The basic aim of the first year our online iconography course is to introduce students to the basic principles of the Byzantine system of painting and familiarize them with its manner of drawing and the painting techniques of portable icons.

Specifically, students learn how to draw faces, garments as well as the human figure in various poses and movements. Several approaches to the traditional technique of egg tempera painting are also taught with a view to enabling students to paint their own icon of the bust, or complete figure, of a saint at the end of the course.

Throughout the duration of the term, students work closely alongside their instructor, to whom they send their assigned homework. The instructor then promptly returns the homework with corrections, comments and suggestions.

THE LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE BEGINNER COURSE INCLUDE (SEMESTERS 1 & 2)

METHOD A
Including Instructor Supervision
Students have access to the teaching material (online videos) and are entitled to supervision by, and communication with, the instructor, George Kordis throughout the course.
Students may send drawings for correction (using the app), which are returned with corrections, comments and suggestions.

METHOD B
Without Instructor Supervision.
Students have access to the teaching material (online videos), but are not supervised by the course instructor, George Kordis. George Kordis..
As a result, students cannot send drawings or exercises to the instructor. However, in this way students can work individually using the online material (see Semesters 1 & 2)..

The teaching material for both levels is the same, and is taught by George Kordis.

SEMESTER 1

DRAWING

1. General principles of Byzantine painting: its system and style. The function of line and colour (elements of painting). Quality of line. Exercises. Drawing parts of the face. (37 min)
2. Drawing the face in dynamic frontal pose. Exercises. (41 min)
3. Drawing the face in ¾ pose. Exercises. (40 min)
4. Garments. The logos of drawing garments. Garments as elements of the composition. Apostolic garments Ascetics’ garments, women’s garments. Exercises. (33 min)
5. The human figure. Measurements and proportions. Positioning of the figure. Busts of saints. Exercises. (40 min)
6. Full standing figure. Measurements and positioning of the figure. Exercises. (40 min)
7. Seated figure. Measurements and positioning. Exercises. (40 min)
8. The figure in motion. Standard movements of the figures of saints. Review of the principles of drawing. Planning of exercises. (35 min)

SEMESTER 2

PAINTING. EGG TEMPERA TECHNIQUE.

1. Byzantine colour theory. The technique of egg tempera with underpainting. Line exercises. (45 min)
2. Garments - Exercises. (53 min)
3. Garments II - Exercises. (43 min)
4. Rendering flesh (theory). Drawing the face of St. George. Underpainting. (42 min)
5. Face of St. George. Skin and hair. (41 min)
6. The face of St. Neilos the ascetic. Colour Exercises. (59 min)
7. Icon of St. Peter. Drawing & Underpainting. (39 min)
8. Icon of St. Peter. Garments. (37 λεπτά)
9. Icon of St. Peter. Face, hands and beard. (45 λεπτά)
10. Icon of St. Peter. Completion of the Icon. Summary: Tradition. Conclusions. (66 min)