What is the relationship between light and color? How does color perception arise? What do the colors of an icon tell us, and do they always have theological significance? How do color contrasts emerge and create dynamic tension in addition to harmony? What are contrast and value? How does an icon express internal, uncreated light? How can I prepare color pigments myself? In this course, we will delve into the world of light and color in icons through theory, practical examples, and exercises. We will prepare Valamo's own local earth pigment. Actual practical icon painting is not taught on this course, but alongside other work, participants can paint their own icons. Please note that those under 35 years old receive a 40 percent discount on icon painting courses. Instructor: iconographer Alexander Wikström.
Wednesday 22.7.
Arrival at Valamo. Lunch from Trapesan buffet.
Rooms are available from 3:00 PM.
4:30 PM Course opening. The icon painter's color palette then and now. Theory of the origin and preparation of colors. Earth colors, mineral colors, organic colors. Slurry preparation of own earth color ‘Terra di Valamo’.
6:00 PM Vespers.
7:30 PM Supper.
Thursday 23.7.
6:00 AM Matins and Liturgy.
7:30 AM Breakfast.
9:00 AM Independent work, if desired.
10:00 AM Preparation of mineral (stone) paint.
12:00 PM Prayer service.
12:00 PM Lunch.
1:30 PM General theology of colors in icons. Attribute colors of various saints. Color analogies in icons. The combined effect of color and light.
3:00 PM Break.
3:30 PM Color wheel and painting it with pigments. Problems with mixing violet. The rich possibilities of green shades. Color analogy experiments.
6:00 PM Vespers.
7:30 PM Supper.
Friday 24.7.
6:00 AM Matins.
7:30 AM Breakfast.
9:00 AM Independent work, if desired.
10:00 AM Limited palette of five or four colors. Practical work.
12:00 PM Prayer service.
12:00 PM Lunch.
1:30 PM Problems with red shades using modern color pigments: how to maintain the purity of red when lightening and darkening it. Practical work.
3:00 PM Break.
3:30 PM The relationship of gold and white metals to the light and colors of an icon. Practical work.
6:00 PM Vespers and the Three Canons.
7:30 PM Supper.
Saturday 25.7.
6:00 AM Matins and Liturgy.
7:30 AM Breakfast.
9:00 AM Independent work, if desired.
10:00 AM Valamo Foundation's icon collection in the monastery museum; use of colors in different eras and styles. Practical work.
12:00 PM Prayer service.
12:00 PM Lunch.
1:30 PM Practical work.
3:30 PM Final finishing and firing of ‘Terra di Valamo’ earth color.
6:00 PM Vigil (Old Church).
7:30 PM Supper.
Sunday 26.7. FEAST OF ALL VALAMO SAINTS.
7:30 AM Breakfast.
8:15 AM Small blessing of water (Old Church, church's patronal feast).
9:00 AM Liturgy (Old Church) and procession around the church.
11:00 AM Lunch.
12:00 PM Prayer service (Old Church).
12:30 PM Practical work, “surprise task”.
3:00 PM Break.
3:00 PM Practical work.
6:00 PM Vespers and Akathist (main church)
7:30 PM Supper.
Monday 27.7.
6:00 AM Matins.
7:30 AM Breakfast.
9:00 AM Practical work. Review and evaluation. Course conclusion.
12:00 PM Lunch.
