The Theotokos in Coptic style
Coptic-style Deesis, designed by Kara Gillette
Coptic Deesis Icons:
St. John the Baptist,
Christ & the Theotokos
Bonus: the Archangels Michael & Gabriel
February 23 - 27
One Week Online Workshop
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: Deesis
Tuesday & Thursday: Archangels
9am - 4pm Mountain Time
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$385 + shipping - includes a Standard Kit*
$300 - online access only, supplies not included**
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*Standard Kit includes 3 5x7" gesso panels,
gold leaf and printed instructions.
Additional panels can be added at checkout.
**Online access includes pdf files for all instructional
material which you may print from home. Please email me if you are interested in this option.
See more details below.
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Registration Deadline is February 17th
***Registration deadlines are for those wishing to participate live with me Registering early helps us plan and ensure you are able to get your supply package on time. Please be aware that shipping requires a MINIMUM of 3-4 business days to ensure delivery. Student may register for kits as long as supplies last.
Workshop Details​​
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5 sessions conducted live on Zoom (24+ hours of instruction).
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Step-by-step instruction will guide every part of the icon writing process.
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Daily morning prayer, curated for this icon, will enrich the spiritual experience.
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Supply package will be mailed 1-2 weeks in advance of the retreat via USPS Priority Mail.
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Supply package includes three (3) 5x7" gessoed wooden panels, gold leaf & instructional packet.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Please purchase two (2) extra panels if planning to paint the Archangels with me.
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Each session is recorded and made available immediately after class.
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Access to recordings, progression photos and other resources will be housed on Google Classroom. This does require a Google account. Access will never expire.​
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For those opting for online access only, you will need to supply your own board and gold. You will be emailed pdf files of all instructional material which you can print from home prior to the start of the retreat.
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First-time students have the option to purchase an Introductory Kit for $12 (highly recommended, add this before checkout to avoid extra shipping costs). See Essential Supplies for more details.
All levels of experience are welcome!
REGISTRATION DEADLINE is February 17th
Icon Details​​​​​
Coptic iconography is a spare, early icon language formed in Egypt, marked by frontal figures, simplified forms, and large eyes that emphasize inner attention and spiritual presence. Shaped by late antique Egyptian and early Christian influences, it favors clarity and stillness over realism, using flattened space and strong line to support prayerful encounter rather than visual storytelling.
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The icons for this Deesis are based on one of my favorite 17th C. Coptic icons found in the Byzantine Museum in Athens, Greece - a beautiful St. Michael. Surprisingly large (nearly 3ft high), in 2023 I shrank the image for a small iconography retreat and later created a partner icon of St. Gabriel based on similar prototypes. The icons of Christ, St. John and the Theotokos will be created in the same manner based on icons of similar style.