Icon Retreats
Contemplative Icon Writing Retreats
A Note from Christine Hales:
My Icons reinterpret traditional Christian iconography for a contemporary audience, using gold leaf, vibrant color, and time-honored techniques to create images that invite contemplation and spiritual connection. Each icon is crafted to honor sacred Biblical stories With a deep Reverence for the sacred and Holy traditions of the Church while offering a fresh, accessible perspective for today’s viewers.
You do not need to be an artist to create icons, just a humble and teachable spirit and prayer!
As an artist/iconographer, I specialize in painting modern icons—images inspired by ancient Christian traditions. I use gold leaf and vibrant colors to create portraits of spiritual figures like Christ and the saints. My goal is to make these sacred images feel alive and meaningful for people today, whether they’re religious or just appreciate art with a sense of history and depth.. When we begin an icon, we do not see the finished image clearly. We proceed step by step—layer upon layer—trusting that illumination will come through obedience to the process and prayer.
Painting Icons is a gift, and while it is hard work, the rewards are forever!
Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, New York Icon Writing Retreat, July 14-17, 2026
Saint Francis and the Wolf of Lubbio is the Icon we will be painting, July 14-17, 2026, at Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY
March 24-27, 2026, Icon writing retreat, Church of the Redeemer, 222 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Icon Writing Retreat, Sarasota, March 24-27. Icon of Madonna and Child painted with egg tempera and gold leaf gilding.
February 10-13, 2026 Icon Writing Retreat, St. Peters Cathedral, St. Petersburg,Fl
Icon Writing Retreat, February 10-13, 2026
Saint Peter’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg, FLA
WIth Iconographer Christine Hales