Custom-Made Icon: What Does Working with an Artist Look Like?
Ordering a custom-made icon is more than buying a painting. It is a process that requires conversation, trust and an understanding of the spiritual character of the work. An icon is not an ordinary interior decoration. It is a sign of presence, prayer and light, which is why its creation requires time, attentiveness and respect for tradition.
Working with an artist usually begins with one question: for whom and with what intention is the icon being created? Is it intended for a home, a chapel, a prayer corner, as a wedding gift, baptism gift, anniversary gift, or perhaps as a personal sign of one’s spiritual path?
These first details help define the appropriate type of icon, its size, colour palette, gilding and the overall character of the work.
A conversation about the intention and the place of the icon
The first stage of a commission is conversation. This is a very important moment, because an icon should be suited not only visually, but also spiritually.
It is worth considering where the icon will be placed. A small icon for a private prayer corner is planned differently from an icon above a child’s bed, and differently again from a larger work intended for a living room, chapel or shared space.
The intention also matters. An icon may be commissioned as a gift for a loved one, as a remembrance of an important event, as a sign of the protection of a patron saint, or as a personal space of prayer. This intention does not need to be described in detail, but it helps give the work its proper direction.
Choosing a saint, patron or iconographic type
The next step is choosing the subject. Sometimes the person commissioning the icon already knows exactly what they would like. It may be Christ Pantocrator, the Mother of God Eleusa, Our Lady of Kazan, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Francis, Saint Nicholas or a patron saint connected with a name, family or important life moment.
Sometimes, however, the choice is not obvious. In that case, the artist can help select the appropriate iconographic type. This is not only about aesthetics. Every type of icon has its own meaning, symbolism and spiritual dimension.
The Mother of God Eleusa speaks of tenderness and closeness. Christ Pantocrator reminds us of majesty, wisdom and blessing. An icon of the Guardian Angel may become a special sign of protection. An icon of a patron saint may accompany a person in daily prayer and important life decisions.
Defining the size, technique and materials
After choosing the subject, it is time to discuss the technical details. The size of the icon, the type of wooden panel, the technique, the gilding method and possible decorative details all matter.
A traditional icon is most often created on a wooden panel prepared for painting. In my work, egg tempera, natural pigments and gold leaf have a special place. These techniques require patience, but they create a unique effect of light, depth and subtle presence.
At this stage, it is also possible to discuss whether the icon should have a more classical character or a gently personal interpretation within the boundaries of tradition. The extent of gilding, the appearance of the halo, ornaments, colour tones and possible framing can also be agreed upon.
Preliminary drawing and approval of the composition
Before the actual writing of the icon begins, a preliminary drawing is prepared. This stage makes it possible to see the arrangement of the figure, proportions, main lines and overall composition.
The drawing does not yet show the full final effect, because an icon matures only through successive layers of egg tempera, light and gold. However, it helps ensure that the chosen direction is right.
In an individual commission, this stage is very important. It gives space to calmly refine the details before the painting process begins.
The process of writing the icon
Writing an icon is a slow and layered process. It cannot be rushed without losing quality. Each stage requires time: preparing the surface, transferring the drawing, working on the gilding, applying successive layers of egg tempera, modelling the face, garments, hands, light and details.
Egg tempera is a very subtle technique. It requires thin, translucent layers. The face of the saint does not appear immediately. It is gradually brought out, from darker tones toward light.
Gold is also not merely decoration. In an icon, it has symbolic meaning. It represents divine light, eternity and spiritual reality. This is why the way it is used must be carefully considered and in harmony with the character of the whole work.
Updates during the work
With an individual commission, it is natural to share selected stages of the process. The person commissioning the icon may receive photos, for example after the drawing is prepared, after gilding, or at a later stage of modelling the face and garments.
It is worth remembering, however, that an icon in progress may look very different from the finished work. Some stages are raw, technical and seemingly unfinished. Only the final layers of light, details and overall finishing give the icon its final character.
This is why trust is very important in this process. An icon is created slowly, and its full beauty reveals itself only at the end.
Completion time for a custom-made icon
The time needed to create a commissioned icon depends on its size, complexity, amount of gilding, number of details and the artist’s current work schedule.
A small icon may require several weeks of work. A larger, more complex icon may take much longer. This is not only because of the number of hours spent at the panel, but also because of the technique itself. Layers must dry, gilding requires preparation, and egg tempera does not like haste.
When ordering an icon, it is therefore worth allowing enough time, especially if it is intended as a gift for a specific occasion.
Price of a custom-made icon
The price of an icon depends on many factors. The most important are the format, technique, type of panel, amount of gold, complexity of the composition, ornamentation and the time required to complete the work.
An icon created by hand in a traditional technique is not a mass-produced object. Each work is made individually, layer by layer, with great care for detail and for the spiritual character of the image.
For this reason, the price is usually prepared after a conversation about the specific commission.
Handing over the finished icon
The final stage is handing over the completed icon to the person who commissioned it. This is a special moment, because it concludes a process that began with conversation, intention and the choice of subject.
The finished icon can be carefully secured for transport. It is also worth providing information about care, storage and the proper place for display. Icons should not be exposed to moisture, strong sunlight or sudden changes in temperature.
In Christian tradition, an icon may be blessed by a priest. For many people, this becomes the spiritual completion of the whole process and the moment when the icon is introduced into a space of prayer.
An icon as a personal encounter
Ordering an icon is not only about choosing a subject, size and technique. It is also a personal encounter with tradition, spirituality and beauty that does not fade.
A well-written icon does not dominate a space. It quiets it. It is not a loud decoration, but a silent presence. It accompanies everyday life, prayer, important moments and moments of stillness.
This is why working on a commissioned icon requires time, conversation and trust. An icon is created for a specific person, a specific place and a specific intention. It is made slowly, with respect for tradition and attentiveness to the person who will receive it.
If you are looking for an individually created icon in the traditional technique of egg tempera and gilding, you are welcome to contact me about available works or a personal commission.
