A Brush With God: An Icon Workbook

I love this book! I created the icon of St. Nicholas using the books instructions, and got positive feed back on it from my "extremely honest" family and friends. The materials required are readily available and the directions are clear. Most importantly, the spiritual experience during the process was incredible. I can't wait to do the other two icons in the book. However, I do believe you need to be confident in your artistic skills to be successful and avoid frustration. My only criticism is the lack of pictorial examples. I had to refer to another book to understand the difference between the Greek and Russian style.

A background about icon painting and projects to get you started.

This nice little volume gives enough background to get you started on both creating and appreciating icons. Whether you just want a deeper appreciation for the artistic aspects or a deeper appreciation of the spiritual disciplines associated with icons, this is wonderful place to start. It includes several colorful plates in the center to provide good examples or starting points for you own artistic exploration.

The text is well written, concise, and clear. Chapters are arranged to first give you an appreciation of the spiritual connection icons can help fulfill. It is a brief introduction to a vast topic but one you will want to gain deeper understanding of their purpose. Then the author briefly describes some of the artistic nuances and differences in Russian, Greek, and Coptic styles that will give you more to ponder as an artist. With that brief overview of background information, the author then takes you through the technical aspects of creating several icons youself. The instructions are clear and step-by-step so they are easy to follow. Ultimately, practice will yield results. You will not likely create a priceless gem on your first try but the instructions are enough to give you a good start. And the more practice, the better you will be.

There are several little tidbits of added information in the Appendixes for further study and appreciation. All of this in so few pages might seem impossible. However, this thin little book is loaded with a broad view that does not sacrifice too much in depth. It is a perfect introduction to the topic and very well done. The author clearly loves the topic and conveys that passion in an infectious manner. An enjoyable read even if you never pick up a brush. The understanding of the spiritual, artistic, and technical aspects will provide greater appreciation of this art form enriching your life with beauty.

I own this book but this book is not that good.
The first thing I have to say is that the author is not Orthodox christian, but catholic of the latin rite born and former benedictine monk. The book suggest you to use Acrylic paint and say nothing about Egg Tempera! Well, if I am going to use acrylic paint, why hand painting? I would prefer an inkjet printer! If you have only this book then you will have to buy one about egg tempera.
In page 11 he says that his first teacher recommended (just!!) abstinece from meat and alcohol but then he complete change the meaning of fasting.
Say nothing about the use of Holy water and natural hair brushes, his brushes are acrylic as well.

I was pleased to receive the book in a timely manner, new, and exactly as I had expected it to be.