The main objective of the second year course is to introduce students to the art of the creative composition of icons within the framework of the tradition of Byzantine church painting.

Specifically, students, with the support of their instructors, begin their studies by making relatively small compositions (i.e. The Annunciation). Students then continue to compose larger compositions including greater numbers of figures. The compositions chosen depend on the students’ individual abilities and available time. The students’ work involves both drawing and painting (egg tempera with underpainting).

The ultimate goal of the advanced course is to support students as they practice compositional technique with a view to developing their own style from within the framework of the tradition of Byzantine painting.

Students work closely with their instructors throughout the course by submitting their exercises, which are promptly returned with corrections, comments and suggestions.

SEMESTER 1

THE UNITY OF ALL THINGS. COMPOSITION IN BYZANTINE PAINTING

LESSON 1: INTERNAL LOGOS AND THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION
LESSON 2: COMPOSITION IN DECORATIVE ART
LESSON 3: PANAGIA GLYKOPHILOUSA (OF LOVING KINDNESS)
LESSON 4: THE ANNUNCIATION
LESSON 5: THE RESURRECTION: THE EMPTY TOMB
LESSON 6: THE MIRACLE OF THE HEALING OF THE BLIND MAN
LESSON 7: THE RESURRECTION – THE DESCENT INTO HADES. ANALYSIS OF EXAMPLES. BASIC SKETCH
LESSON 8: THE DESCENT INTO HADES. FINAL DRAWING.