Buckland Bliss

Buckland Church, Aston Clinton

Saturday 23rd February 2013.  A one day icon workshop, what I call a taster day, was held at the beautiful church in Buckland.  One way in to village only!  The lovely participants braved the cold and smatterings of snow to enter the church to the tune of Russian Orthodox chants, many candles and a host of icons.  Their fate was unclear as none of them had ever worked on an icon and a number had never picked up a paintbrush either, before.  It was an anticipated day and there was much excitement in this most warmly welcoming church.

My two stalwart angels Michael and Gabriel ready to usher in the participants.

Lighting many candles- the warden at work.

Alison preparing much needed coffee and look at all those bikkies- it’s Lent Alison!  Wasted- she had prepared the most awesome lunch of homemade tomato and basil soup, homemade pate, smoked salmon, and a very melted brie with gorgeous bread from a local bakery and many accoutrements.  We needed the sustenance as everyone worked very hard.

Teacher’s desk- nice and orderly but not for much longer.

I think I was shaking when I took the photo- not from any wine but there was a lot of laughter and I am certain I descended into heresy at one point. Incited by the curate Andrew, below, I am certain.

We were working on the Roskrysh, or chaos.  Indeed!

The reredos.

Some of my companions on my travels.  Christ is going somewhere special shortly.

The Line Up- there were many comments about number 1 or 3 of 7 etc.  It was a regular police inquiry.  Who did it?

This was an extraordinary day as no one had used tempera before but very quickly they got the hang of how to mix the pigments and then found teacher changed the rules every five minutes with a new application and technique.  There was much exhilaration over the transfiguration of the green sankir to the flesh tones after the float was added.  Another full day would have seen the application of further highlights and more work on areas that required attention but for a first time, this was remarkable and of course they all want to do some more.  Yippee, but I will have to watch my waistline.

Lots of thanks to Liz the priest for allowing us to contaminate her church with pigments and eggs, for the wardens for being so spot on with all the arrangements and their remarkable joy and most of all to every single student who were simply treasures and so much fun to be with for the day.  There were so many characters and lovely stories. It was a day for me to remember with great warmth.