Continue the creation of the Mandylion — the Holy Face of Christ — through one of the most delicate and important stages of traditional icon painting.

This is the fourth part of a complete 6-part course in which the entire icon is created step by step — from the raw wooden panel to the finished and protected image.

In this section, we focus on painting the face of Christ, gradually developing form, expression, and harmony through layered work with color and light. These stages are among the most demanding in icon painting because even small changes in tone and contrast can strongly influence the character of the image.

You will learn how traditional iconography approaches the construction of the face through carefully applied layers, soft tonal transitions, and controlled highlights. Particular attention is given to maintaining calmness, balance, and spiritual clarity rather than creating a purely realistic portrait.

The course also explores the use of blush tones and subtle warm accents that bring life and depth into the image while preserving the traditional iconographic style. Step by step, we develop the structure of the face and refine the relationship between light and shadow.

In the final lessons of this section, we work with bliki — delicate reflections and highlights that help unify the image and emphasize selected forms. You will learn how to place highlights carefully and how they influence the overall harmony and expression of the icon.

This part of the course is intended for students who have already completed the earlier preparation and foundational painting stages and are ready to continue developing the Mandylion icon through more advanced work with color, light, and expression.

By the end of this section, the face of the Mandylion will gain greater depth, clarity, and visual presence, preparing the icon for the final stages of completion in the remaining parts of the course.