A Beginner’s Course with Slavica Mihailova

New this Fall!

Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of Byzantine icon painting, this new course offers a structured introduction to the essential techniques of the Byzantine painting tradition using egg tempera.

Students will learn not simply how to reproduce forms, but how to begin seeing and painting according to the rhythm, harmony, and visual language of the Byzantine tradition.

Taught by Slavica Mihailova, instructor for the second-year Certificate Program at Writing the Light, this course carefully guides students through the building blocks of icon painting. Through live demonstrations, weekly assignments, and personalized feedback, students will gain confidence while developing the skills needed for future iconographic study.

Throughout the course, students will explore:

• Preparing and mixing traditional egg tempera emulsion with natural pigments
• Understanding the Byzantine approach to color
• Developing confident brushwork
• Essential painting techniques and layering
• Painting garments and folds
• Constructing and painting the blessing hand
• Painting the face according to the Byzantine tradition
• Additional foundational studies that build toward a complete icon

Each live class is accompanied by practical assignments, allowing students to immediately apply what they have learned.

In addition to two live Zoom correction sessions each month, students will receive individual corrections and personal feedback through Dropbox, providing ongoing encouragement and guidance as they progress.

Course Details

Instructor: Slavica Mihailova

Schedule: Mondays
Time: 7:30–8:30 PM (Athens)
12:30–1:30 PM (Eastern Time – US & Canada)

THIS CLASS STARTS SEPTEMBER 21st and will occur on the following dates:

September 21, October 5 & 19th, November 2, 16 & 30th, December 14th, and January 4th.

Format:

• 8 live online classes — one class every other week
• Weekly assignments
• Two personal correction and feedback sessions each month

Tuition: €235

Whether you hope to continue into more advanced icon painting or simply wish to establish a strong foundation in this sacred artistic tradition, Foundations of Byzantine Icon Painting I provides a thoughtful and practical beginning for your journey.

A complete materials list will be provided following registration. We aim to keep it simple and affordable for starting out.

We hope to see you this Fall!