Archangel Gabriel, Icon size 14.5 x 11.5cm x 2.5 cm thick birch ply
Hand-sized icons are tactile and so beautiful. A few years ago, I had some thick birch ply cut into a selection of small sizes which I gessoed all at the same time. In many ways, they are just as much work as larger sized icons (and can be harder on your eyesight!) but they become such a relatable size.
Some photos below show a few steps of the process of painting a small icon – this one is of Archangel Gabriel. As we approach Christmas, I just wanted to close 2022 with a practical post, perhaps to inspire you for the New Year year ahead!
Below are a series of photos of the process of painting this hand-sized icon. Hope they help you in your own work!
Cut pieces of Birch Ply with scrim applied ready to gesso.Boards have been gessoed and now held in a Black and Decker work mate ready for me to sand off the rough edgesEdges all sanded. I also give a light sand to the gesso to remove the rough surface ready for hand sanding.Bole warming in a bain marie ready for gildingFirst layer of gold leaf applied to halo – note the masking tape over a small piece of card to keep the centre point of halo. Also I have applied masking fluid to save scraping off the gold from the gesso.Burnishing the halo after gildingPainting the background and letting it harden/temper overnight before adding the white line of halo (otherwise the paint spreads)Using the dip pen compass to apply the white halo line. Once in place, remove the masking tape/card from centre point. Applying a few coats of dilute egg glaze to seal the gesso ready for painting.I wrap the icon in tracing paper to protect it as I workUnderpainting the face using a mix of Yellow Maimeri and a little Ivory BlackApplying several thin layers of membrane in a mix of yellow ochre and a dash of red ochre glazesWorking into the darker areas of the face with Avana Ochre Gradually add thin layers of face highlights in Yellow Maimeri and white – if it all gets too stark, add a wash of warm Italian goldStudio audience!The next part is to complete the garment, hair and wings and then to add the lettering.Then finish the sides, add hooks and cord.
The finished icon can be seen here whilst available.
Wishing you and your families/friends the peace, light and love of Christmas!
2 Responses to “Archangel Gabriel – held in a palm-sized icon”
Sister Benedict Rowell
Dear Ronnie
Thank you so much for this. It is beautiful and seasonal. I hope you have a very happy and holy Christmas. Love & prayers, from Sister Benedict
How lovely to hear from you Sister Benedict and thank you for your kind wishes. All the best for a blessed Christmas to you and your community. Love Ronnie
Icon Diploma Student 
2 Responses to “Archangel Gabriel – held in a palm-sized icon”
Dear Ronnie
Thank you so much for this. It is beautiful and seasonal. I hope you have a very happy and holy Christmas. Love & prayers, from Sister Benedict
How lovely to hear from you Sister Benedict and thank you for your kind wishes. All the best for a blessed Christmas to you and your community. Love Ronnie