Church Artist: Michael Greer

Showing posts with label Michael Greer. Show all posts

Gilding Process

Laying the gold over the bole and size-prepared cross motif.

After rubbing, the back paper is removed.

The adhered gold is then gently brushed of excess.

The gilded cross is later detailed with background color to neaten the edges.

Then on to the next gilded banding.

It's a time-consuming and meticulous process, but well-worth the end result.

In the Details

When the under-painting and the color balance has been established, detail painting begins.


Close-up of left angel icon

The unique drapery shadows and highlights of iconography being added below.

St. Mary's Mural Painting Continued

Next, color is laid into the mural and balance checked.

Below is an example of background lily frieze underpainting and color overlay with detailing.

Here is the center mural panel with detailing added.


Right angel full

Left angel head


Right angel head

The dark shiny red tone behind the angel heads is bole, or the underground for gold leaf that will be applied last. For more information about gilding, click here.

Detail with gold leaf applied

What next?

Four Evangelists Designs

Two Evangelists: Designs in Full Figure

Theophany Fellowship Hall

Glass mosaic modeled after a fresco at Stavronikita Monastary on Mount Athos.

Installed over door:

Theophany Entry Mosaic

For images of iconography murals we have created at this church, click on the Holy Theophany Orthodox Church link in the left sidebar.

Theophany Temple

The completed iconostasis, half-dome, and altar area. All murals are painted on canvas and applied to the walls, then background painting and stencilling applied in situ.

Orthodox Icons

Iconography for Holy Theophany Temple

Resurrection Chapel

This window at Christ Episcopal Church in Canon City, Colorado is a 13-foot diameter half-round designed to incorporate the contemporary blue-tone windows along the sides of the Resurrection Chapel.