Manuscript Illumination: The Annunciation
On this course, students will paint a copy of the Annunciation as depicted in a beautiful 13th Century Armenian Book of Gospels. Armenian manuscripts have a long and rich history, dating back fifteen centuries. These manuscripts are recognisable for their colour palette and its diversity of style.
The tutor will begin with an illustrated talk discussing illumination, the meaning of the image, and the symbolism found throughout (including colour, the figures, the floral forms and buildings and so on).
Students will then be guided through the intensive painting process including how to: prepare and burnish the Pergamenata paper; make watercolour pigments with natural minerals and gum Arabic; transfer the image to the paper; gilding with gold leaf; and painting.
To achieve the fine lines necessary for a beautiful painting, students will be given practice exercises for line work, and guidance on painting small faces, the hands, and vestments of the figures. Students will also be introduced to different gilding methods such gilding with bole and different sizes as well as the use of shell gold.
If you do not finish during the course, you should have the skills to continue painting on your own.
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On this course, students will paint a copy of the Annunciation as depicted in a beautiful 13th Century Armenian Book of Gospels. Armenian manuscripts have a long and rich history, dating back fifteen centuries. These manuscripts are recognisable for their colour palette and its diversity of style.
The tutor will begin with an illustrated talk discussing illumination, the meaning of the image, and the symbolism found throughout (including colour, the figures, the floral forms and buildings and so on).
Students will then be guided through the intensive painting process including how to: prepare and burnish the Pergamenata paper; make watercolour pigments with natural minerals and gum Arabic; transfer the image to the paper; gilding with gold leaf; and painting.
To achieve the fine lines necessary for a beautiful painting, students will be given practice exercises for line work, and guidance on painting small faces, the hands, and vestments of the figures. Students will also be introduced to different gilding methods such gilding with bole and different sizes as well as the use of shell gold.
If you do not finish during the course, you should have the skills to continue painting on your own.
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