Icon-Painting Lessons

Veronika McLeod

iconography teacher

I got a blessing from my spiritual father and my iconography teachers (yes we all have teachers) to share my practical knowledge with anyone who would listen. In the past I have been an advocate for face-to-face lessons but my heart softened when I heard many stories from my instagram followers about their ups and downs as beginner iconographers. Now I can offer to spread the love for Orthodox Icons and encourage faithful to try this craft both in person and online.

Face to Face Iconography Classes

1 lesson $120

8 lessons $800

1 hr Personal Lesson

Join me for an intensive 1hr one on one study. Starting at your current skill level you will progress into number of exercises to finally paint your first icon. Each time you  will  take a set of supplies home to complete the assignment. 

1 lesson $100

6 lessons $480

3 hr One-on-One Practice

More relaxed paste lesson for those who prefer to do all the work in the studio.  You get to see me painting icons and making various tasks for iconography while working on your own assigments. 

1 Lesson $80

4 lessons $240

3 hr Group Practice

You will find yourself in a small group of beginner iconographers who are learning at their own paste. We get to focus on one topic each session, then continue on individual projects.

Why is it so hard to learn Iconography?

You recently have been received into Orthodox Church.  One thing that sets apart your prayer life now- are the icons. You dream about going deeper into this rich tradition. You have always wanted to be a part of something bigger than yourself, serve the Lord in a special way. And you want to see if iconography is something you can do. 

The Problem

  • You have complexses about painting icons and just don't know where to start. 
  • You find confusing information online about different methods and materials that iconographers use.
  • And most of all you feel unworthy of this high task. 

The Solution

  • You found teacher that can take you through all the basics peacefully. 
  • You know how professional icons look like and how to get to that level. 
  • You feel God's love through the process and have tools to deal with spiritual attacks while painting. 

online Iconography Classes

start here

Free 30 minute consultation

Skill Level

Informal video call to get comfortable with my Russian accent and ask a few questions.

Personal Online 1hr

Skill Level

Book 4 months of lessons and detailed plan of action in your icon journey. I will help you to improve with demonstrations and references.

Group Lessons Mondays 10-12 PDT

Skill Level

Weekly meetings of beginner iconographers who are learning at their own paste. One topic each session, then Q&A and critique.

best for advanced

Olifa Without Fear

Skill Level

Are you scared of to apply Olifa because you think it's too hard?  Do not be afraid. If I can do it, so can you.

Make Your Own Gesso

Skill Level

I will share the best animal glue gesso called Leaks recipe that even beginner can make.

Personal Icon-Painting Map

All Skill Levels

Full year of lessons and detailed plan of action in your icon journey. Special bonus inside. 

sold out

Access to online reference library

Skill Level

Over 200 world class icons in high res and with all paint layers intact for copying.

Icon Drawing

All Skill Levels

Start your icon-painting journey with improving your drawing. Learn how to trace lines and how to work with them.

Iconography Materials and Tools

Skill Level

I put together video overview of my iconography materials, so you can see everything with your own eyes.

Effective date – 18 November 2021

Welcome to https://nikamcleod.com (the “Site”). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site, especially when conducting business. This statement governs our privacy policies with respect to those users of the Site (“Visitors”) who visit without transacting business and Visitors who register to transact business on the Site and make use of the various services offered by Nika Icons (collectively, “Services”) (“Authorized Customers”).

“Personally Identifiable Information”

refers to any information that identifies or can be used to identify, contact, or locate the person to whom such information pertains, including, but not limited to, name, address, phone number, fax number, email address, financial profiles, social security number, and credit card information. Personally Identifiable Information does not include information that is collected anonymously (that is, without identification of the individual user) or demographic information not connected to an identified individual.

What Personally Identifiable Information is collected?

We may collect basic user profile information from all of our Visitors. We collect the following additional information from our Authorized Customers: the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of Authorized Customers, the nature and size of the business, and the nature and size of the advertising inventory that the Authorized Customer intends to purchase or sell.

What organizations are collecting the information?

