How to Paint Byzantine Icons
Byzantine icons derive from religious figures and imagery. Original Byzantine icons were created as decorative elements in chapels and monasteries as early as the 4th century, and appeared as frescoes, mosaics and painted iconography. Some of the most famous Byzantine-influenced icons appear in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in the early 16th century. Byzantine figures share common characteristics; they often appear stiff and posed, have almond-shaped eyes, and are composed of rich pigmentation, consisting largely of warm and golden tones.
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Instructions
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Prepare your canvas or paper for painting by applying gesso to the surface. A good rule of thumb is to apply three coats of gesso, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Lightly sand any lumps and inconsistencies out of the gesso so that the surface is as smooth and flat as possible. This will provide an ideal surface for the Byzantine icon.
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Using an example image, which can be anything from a photograph of a fresco, mosaic or mural to an illustration or religious iconography, sketch a preliminary guide onto the canvas in pencil. Alternatively, you may choose to create a painting using other, nonreligious imagery using the style of Byzantine icons. In this case, you may wish to use a combination of a Byzantine piece with a photograph of your contemporary subject when sketching out your image.
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Include a variety of tones in your color palette, but use primarily of warm tones, blues and gold. You can use acrylics or oils. Plan your color scheme before painting. Are there any colors you will have to mix? How closely do you want the colors of the painting to resemble those used in your example image?
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Paint darker areas first. Some artists choose to paint completely over the guide illustration to create a solid background to layer over, while others paint certain objects, areas or colors first. Work using the method that suits you best. Unless you are an experienced artist, paint one section at a time so that your sketch is retained as a working guide.
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Add medium tones, then the shading and highlights. Byzantine icons often include strongly contrasting colors; bright blue and gold jewel hues commonly overlay warm tones, such as can be seen depicted as inlays in thrones, crowns and robes. Use metallic paints for an extra touch.
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Tips & Warnings
Take time with the preliminary sketch. Since it is in pencil, you can erase and correct as much as necessary. To give your finished work more of a Byzantine flair, add multiple icons and a lot of detail to every area of the painting. It may be difficult to achieve the right look at first, but make several paintings until you begin to get a feel for the style. Your work will improve with each new piece.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Onuphrius/Byzantine Icon/4th century/ public domain
