Renowned Greek iconographer Theodoros Papadopoulos leads summer painting workshops across Europe and the U.S. He is offering a six-day workshop in the Greek Byzantine style at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. The workshop will be August 5–10 from 9:00 to 4:30 each day. The cost for the course is $685. Most of the materials are included. You do not have to be a highly-skilled artist to enroll, only someone seeking to deepen their spirituality. Because of the intense nature of instruction, only twelve students are allowed.

Please contact Valerie Kaiser at valvkaiser@gmail.com for more detailed information.

From the Artist:

The obligations and responsibilities of an iconographer who takes over the illustration of a holy church are enormous. I do not think there is a greater challenge for such an artist than taking on such a project. It is very easy to fill the walls with icons. But for me merely filling space is not significant. The most important part is the study of the church’s architecture, which will lead to a building taking on the appearance of one whole area which appears united by its surroundings. I strive to understand the interior of the church as a single composition, where all the pieces must be connected and in full color and architectural harmony.  The fragmentation of the surface with multiple partitions into small and disconnected painting issues may cause disharmony and tension to the viewer-believer. The artist’s work should help to achieve harmony, humility, inner peace and tranquility in order to prepare believers for the sacrament of the Eucharist.

The iconographer’s work resembles that of a priest. As St. Theodosius the Hermit says, “One composes the blood of Christ, and the other presents it”. Iconography is a religious act. The artist’s mission is to translate the images he presents into spirit in order to touch the soul of the believer with his work. Being aware of the seriousness and the importance of such a project, and being a strict judge of my own work, I have set as my main objective to present a work which fulfills its purpose and remains faithful to the spirit and doctrine of the Orthodox Church. But iconography should not be characterized by static, photocopying and sterile imitation of past images. The artist must widen, enrich and constantly renew his work. – Theodoros Papadopoulos