In addition to our direct collection of information, our third party service vendors (such as credit card companies, clearinghouses and banks) who may provide such services as credit, insurance, and escrow services may collect this information from our Visitors and Authorized Customers. We do not control how these third parties use such information, but we do ask them to disclose how they use personal information provided to them from Visitors and Authorized Customers. Some of these third parties may be intermediaries that act solely as links in the distribution chain, and do not store, retain, or use the information given to them.

How does the Site use Personally Identifiable Information?

We use Personally Identifiable Information to customize the Site, to make appropriate service offerings, and to fulfill buying and selling requests on the Site. We may email Visitors and Authorized Customers about research or purchase and selling opportunities on the Site or information related to the subject matter of the Site. We may also use Personally Identifiable Information to contact Visitors and Authorized Customers in response to specific inquiries, or to provide requested information.

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Personally Identifiable Information about Authorized Customers may be shared with other Authorized Customers who wish to evaluate potential transactions with other Authorized Customers. We may share aggregated information about our Visitors, including the demographics of our Visitors and Authorized Customers, with our affiliated agencies and third party vendors. We also offer the opportunity to “opt out” of receiving information or being contacted by us or by any agency acting on our behalf.

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Visitors and Authorized Customers may opt out of receiving unsolicited information from or being contacted by us and/or our vendors and affiliated agencies by responding to emails as instructed, or by contacting us at 36436 Engh Rd

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Nika Icons uses login information, including, but not limited to, IP addresses, ISPs, and browser types, to analyze trends, administer the Site, track a user’s movement and use, and gather broad demographic information.

What partners or service providers have access to Personally Identifiable Information from Visitors and/or Authorized Customers on the Site?

Nika Icons has entered into and will continue to enter into partnerships and other affiliations with a number of vendors. Such vendors may have access to certain Personally Identifiable Information on a need to know the basis for evaluating Authorized Customers for service eligibility. Our privacy policy does not cover their collection or use of this information. Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information to comply with the law. We will disclose Personally Identifiable Information in order to comply with a court order or subpoena or a request from a law enforcement agency to release information. We will also disclose Personally Identifiable Information when reasonably necessary to protect the safety of our Visitors and Authorized Customers.

How does the Site keep Personally Identifiable Information secure?

All of our employees are familiar with our security policy and practices. The Personally Identifiable Information of our Visitors and Authorized Customers is only accessible to a limited number of qualified employees who are given a password in order to gain access to the information. We audit our security systems and processes on a regular basis. Sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, is protected by encryption protocols, in place to protect information sent over the Internet. While we take commercially reasonable measures to maintain a secure site, electronic communications and databases are subject to errors, tampering, and break-ins, and we cannot guarantee or warrant that such events will not take place and we will not be liable to Visitors or Authorized Customers for any such occurrences.

How can Visitors correct any inaccuracies in Personally Identifiable Information?

Visitors and Authorized Customers may contact us to update Personally Identifiable Information about them or to correct any inaccuracies by emailing us at theskinnytim@gmail.com

Can a Visitor delete or deactivate Personally Identifiable Information collected by the Site?

We provide Visitors and Authorized Customers with a mechanism to delete/deactivate Personally Identifiable Information from the Site’s database by contacting. However, because of backups and records of deletions, it may be impossible to delete a Visitor’s entry without retaining some residual information. An individual who requests to have Personally Identifiable Information deactivated will have this information functionally deleted, and we will not sell, transfer, or use Personally Identifiable Information relating to that individual in any way moving forward.

Your rights

These are summarized rights that you have under data protection law

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What happens if the Privacy Policy Changes?

We will let our Visitors and Authorized Customers know about changes to our privacy policy by posting such changes on the Site. However, if we are changing our privacy policy in a manner that might cause disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information that a Visitor or Authorized Customer has previously requested not be disclosed, we will contact such Visitor or Authorized Customer to allow such Visitor or Authorized Customer to prevent such disclosure.

Links:

https://nikamcleod.com contains links to other websites. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are moving to another website. We encourage you to read the privacy statements of these linked sites as their privacy policies may differ from ours.

