For creativity we will need materials:
- board (in this case 15*20 cm);
- skin;
- white acrylic paint (as a primer);
- gouache (it is better to purchase separate jars of gouache, including gold color);
- PVA glue;
- brushes of different sizes (preferably squirrel or column);
- varnish for woodwork (matte or semi-matte);
- an icon or photograph, a picture or an Orthodox calendar, from which we will make a list of icons.
1. Before starting work, it is better to read a prayer or simply say: “Lord, bless.” This way things will go faster and better. Now we need to sand the board. To do this, take thicker sandpaper and grind the surface in a circular motion. Using sandpaper we bring the board to a smooth state.
2. Acrylic paint is applied to the surface of the board in two or three layers. If necessary, it can be diluted with water 1:1. Next you need to sand the board to perfect condition.
3.The third stage is very important. We need to make a pencil drawing of Jesus. All proportions must be observed here. If difficulties arise, use tracing paper - transfer the drawing onto it, and then attach it to the board and trace it, it will be imprinted.
4. At the fourth stage, you need to dilute ocher paint with water and PVA glue and paint the board in one or two layers. This is done so that the tones of the future icon are not too bright and open. The pencil drawing should be transparent, so we apply the paint in transparent layers. Now we outline the drawing with brown paint. To do this, take the thinnest brush.
5. At the fifth stage, you can relax a little and remember your childhood. Now we will do approximately what children do in coloring books. Fill the icon with color. We will fill each fragment with the darkest color (be sure to add a little PVA glue to the paint) that is on the icon. For example, the face, it has darker and lighter tones. This means we need to take the darkest tone and fill the face with color. In this case, the color is dark brown. This is done in order to highlight the fragments at the next stage.
We do the same with other parts of the picture - clothes, hair, etc. Apply paint in two or three layers. At this stage, the main thing is accuracy. We remember that the colors in the icon should not be bright, so you can mute them with ocher. Paint the background with gold paint.
6.The sixth step is the most labor-intensive and responsible. We need to add volume to the drawing by highlighting the fragments. Let's start with the face. We take ocher paint, mix it with white and gradually lighten the areas of the cheekbones, forehead, and nose. Achieving a smooth transition will not happen in one go.We will highlight until the face takes on a three-dimensional shape. We also add volume to folds on clothes and other fragments. Don't forget to add glue to the paint so that the previous layers don't wash away.
8.Now you need to apply varnish to the icon. Choose a matte or semi-matte wood varnish. This way the icon will not glare. Apply varnish in two or three layers and dry. Be sure to consecrate the icon in the temple. God help you!
