Byzantine Iconography Series 8: Buildings and Landscape

Explore the art of drawing buildings and objects in Byzantine iconography! This series delves into the essential elements of creating compelling icons, building upon previous lessons in figure drawing and the power of rhythm.

In this tutorial, we move beyond figures to examine the crucial role of the surrounding environment. You might assume drawing buildings is straightforward, but in Byzantine art, structures and objects are far from simple. They aren't meant to depict realistic settings; instead, they contribute significantly to the overall rhythm and movement of the icon.

Learn why these elements are drawn in specific ways. Just as figures are rendered to appear three-dimensional and engaging to the viewer, buildings and objects employ similar techniques. We'll uncover how seemingly basic lines and shapes are skillfully used to project forms outward, creating a sense of depth and presence.

This first lesson focuses on applying fundamental composition rules to buildings and objects. Discover how rhythm, the transverse principle, and vertical perspective are employed to draw forms towards the viewer.

What to Expect:

• Understanding the importance of buildings and objects in Byzantine iconography.
• Learning how to use composition rules to create depth.
• Exploring the application of rhythm, transverse principle, and vertical perspective.
• Developing techniques for projecting forms outward on the icon surface.

Required Materials: Pencil, paper, and eraser.

In the next tutorial, we'll explore how these principles apply to landscape elements such as mountains, rivers, and trees, further enriching your understanding of iconographic composition.