Icon Retreats

Contemplative Icon Writing Retreats

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!

Saint Petersburg, FLorida Icon Writing Retreat
Feb
2
to Feb 5

Saint Petersburg, FLorida Icon Writing Retreat

  • Cathedral Church of Saint Petersburg (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Icon Writing Retreat at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, St. Petersburg, Florida, with Christine Hales

Saint Hildegard was an amazing woman of the 11th century, Germany, who lived a holy life and wrote God inspired music, illuminations, and scientific healing books. Her teachings have inspired world leaders through the centuries, even to today’s world.

We will paint this icon at our retreat which will be a combination of prayer, painting, and listening to some of Hildegard’s music.

It promises to be a blessed experience and beginners as well as more advanced students are welcome !!

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Icon Writing at Holy Cross Monastery
Apr
13
to Apr 16

Icon Writing at Holy Cross Monastery

April 13-16, Icon Writing Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery with Christine Hales

We will be painting the icon of the Sinai Christ, one of the earliest known images of Christ from the 6th Century.

We will be painting with egg tempera paints and this retreat is for beginners as well as for more advanced artists. It is a prayerful practice and we are able to join in with the monastic cycle of prayer during our stay at the beautiful monastery.

The retreat cost includes art materials as well as room and board at the monastery.

To register, contact the Guest House at: guesthouse@hcmnet.org.

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Holy Cross Monastery Icon Retreat
Sep
21
to Sep 24

Holy Cross Monastery Icon Retreat

We will be painting the icon of Saint Hildegard of Bingen using egg tempera on natural gessoed wood panel in the Byzantine manner.

At Holy Cross Monastery, located on the Hudson River north of NYC, we will be able to join with the monastic cycle of prayer in between lectures, demonstrations, and studio time.

Beginners are welcome. Register with the guesthouse: guesthouse@hcmnet.org

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