LEARN BYZANTINE ICONOGRAPHY

In Person

Writing the Divine: An Introduction to Byzantine Iconography

Discover the historical practice of Orthodox iconography and write (paint) your very own icon in this 8-week introductory course.

Time & Location

10 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 28 Nov 2026, 12:00 pm

Hellenic Museum, 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Presented in partnership with the Hellenic Museum, Writing the Divine is an immersive eight-week course offers a rare opportunity to explore the ancient art of Orthodox iconography through hands-on practice.

Guided step-by-step, you’ll discover the history, symbolism and sacred visual language of Byzantine icons while learning traditional egg tempera techniques, pigment preparation, layering, colour building and fine brushwork.

Across eight weekly two-hour sessions, you’ll create your own traditional hand-written icon from beginning to end. You’ll also receive a specially prepared course folder with notes, reference material, guided exercises and traditional egg tempera recipes, giving you the tools to continue your practice beyond the course.

All materials are included in the course, including a traditionally prepared icon board, pigments, egg tempera materials, brushes, tools and for our online participants, a specially adapted easels.

Course Dates & Times

This course runs from Saturday 10 October to Saturday 28 November 2026, and includes 8 x weekly sessions:

10AM–12.30PM Saturday 10 October 2026*
10AM–12PM Saturday 17 October 2026
10AM–12PM Saturday 24 October 2026
10AM–12PM Saturday 31 October 2026
10AM–12PM Saturday 7 November 2026
10AM–12PM Saturday 14 November 2026
10AM–12PM Saturday 21 November 2026
10AM–12PM Saturday 28 November 2026

*Note: The first session on Saturday 10 October runs for an additional 30 minutes (10AM–12.30PM) to allow for a 30-minute guided tour of the Hellenic Museum's new major exhibition, Divine Thresholds: Icons and the Orthodox Christian World. All other sessions run 10AM–12PM.

Details & Inclusions

Learn to create your own traditional hand-written icon from beginning to end
All materials provided, including a traditionally prepared icon board, pigments, egg tempera materials, brushes, tools, and specially adapted easels
Receive a specially prepared course folder with detailed notes, reference materials, guided exercises and traditional egg tempera recipes, giving you the tools to continue your practice beyond the course
Specifically designed for beginners, with a small class size for optimal learning
Note: please wear clothing you don't mind getting paint on, and/or bring your own apron
Designed for participants aged 16+ years