Learn how to create your own traditional, yet original Byzantine icons. For all levels!

Back to Basics

The Icon Builder system shows you how to build up your own icon by breaking down all the essential parts of an icon, and then teaching you how to put them back together again. Only when you can understand the ABC’s of what makes an icon will you be able to create freely.
Through the app I will guide you, principally by video tutorials, through the essential steps one needs to learn to become an iconographer. I will not leave you alone however! On the app there is a group chat feature where students can share their works and experiences and get some feedback from me, your instructor.

Your Teacher

I am Fr Justin Venn; I am an Orthodox priest and iconographer with over 10 years of teaching experience. I will take you on a spiritual journey through the wonderful world of the icon, visiting many locations and times and artists. We will explore not only the technical aspects of icon making, but also its history and theology. In the app there are several features for you to enjoy and profit from:
• 3 main steps to master, all thoroughly demonstrated and taught through video tutorials: 1. Pencil Drawing. 2. Dual Pencil Drawing. 3. Monochromatic Painting.
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• 3D models of various iconographic body parts.
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• Group chat feature.
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• Video interviews with other great contemporary iconographers.
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• Theological and other relevant material, sources, and recommendations.
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• Live interaction with the teacher.

The Three Main Steps

There are 3 essential steps one must master:

Pencil Drawing: This consists of doing pencil drawings on white paper, starting with the most basic models and then moving to more complex ones.

Dual Pencil Drawing: This consists of drawing with 2 pencils – a white and black pencil on toned paper.

Monochromatic painting: This final step consists of painting monochromatic icons on toned paper, and/or boards. The traditional medium used here is natural pigments with egg tempera.

If a student masters these three essential steps, by the end of the course he/she will be able to start to create basic traditional, yet original icons.

In short, this course will teach you how to become an iconographer!