Icon Painting Retreat

St John the Divine will offer an icon workshop and retreat from Monday June 8, at 10 am through Friday afternoon, June 12 at 4 pm. 

We will paint the icon of Jesus the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd, with his tender care for his flock, is one of the most familiar of the Gospel of John’s word pictures Jesus used to describe his ministry to the world. 

No artistic skill or talent is required, just a prayerful heart and presence!

On Monday through Thursday, the day will begin with Eucharist at 10 am. On Friday, the retreat ends in the early afternoon, concluding with Eucharist and the blessing of the icons.

We will learn the basics of the theology of iconography and how icons are used in the church and in meditation, and we will enjoy a provided boxed lunch together.

Icons will be painted “written” in a special acrylic paint that resembles traditional egg tempera and gilded with 23.5-carat gold leaf. The cost of all art supplies is included in the non-refundable $400 registration fee. Students should bring a small desk lamp and an apron or smock.

Our instructor will be Caroline Bowles, whose icons are featured in the East Bay of the sanctuary of St. John the Divine. Caroline began painting icons in 2007 and trained under Greek and American iconographers, as well as Aidan Hart, iconographer to King Charles III of Great Britain.

Class registration is limited to 14 people.