SOLD OUT | Aidan Hart Workshops: Icon Painting

Please note: This event has now sold out.

 

OVERVIEW

Heavenly Beings: Icons of the Christian Orthodox World introduces the tradition of the devotional art of the Christian Orthodox faith in an exhibition of icons drawn from across the world. This ancient visual tradition is surveyed through 118 captivating icons, dating from 1350 to 1800. 

This winter, we are thrilled to be hosting internationally renowned iconographer Aidan Hart for a two-day workshop on the time-honoured practice of icon painting. After creating your own egg tempera paint, you will learn the techniques of traditional iconography and walk away with a unique piece of your own.

 

COURSE OUTLINE

Icons are a door to a profound way of seeing. One way to glimpse this world is to paint an icon study. In this two-day workshop we shall paint an icon study in monochrome on watercolour paper using egg tempera. A full-coloured icon on a gesso panel takes a long time to paint, which is why we shall concentrate on painting just the icon’s form by using only one colour (red ochre) plus white. Participants will be taught the basics of how to:

• Mix egg tempera paint
• Analyse an icon’s form and proportion
• Make elegant brush strokes and shading
• Build up an icon in layers: the middle ’membrane’ tone; the deeper tones for modelling; the highlights.

We begin the first day with a presentation overviewing the function of icons, how this impacts the way they are painted, and the stages of painting a full coloured icon. The teaching of techniques throughout the two days will be accompanied with explanations of the theological vision that inspires the icon’s particular form. The two days promise to be both challenging and enjoyable!

Need to know

• This workshop is suitable for all, whether you are experienced with drawing or not.
• Coffee, tea, refreshments and lunch will be provided for both days. 
• The non-Members price includes a one-year Membership, which will be available to pick up on the day of the first workshop.
• If you are a Gallery Member with a valid guest pass, you can bring a friend for the Members price.

 

BIOGRAPHY

Aidan Hart has been a professional icon painter and carver since 1984, with works in over twenty-five countries. Born in England, he was raised in Auckland and worked as a sculptor (by the name Christopher Hart), until returning to the UK in 1983. An ordained Reader of the Orthodox Church, he is author of three books, most recently Festal Icons: History and Meaning (2022) and Beauty Spirit Matter: Icons in the Modern World (2014). He is director and tutor of iconography at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Art, London, and Fellow of the Temenos Academy.

 

TICKETING

Members                                                                   $410
Open to AAG Members and those with valid guest passes. Includes admission to both workshop sessions, with all materials provided.

Non-Members                                                          $465
Includes a one-year membership and admission to both workshop sessions, with all materials provided.

 

This event is part of our membership programme. Members receive free, unlimited entry to Heavenly Beings: Icons of the Christian Orthodox World. Join us from $55 per year. 

BECOME A MEMBER

 

Image credits: All images provided by Aidan Hart.