Draw Byzantine Icons
Learn to draw Byzantine icons to enhance craft projects with religious imagery in the sizes and colors you choose. During the Byzantine Empire, icons depicting Jesus, angels, saints and the Mother of God became an integral part of Orthodox Christianity. The images are often depicted on bright gold backgrounds. Decorate traditionally by creating a painting or mosaic design, or non-traditionally by creating a light-switch plate or knitting pattern.
Instructions
Draw Byzantine Icons
1. Choose a Byzantine icon to copy. Consult reference books, photographs or the Internet if you don't have an image in mind. Jesus, the Mother of God, saints and angels are commonly depicted in icons. Note that every aspect of the Byzantine icon is symbolic. Research your particular icon to learn more about its meaning. For instance, a depiction of Jesus with large ears and a small mouth can symbolize that he heard all but spoke only sacred words.
2. Use a copy machine to copy the icon you selected onto plain paper. Examine your icon, paying close attention to proportion. Often Byzantine icons were elongated, and the scenes lack depth.
3. Use a ruler to draw a grid of squares over the icon. If the icon fits on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper, make squares about one inch on each side. (Skip this step and the next two if you prefer to draw your icon freehand.) Consider whether to include every element of the icon, or whether you'd like to leave out certain details. For example, you may be interested in only the face of the Mother of God, or a particular angel.
4. Draw another grid on the surface of the object you are decorating. The grid allows you to easily enlarge or reduce the size of the icon. Make this grid the size you want the icon to be. Consider playing with scale. Some Orthodox churches feature wall-sized mosaics of elaborate symbolic religious imagery.
5. Copy the icon image square by square onto the destination surface. Copying in sections helps you to achieve accurate proportions. Pay close attention to the placement of lines in each square for accurate results.
6. Finish drawing by using a pencil or paint to add color and shading. If your design is for a knitting pattern or mosaic, determine your color choices. Use the original image as a guide, or experiment with your own color and pattern combinations. Iconographers were often required to lead a holy life of worship and self-deprivation to channel religious inspiration. Adhering to the iconographer's choices pays homage to this tradition. Departing from it gives you the freedom to personalize your icon.
