Commission an icon

I would love to discuss creating a custom, hand-painted icon for your church or home. Direct inquiries by using the form in the “Contact” link, or by emailing me at gildedbrush@outlook.com.

Creating an icon is an ancient tradition requiring training and prayerful, careful execution. I craft my hand-painted icons with the highest regard for prayer, aesthetics, and iconographic traditions. For all custom icons, I prayerfully consider the life of the Saint depicted and I reference existing icons.

Below are general quotes for common sizes. I am happy to discuss your ideas and offer a quote for any custom icon.

Single Figure Icons

Custom icons of a single figure saint (half-length, from the waist up) are painted in traditional egg tempera, with an all-gold halo and background on a panel with an ark (traditional raised border or “kovcheg”). Common sizes and pricing, including domestic US shipping, begin at:

8"x10" .......... $475

9"x12" .......... $500

11"x14” ........ $550

Custom sizes not listed above can be accommodated and can be quoted. Icons on flat panels without an ark (traditional raised border or “kovcheg”) can also be requested. Festal icons, icons with multiple figures, or more detailed icons take significantly more time and can be quoted upon request.

Materials

I use only the highest quality archival materials with the understanding these hand-painted icons will be venerated for generations. Materials for panel icons include:

The highest quality wooden painting panels, primed with traditional gesso.

Genuine 23-karat gold for the gilded background.

Traditional egg tempera is my preferred medium as well as the preference of iconographers for centuries. Egg tempera uniquely transfigures creation into sacred images, combining the vegetable (wood panel), animal (eggs), and mineral (pigments) kingdoms. Egg tempera exudes a beauty and depth unlike any other medium. Light refracts through layers of gem-like natural mineral pigments, which are ground colorful clays and stones.

I use a conservation-grade varnish to protect my icons for generations. This varnish allows icons to be gently cleaned with a weak soap and water solution, and later removed and restored by professional art conservators.

Details

Once you have commissioned me to create a custom icon, I will send you a preliminary sketch as well as photos of your icon throughout the painting process. A 50% down payment is necessary for me to begin your icon. The remaining balance is due upon completion of the icon, prior to shipment. I accept payment by check or through most online payments (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle), which you can use to pay securely online with a credit card or bank transfer.

Please email gildedbrush@outlook.com or use the form in the "Contact" tab above to contact me with your commission request. The lead time (from downpayment to shipment) for a custom, hand-painted, single figure panel icon is currently over 3 months. Please inquire if you have an earlier pressing deadline—I may or may not be able to accommodate it.

Terms & Conditions

By commissioning an icon (whether hand-painted or a print) from the Gilded Brush, you are agreeing to the following:

All deposits are non-refundable. A deposit (or payment in full) is required to begin the commission.

The remainder of payment (balance) is due upon completion of the commission, prior to shipping. Domestic US shipping is generally included in quotes. Overseas shipping will likely cost more.

The Gilded Brush reserves all rights to reproduce and/or reprint this original icon. The patron is granted permission to make reprints (copies) for personal or devotional use, but not for commercial or promotional use.