Students of iconography are now blessed to have a variety of workshops, teachers and price points from which to choose. I put together a list of things to consider:
In conclusion, when choosing a workshop be sure you are comparing apples to apples, ask a lot of questions and if possible ask a previous student about their experience. Happy painting!
All Workshop options include:
A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. Space is limited to a maximum of 4 students. Instruction is by appointment only. Studio is located in Denison, Texas which is about 1 hour north of Dallas
SPRING/SUMMER SEMESTER:
***Please Note: The studio will be CLOSED***
FALL SEMESTER:
Date: Mon-Sat, year round, ongoing
Where: On-line via Google Meet
Cost: $480 includes up to 30 hours of instruction. Students provide all supplies. A document camera is required (about $100 on Amazon).
Deposit: $200. Non-refundable. Due 30 days prior to the beginning of class
Description: This one-on-one online class is geared towards students familiar with the Prosopon School technique and have their own supplies. Students should be prepared to attend the first day of class with:
We will then spend about 4 days (7.5 hours each and do not have to be consecutive) completing 3 highlights, 3 floats and the finishing touches. This is a great class for the more advanced student requiring a more flexible time schedule and the convenience of online instruction. Our subject will be a mutually agreed upon Icon prior to class.
Date: Mon-Sat, year round, ongoing
Where: Denison Home Studio
Cost: $25/hour
Description: This class is open to students of all skill levels and is customized to your needs. It is recommended for those unable to attend workshops or who prefer a more one-on-one experience. For example, a beginner can start a new icon or a more advanced student can get help in a particular area. This is a great opportunity to complete those unfinished icons! Class size is limited to 4.
Date: Mon-Sat, year round/ongoing
Where: Denison Home Studio
Cost: $240
Deposit: $50 materials fee. Non-refundable. Due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of class.
Description: In this 12 hour workshop, students will practice the basic types of line work used in iconography, the floating technique for applying egg tempera, blending pigment and an overview of the 22 step process. These techniques help students develop fine motor skills which are the foundation of every beautiful icon! This class is highly recommended for those with no artistic experience, beginner iconographers and those who may have artistic skill but have never used egg tempera.
Note: This workshop does not result in a completed icon. It is intended rather to familiarize and prepare students for more advanced classes.
Date: Mon-Sat, year round, ongoing
Where: Denison Home Studio
Cost: $95
Deposit: $50 materials fee. Non-refundable. Due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of class
Description: This 4 hour class consists of lecture and practice. Students will learn basic terminology used when discussing color (i.e. hue, tint, tone, etc.) and will create a color chart applying definitions and terms into practice. Students will also learn the meaning of color as it applies to iconography.
Note: This class is recommended for those with no artistic experience needing a basic foundation in color theory. It is also beneficial for beginning iconographers who want to learn the basic skills necessary when choosing and mixing their own pigments.
Date: Mon-Sat, year round, ongoing
Where: Denison Home Studio
Cost: $320
Deposit: $50 materials fee. Non-refundable. Due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of class
Description: In this 2 day workshop students will be exposed to a variety of pigments and their unique properties, learning how and where to use them on the icon to create desired effects. Each pigment has its own "personality" and is best suited for different stages in the 22 step icon writing process.
Note: This class is recommended for all levels, particularly those wanting to learn how to mix their own pigments. It is also a great opportunity to try out different pigments before making the financial investment in a personal palette!
Date: Monday – Saturday, year-round, ongoing
Where: Denison Home Studio
Cost: $240
Deposit: $50 materials fee. Non-refundable. Due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of class
Description: In this (approx.) 12 hour class students will learn how to mix pigment for 10 “recipes” using a layering technique, alternating between opaque & transparent. These basic recipes are the foundation of many icons. Students will learn the recipes for painting skin, hair, wings, various garment colors & background. The spiritual significance of colors will also be discussed.
Note: One of the most challenging aspects of icon writing is learning how to mix pigment at home. Many students do not know how to mix pigment as it is done for them in workshops. Trial & error can be a frustrating & expensive process! This class is recommended for all levels but is especially intended for those ready to paint icons at home. It is also recommended for students wanting to learn to paint with egg tempera but not necessarily applied to iconography.
Date: Mon-Sat, year round, ongoing
Where: Denison Home Studio
Cost: $175
Deposit: $50 materials fee. Non-refundable. Due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of class
Description: In this workshop students will learn the basic technique for preparing an icon to receive 23k gold leaf using clay bole and their breath. Students will also learn various techniques for embellishing the gold.
Note: This class is recommended for students of all levels particularly those needing tips and tricks for working with this very temperamental medium!
Karen is interviewed by Mary Woods, host of the Archbishop's Hour, Catholic Radio
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(Interview starts at 18:45)
Karen is interviewed by Mary Woods on Relevant Radio
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(Interview starts at approximately 10:00)