PRACTICAL ICON PAINTING COURSE IN LISBON/CASCAIS - FACE OF CHRIST PANTOCRATOR

PRACTICAL ICON PAINTING COURSE - FACE OF CHRIST PANTOCRATOR
5 to 9 September 2023, from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (with 1h lunch break).
Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães, in Cascais, near Lisbon.

BOOK ON: https://www.bol.pt/Comprar/Bilhetes/127081-curso_pratico_de_pintura_de_icones_rosto_de_cristo_pantocrator-museu_condes_de_castro_guimaraes/

The painting of a Byzantine icon is a traditional process that involves several steps.
This course is open to all levels and beginners are particularly welcome.
All materials will be provided. We will use some rare pigments and gold. 

Below is an overview of the practical steps students will follow in painting their Byzantine icons:
1. Preparation: Basic types of icon painting. Theory of applying gesso and how to create a smooth and stable surface.
2. Sketching: We will trace the initial drawing. Even those who do not know how to draw can take this course.
3. Application of gold leaf: we will learn how to make Armenian bole. We will also learn how to burnish the gold.
4. Painting: Traditionally, Byzantine icon painters use a limited palette of egg tempera paints, which are made by mixing pigments with egg yolk. We will learn the various types of layers and paint with ancient techniques.
5. Highlights and details: We will use lighter colours or mix white with the base colours to create highlights. We will add fine lines, patterns and intricate details characteristic of Byzantine iconography, such as halos, symbols and clothing.
6. Facial features: We will paint the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the spiritual expression often associated with Byzantine iconography.
7. Finishing touches: We will learn historical as well as contemporary methods of varnishing. Varnishing protects and also gives the icon a distinctive sheen.
 
The course will also include theory and a progressive explanation of icon symbolism.
 
We will contact you before the start of the course. Bookings valid after payment.
BOOK ON: https://www.bol.pt/Comprar/Bilhetes/127081-curso_pratico_de_pintura_de_icones_rosto_de_cristo_pantocrator-museu_condes_de_castro_guimaraes/

About the lecturer: Nelson Ferreira has specialised in the techniques of old European masters (early Flemish painting methods from the 15th century, as well as 19th century academic drawing and painting). He was twice the invited artist by the National Portrait Gallery, namely to teach Renaissance drawing techniques during the exhibition of drawings by Holbein and Leonardo da Vinci. He is a guest lecturer at various museums and universities. He is a trainer of Walt Disney artists, teaching drawing and painting to the Industrial Light & Magic teams in North America, Singapore and the United Kingdom. He has had solo exhibitions at Portugal's National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Monastery of Batalha, the Soares dos Reis National Museum, as well as abroad. He is currently exhibiting at the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum. This year alone, his painting exhibitions have been seen by almost 200.000 visitors.