Icon Painting

A retreat led by the Reverend Christopher Perrins.

In an atmosphere of prayer, you will be guided, step by step, through the process of creating an icon.

Christopher is keen to ensure that his retreats are accessible to people who have never painted before, as well as the more experienced.

In the article ‘Made in his image: the popularity of icon retreats’  from the 11thMay 2018 edition of the Church Times, Christopher said, ‘We tend to start with the easiest method, the proplasmos technique, which is more associated with the Greek tradition, where you begin with the darker colours, layering the paint until you get to the lightest colours…’ His retreats are… ‘certainly not just for artists, and, in fact, non-artists almost find it easier, because they don’t have to unlearn anything.'

Some quotes from the 2023 participants:  'I and others on the course were not really painters but were given encouragement, help and support. Everyone went home with a beautiful icon - even me.' 'The week was over far too quickly.' 'Icon painting was one of the most incredible experiences of my life - spending hours looking into the face of Jesus.'

All materials will be provided, including brushes, pigments, eggs, gessoed boards (sanded and ready to be painted), and gold leaf.

Christopher was ordained deacon in 2003 and priest in 2004. He served in a number of parishes in the Diocese of Liverpool. He has a Diploma in Icon and Wall Painting from the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts. Having always enjoyed art in one form or another, he first painted an icon in 2005 at a course given by Christi Paslaru.”

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