Icon Painting Workshop

The ancient work of Byzantine-style Painting classes in San Miguel Allende is magnificant. Even if you do not have a particular bent towards religious imagery, you cannot deny the quality of the pigments and their fascinating character. No experience is necessary. The simple beauty is intriguing, pushing around small particles of dirt that dry and form unimaginable patterns while thinking about the divine and why we are here.

The color in Byzantine iconography feels ancient when you look at it because it is! The individual colors are lustrous, granular, sandy, or soft ochres they are radiantly bright and precious. The sheen from the egg yolk turns the surface glossy and look as if it is saturated with life. The process is unique while the experience provokes great conversation and intrigue as we make beautiful brush strokes and a comedy of errors. Join us or come visit the studio for more info. The door is open. Mary Jane Miller is the only open studio with this kind of Byzantine Art south of the border, a great destination not to be missed. by Appointment contact thewayoficons@aol.com

The icon painting technique enthralled me, and soon I saw that icon painting was a way to express my prayers and thoughts. Iconography offers me a window into eternity. It is a reminder of the unfolding mystery found in spiritual life.

Let’s put icon painting in a modern context. Everyone knows how to open up an icon on the computer screen. In the same way, a painted icon opens a window, one that reminds us that we belong to another realm. Modern icon painters use ancient icon painting techniques much the way ancient Christians used prayer, music, and liturgy. Icon painting classes are a way to depict religious truths and ideologies. Still, instead of using words, we use visual language and ancient painting rules to tell God’s truth through stories.