Personal 1hr session

What's included:

  • Weekly 1 hr Dialogue 
    We will focus on your personal  project at your own speed. 
  • Homework to complete between classes. 
    You will receive references and video recording of the class demonstration, so you remember what to do and how to do it. 
  • Access to My Secret Reference Library 
    You can not learn iconography without high res references with all paint layers intact. I give you an access to my collection of over 200 word-class images.
  • Email support between classes
    You can send me your progress images, questions and I will be able to send you some feedback that same day.
  • 3 month package for $960 or $100 each session
    Get a discount if you reserve my availability for a season. We will see your growth and progress.

linework for icons

What's included:

  • Video
    You will learn how to transfer lines onto icon board. 
  • PDF with exercises
    7 exercises that dramatically improve your line quality. 
  • Suggested literature and online resources
    You can expand your professional knowledge from different available resources that I carefully selected and organized for you.
  • A comprehensive collection of outlines for Orthodox icons
    Get an access to my private library of over 100 line representations of most common Orthodox Icons.
  • only this month Troubleshooting call
    We spend 30 min on call to see what you need to improve in your linework and what you can do about it.

Olifa without fear

What's included:

  • Video
    Detailed video of the whole process with explanation of each step.
  • PDF Instructions
    That save you worries to miss a step.
  • List of Materials
    Every single material explained and listed.
  • Links to all supplies
    If you live in USA, Canada or Europe you will find it easy to order needed supplies online. And I already compared prices and found the best deals.
  • Ask questions before you start
    After you view all instructions and checked out your supplies you can ask any questions about the process directly to me via WhatsApp. 
  • BONUS Troubleshooting call
    We spend time on call to resolve any issues that you have after you tried.

materials and tools

What's included:

  • Video
    Overview and Demonstration of iconography materials.
  • PDF Supply List 
    You can check things off as you gather all you need for making your first icon.
  • Links to all supplies
    If you live in USA, Canada or Europe you will find it easy to order needed supplies online. And I already compared prices and found the best deals.
  • BONUS Q&A call
    Still have questions about the specifics? I can spend about 30 minutes and be as particular as can be.

make your own gesso

What's included:

  • Video
    Secret recipe for animal glue gesso also called Levkas. In the past to be only given to iconographer students after 6 years of study. Today I will show you how to make it.
  • PDF Instructions 
    You will have a list always handy to make sure that you staying on track with all the steps.
  • Checklist of Materials 
    You will not miss a single item before you start.
  • Links to all supplies
    If you live in USA, Canada or Europe you will find it easy to order needed supplies online. And I already compared prices and found the best deals.
  • BONUS Q&A call
    Still have questions about the specifics? I can spend about 30 minutes to be as particularly as can be.

Iconography map 

What's included:

  • 1 hr Dialogue 
    We will discuss your interests and background. 
  • PDF List of Literature
    I recommend learning about Icon-Painting technique and history from solid resources that enrich your experience.
  • Access to My Secret Reference Library 
    You can not learn iconography without high res references with all paint layers intact. I give you an access to my collection of over 200 word-class images.
  • Your Personal Exercise Program for the whole year!
    I take 1 week to compose 12 iconography exercises for each month of the year specially designed for your skill level. These exercises will have visual references and step by step instructions on how to complete them (easy enough that you can finish them yourself).
  • BONUS 4 follow up private consultations throughout the year
    I will monitor your progress and give you a feedback every three months for at least 1hr.

Will online iconography lessons work for me?

See two sides of online learning:

Pros:

  • Learn from a comfort of your own home
  • Can re-read or re-watch the lesson any number of times
  • Can contact your teacher from any place in the world
  • Work at your own paste 

Cons:

  • Have to design your own work environment
  • Need to be organized and self-motivated
  • Spend sometime on the screen
  • Can't smell art supplies from videos 

Conclusion:

If you are trying to paint icons like a blind kitten with hit and miss results than it is better to get help online from someone who you can trust sooner than later. I offer you to get to know me on social media and personally, then decide if we are a match made in Heaven. 

You can ask your iconography questions for free

AND RECEIVE THE ANSWERS!