Iconography

During my work placement in Cyprus this summer I completed a workshop in iconography with an experienced and talented iconographist, animal rescuer and business owner Lin Ova. As a group of 9 we were each to create a Christian Orthodox Saint, painted on recycled wood, to later be priced and placed in the Lefkara shop. I chose Saint Oda, the Blind Princess of Scotland as she has a compelling story dating back to the 8th century and is a strong Scottish female character. She was cured from her blindness by an act of god, returned home only to be pestered by her father for marriage, she flee with magpies protecting her. The Christian Orthodox style is specific with enlarged eyes, shrunken mouth and long nose, accompanied by a glowing golden halo and luxurious robes. I wanted to capture this in my painting so complete focus was necessary. We were directed through priming, sketching and painting. Specifically the painting process was a new skill I developed, working with one mid-tone then adding shadows and highlights with delicate strokes of finely mixed colour, I also enhanced my fabric painting abilities. I have been using acrylic paint for a number of years and am confident with the medium, however portraits are not a subject I have a lot of experience in. Yet, I am very proud of this piece. I feel I achieved an accurate figure and tonal definition, although the face could perhaps be better blended. Saint Oda Blind Princess of Scotland Acrylic on wood, 2021 Icon Reference - https://liesbethsiconen.nl/icoon/heilige-oda/