Techniques of Icon and Wall Painting

Aidan Hart’s Techniques of Icon and Wall Painting is one of the prettiest books I have had the pleasure to view; and it is one of the clearest depictions of what icons and frescos are and how they are a part of the eastern churches life. It is an extremely well written humble treatise on the subject, and the book contains clear in depth information on how to read icons, as well as clear instruction on the basic and advanced techniques of “writing” or painting these windows to heaven. As an Orthodox Reader I found information I had never encountered before, and reasons that strengthened my belief that being an Iconodule is key to the faith. This book is not for the faint of heart – it lays out clear foundations for icon use and painting, and challenges the reader to see beyond the “work of art” to the reality it represents. This is one of the top books on Icons - and is the top book on techniques. may I find time to use the information, not just read the book.

Absolutely love this book, highly recommended for *anyone* interested in techniques of iconography. Lavishly illustrated and enormously detailed, it is a great addition to anyone's library. There is so much to take in here that it is hard to describe. If you really want an in-depth study of icon painting, this is one of the best resources available. Some of the information I've not seen in any other books, and what I like about this volume is that it is all in one place.

Amazing book. Perhaps the best book I have ever come across because of the information so densely packed into it. This book is a treasure trove of detailed information on all aspects of the creation of fine art...from making substrates, to making gesso, to making and applying paint, to designing a painting. It is an all inclusive 'how to' book, and yet, it is also a guide to the meaning behind the 'how' and 'why'. Very glad I made this purchase. I'm utterly surprised it was priced to affordable, at $48. I feel I got it for a third of what they could have charged for it, as there are many books three times the price of this one which don't even come close to the amount of USEFUL information it contains.

I am a beginner in iconography, having had only two wonderful workshops. But I need practice and this book is filled with practice gems from looking at folds in clothing to drawing faces and uses of color. I wish I had had this book a few years ago. I would've been further along. But, it came right after my last workshop and I can't say enough good things about it. Love it!

This book was shipped from London where it was originally published and was in excellent condition with arrival sooner than expected. My wife borrowed the book as a reference and she liked it so much we replaced it with our own purchase when she needed to return the book. This is an important book for iconographers and those interested in iconography with the Wall Painting a sort of bonus.

Excellent Resource for every Iconographer. Covers every detail on application and completing an Icon. Even if you don't work the same way as Aidan Hart, there is valuable material and insight that is helpful in this book. Also covers designs of the icons. It is current for the iconographer of today and there aren't allot of icon books of this quality and depth available.

I just love this book/ Wonderful pictures and a step by step pictures of icon painting both wall and regular. I cant find it anywhere but Amazon.com through Holy Trininty Monastery. Well worth the price. As Always the very best from amazon.com....Please dont go away....

Lots of information. Everything I needed/wanted is in this book.Fast shipping too.

As an artist of many years I can thoroughly recommend this book as a 'Once in a lifetime' publication that will be the standard textbook for icon or wall painters for many years to come.The text is easy to understand and the hundreds of illustrations / photographs compliment the in-depth nature of this fabulous and long needed treatise.If you are initially put off by the price I can reassure you that when you see the quality which is within the cover you will wonder how it is possible to write and produce such a volume which I would have expected to be at the very least £60 - £70.I have awarded 5 stars only because I cannot award 10!

An extremely comprehensive book on the subject. If you're looking for a beginners "How to paint Icons" book, then a lot of this content may go over your head. It really does goes into a lot of depth explaining the materials, the required preparation and even reviews the spiritual significance of the medium. Although I'm sure I'll never be able to digest and use ALL of the information this book offers, I'm very glad I have it regardless.

Excellent and comprehensive book. Provides pretty much all the information I can imagine will be needed for me to learn how to do icon and wall painting in the orthodox style. It may not be a cheap book, but it is well worth the price for the detail it contains.

I bought this to help me understand how to make gesso panels for gilding. I had been having trouble finding a reliable recipe and just general guidance online that was precise enough for me to have confidence to follow. I have found this book to be extremely thorough and very helpful. A very well done to the author for his diligence is communicating every step so well and in such detail.

I live in Greece and was given the opportunit to attend lessons on iconography. The tutor does not speak English, and I speak basic Greek. I was missing valuable info as I was reliant on those around me to translate. This book has proved invaluable on filling me in on the background and meanings of iconography. The visual aids and step by step instructions back up my weekly class work. The tutor was most impressed that all this information is in one book, as opposed to books available in Greece. Absolutely delighted with it. Well worth the high price!