The Iconography School

of Philip Davydov & Olga Shalamova


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Academic Iconography Education Online

LEARN

Video tutorials:
Comprehensive and practical video tutorials (in HD) guiding you step by step through unique programs of studies in iconography drawing and / or painting.

PRACTICE

Assignments:
Assignments are blended in the video tutorials, with plethora of handy tips and advice to assist you in mastering the specific skills and traditional iconography principles.

GROW

Systematic Learning:
The online format allows you to study key disciplines step by step, building a coherent and lasting understanding of iconography as an artistic system.

EXCEL

Mentoring:
During all our courses, you will receive a personalized feedback and active mentoring by the instructors on each of your drawings.

COMMUNICATE

Interactivity:
We use a unique Google Classroom as a platform for every course. It's a place where we confidentially share the assignments and you will be able to share your drawings and see our recommendations together with works of other students.

ENJOY

Lifetime Access:
All the video tutorials will be available to you during and after the completion of the course for future learning.

Explore the Core Disciplines

Courses are designed to support both beginners and students with prior experience, offering a clear learning path at each stage.

Drawing

Learn the fundamentals of iconography drawing: study shapes, proportions and construction.

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Painting

Discover the egg tempera technique — from underpainting and layering to color and light.

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Composition

Understand how to structure and balance an image to express its full theological meaning.

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Theory

Explore theological foundations and concepts underpinning iconography practice.

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Iconography Study Group

Iconography Study Group for Advanced Students

Long-term Program for Advanced Students

This program is designed to bring together the knowledge gained in previous courses and apply it in the creation of a bust-length icon of Christ.

Step by step, we explore iconography, drawing, painting, composition, and the full icon-painting process. Each student works with their own model, while the instructor provides clear guidance at every stage. This approach helps students go beyond simply creating a “correct” icon. Instead, they learn fundamental artistic principles and how to apply them with understanding and personal insight, learning to see how an icon is constructed and what it truly expresses.


In-Person Workshops

We also hold in-person courses and workshops in different locations. Learn iconography in a studio setting, work with instructors directly, and experience the process hands-on.

Students' Works from Online Courses

Every student begins with the basics — studying facial proportions and drawing techniques — and gradually moves on to tempera painting and, finally, to the icon-painting practice in the Iconography Study Group. This showcase presents works created entirely within our online programs.

The icons created by our advanced students (Study Group program) demonstrate both technical skill and a mature understanding of the classical iconographic tradition.
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About the Instructors: Philip Davydov & Olga Shalamova

Iconography instructors Philip Davydov and Olga Shalamova
We are iconographers and instructors dedicated to the academic study and practice of iconography. Our teaching is rooted in tradition, supported by strong artistic foundations, and shaped by many years of professional and educational experience. Learn more about our background, approach, and teaching philosophy.

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