Byzantine Iconography Series 9 (P3) The Annunciation

In Series 9 of the Byzantine Iconography Drawing Tutorials we are be putting together everything that we have learned in the previous series by learning how to compose icons. Everything in this series builds on what has been taught in the previous eight series of tutorials so it is important that students have completed the previous Series. In particular, they need to have completed the tutorials in Series 1 Drawing the Face, Series 2 Drawing the Half Figure, Series 3 Garment Basics, at least parts 1 and 3 of Series 3 drawing the Full Figure, Series 5 Drawing 3/4 Figures, Series 6 Drawing Seated Figures and Series 8 Drawing Mountains and Landscapes.

In this third tutorial in the series our aim is to compose an icon with more than one figure in an environment with buildings. For this purpose we will  be composing an icon of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. We will briefly look at the two main compositional types of the icon an the theological meaning of the Feast of the Annunciation and how this is expressed in the icon as well as the significance of certain elements of the icon.

We will then make a rhythmic study of the famous icon of the Annunciation from Ochrid that dates to the early 14th century.

The we will start composing out icon, starting from the basic structure and using that structure to create the general rhythm of the icon. We will then move onto the details, seeing how those details are also used to create rhythm and harmony, starting with Archangel Gabriel, then the Theotokos and finally the buildings and environment.