The miniature masterpieces created by the artists at the royal courts, and the materials and techniques they used to create the brilliant effects are still lively, fresh and highly admired. It is only by retracing the extraordinary journey of masterpieces that we can truly enjoy their intrinsic value.
The course caters for all levels of students from different disciplines and is the only one of its kind in the country offering the opportunity to learn and practice both the theories and the techniques manifested in Indian, Mughal and Persian miniature painting, with one to one teaching with an expert tutor and artist.
MASTER CLASS
IN BYZANTINE ICONOGRAPHY
27 April - 1 May 2009
A unique opportunity to study iconography with a master iconographer who lives and works on the Holy Mountain. Fr Iakovos Students will take students through the steps of icon painting in the Athonite tradition, teaching a style and technique used by the great 13th century master Manuel Panselinos. The course is suitable for beginners as well as advanced students.
Virgin Hodigitria Athos
Br. Iakovos
MASTER CLASS
BYZANTINE FRESCO PAINTING
Dates to be announced shortly
Learn the rudiments of Byzantine Fresco Painting with Romanian Iconographer Adrian Iurco, an experienced and gifted fresco painter who has worked internationally, including on Mount Athos, which he visits frequently. During this short course he will teach ground preparation as well as painting techniques. It would be an advantage to have a background in painting to attend this course, but beginners are welcome.
St John the Baptist
Fresco by Adrian Iurco
Work in progress: from left to right: Elijah, Kind David, Zakariah, John the Baptist, King Solomon and Eli.
Venue: Great Western Studios, Notting Hill, London
COURSES
AT SACRED SPACE
Elshieshields Tower
Tutor: Dr Stéphane René
Location: Elshieshields Tower, Scotland
Master Class in Coptic Iconography
2 - 6 June 2009
The Neo-Coptic style is the only contemporary school of iconography in the Orthodox Church (Eastern and Oriental) and represents the latest development of this ancient sacred artistic tradition. Its hieratic style and uncluttered designs, as well as much of its powerful symbolism, were inherited from its Pharaonic antecedents.
This unique course will take the student step by step in the creation of an icon according to the canons of the Neo-Coptic School. Suitable for students of all levels.
Elshieshields Tower dates from the 15th century and latterly was the home of renown historian Sir Steven Runciman who used the tower rooms as his library. We hope you will enjoy the peace and stillness of this historic house with its idyllic scenery, gardens and rich bird-life. Nearest airports: Glasgow, Prestwick, Edinburgh and Newcastle, all about 2 hours drive. There are regular trains from London Euston Station to Lockerbie.
Stéphane René is a leading exponent of the Neo-Coptic School. He studied for 6 years under the school’s founder, the late Prof. Isaac Fanous, at the Institute of Coptic Studies, Cairo and received his PhD from the Royal College of Art, London in 1990. He teaches regular classes in both the Byzantine and Coptic styles and leads workshops internationally. He supervises doctoral research in iconography at the Prince’s School of Traditional Art, London.
Flight into Egypt
Egg tempera on gesso with gold leaf
Passed course
Venue: Great Western Studios, Notting Hill, London
Tutor: Adrian Iurco
Tutor: Br. Iakovos
The Seeker
