This technique is followed by very few iconography painters as it requires a great deal of experience. There are also many technical difficulties involved in its successful application. Our studio specializes in this technique with excellent results. The gold we use is Russian 24 carat, of greater thickness than most. After gilding we are ready to begin painting the icon.
Egg tempera is the basic medium for icon painting.
By using egg yolk diluted with water and vinegar, and adding natural pigments we create different color tones. We never use acrylics or industrial colors because they not only fail in reflecting the color tones but they also fade after a while. The natural pigments used by the first iconographers have retained their original color, allowing us to admire their work throughout the ages. Regarding the process, the painting of portable icons as well as mural iconography is done with the same technique. Sarcomata as well as vestments, are painted in successive layers of color, creating subtle gradations from dark to light.