Icons
I recently finished two oil paintings of icons.
One painting is of “Our Lady of Perpetual Help.” The version I painted is based on an icon painted between the 1300s - 1400s.
I’ve created a little video (below) for you to see the behind the scenes process of creating it. And if you’d like to learn more about the history of the original, you can click on these links.
In the Studio Creating
“Our Lady of Perpetual Help”
The Trinity - icon by Russian painter Andrei Rublev
The second oil painting I did was inspired by the Trinity icon.
What is the Trinity icon?
The Trinity (Russian: Троица, Troitsa), also known as The Hospitality of Abraham, is a famous icon by Russian painter Andrei Rublev, created in the early 15th century. It’s widely considered Rublev’s masterpiece and one of the most renowned Russian icons, often seen as a pinnacle of Russian art. Experts believe it’s one of only two works confidently attributed to Rublev, the other being the frescoes in Vladimir’s Dormition Cathedral.
The icon depicts the three angels who visited Abraham at the Oak of Mamre (Genesis 18:1–8). However, it’s rich in symbolism and is interpreted as a representation of the Holy Trinity. In Rublev’s time, the Holy Trinity symbolized spiritual unity, peace, harmony, mutual love, and humility.
What are icons?
A religious icon is a sacred image used in worship and devotion, particularly in Christian traditions, such as Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and some other Christian denominations.
Icons are typically paintings or mosaics that depict holy figures like Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, or angels. They can also represent important biblical scenes or events.
Key Features of Religious Icons:
Symbolic Representation: Icons are not meant to be realistic but symbolic, conveying spiritual truths rather than focusing on physical likeness.
Byzantine Influence: Many religious icons follow the Byzantine art style, characterized by flat, two-dimensional figures, with a focus on spirituality rather than realism. Golden backgrounds and stylized forms are common.
Veneration: Icons are used as objects of veneration, not worship. They are considered windows to the divine, helping believers focus on prayer and connect spiritually with the depicted figures.
Theological Purpose: Icons convey theological messages through their colors, gestures, and composition. For example, gold often represents the divine, while the positioning of hands and eyes can communicate peace, blessing, or intercession.
Liturgical Use: Icons play an essential role in church liturgy and personal devotion, often placed in churches, homes, or carried as small tokens.
In many Christian traditions religious icons are regarded with great reverence and are believed to facilitate a deeper connection to the divine.
Contact me.
kristina@kristinajoy.com
Text: (218) 349 - 2771
I am available to paint religious icons for people and churches. If you would like me to paint one for you, just contact me!