in the brightest areas. Each brushstroke will be accompanied by the prayer “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”
All materials and tools needed to complete an icon are provided. Students attending the workshop should arrive with basic brush skills, a familiarity with the color wheel, and experience mixing colors.
This week-long workshop will include five consecutive days of studio time. Check-in begins Sunday night at 4:30 PM, followed by dinner at 5:30 PM for students and instructors. Dinner will be followed by a workshop introduction and conference, ending at 9:00 PM. Hands-on instruction begins early Monday morning, and the last meal will be lunch on Friday. The art studio will be available on Friday afternoon to complete your icon.
