Byzantine Iconography Series 9 (P1) : Theotokos and Christ

Composition

In Series 9 of the Byzantine Iconography Drawing Tutorials we will be putting together everything that we have learned in the previous series by learning how to compose icons. Everything in this series builds on what has been taught in the previous eight series of tutorials so it is important that students have completed the previous Series. In particular, they need to have completed the tutorials in Series 1 Drawing the Face, Series 2 Drawing the Half Figure, Series 3 Garment Basics, at least parts 1 and 3 of Series 3 drawing the Full Figure, Series 5 Drawing 3/4 Figures, Series 6 Drawing Seated Figures and Series 8 Drawing Mountains and Landscapes.

We will start off the Series by composing an icon of two figures (Theotokos and Christ) then a figure in a landscape setting (Prophet Elijah) and finally figures in a setting with buildings (the Annunciation).

In Part 1 of this Series we will start off learning how to compose an icon of the Theotokos Glykophilousa (Sweet Kissing). We will study various icons of this composition and see how rhythm is used in them. Then we will create our own composition of the Glykophilousa style icon. I will explain what I'm thinking as I create the basic structure and rhythm of the icon, before we move on and fill in all the details of the icon.

Required Materials: Pencil, paper and eraser