About

Our Mission

We, Philip Davydov and Olga Shalamova, are iconographers, trained art historians, and instructors devoted to the careful study and practice of iconography. Our aim is to offer students a thoughtful and structured path to learning icon painting, combining artistic skill with an understanding of iconography as a living tradition.

Icon painting is more than technique; it is a way of seeing, understanding, and expressing faith. In our teaching, we emphasize learning the artistic language of the icon, rather than simply copying or following a template.

Over time, our teaching method naturally evolves and deepens, because as practicing iconographers and as people immersed in the study of Christian art, we constantly discover new insights and integrate them into our work.

We believe that immersing yourself in iconography with us opens a fresh perspective on art: even if you do not continue practicing, you will begin to see and understand works of art differently — with greater attention to form, composition, and the inner harmony of each piece.

About Us

Olga Shalamova

Iconographer and iconography instructor M.A. from State Fine Art from the Academy of Saint Petersburg, faculty of Theory and History of Art. She is a member of the Union of Artists of Russia and is chief artist of the embroidery workshop at Feodorovsky Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. She is also an active participant in exhibitions of contemporary ecclesiastical art.

Instagram Mail

Philip Davydov

Iconographer, iconography instructor and web-site administrator M.A. from State Fine Art from the Academy of Saint Petersburg, faculty of Theory and History of Art. He is a professional, second-generation iconographer with more than 15 years of teaching experience. He is also a professor at the Institute of Theology and Sacred Arts and the head of The Sacred Murals Studio in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Facebook Instagram Youtube Mail

Our Approach

Our approach to teaching icon painting is unique within the modern educational system. It does not follow the traditional methods of Russian icon schools, nor any other icon-painting system known to us.

It is built on the knowledge that Philip inherited from his father, iconographer Andrey Davydov, and the strong foundation provided by the professors at the Academy of Arts where we studied. By combining the wisdom of generations with our own education and experience, our approach has crystallized through the process of creating our own icons. In broad terms, it can be described as systematic.

Iconography Study Group: Students' Works

As part of our long-term program, we present the works of the first graduating Study Group, each creating a bust-length icon of Christ. Rather than selecting individual pieces, we showcase the complete body of student work. Participants came from diverse backgrounds: some already had artistic training, while others learned entirely through the course. All works demonstrate a high standard of craftsmanship and a thoughtful engagement with the iconographic tradition.

Each student developed their own compositional and color solution, expressing Christ according to their spiritual understanding. Throughout the process, they were provided with tools of artistic expression and clear guidance on how to use them.

All icons were created independently online. Our feedback and corrections guided the process, but every work was executed entirely by the students themselves. This approach reflects our teaching philosophy: to equip students with the skills and responsibility for independent work within the iconographic tradition.

Explore the full creative process, from compositional and color sketches, through facial studies, to painting hair, beard, and the final icon.

From Sketches to a Final Icon. Study Group 2023 - 2024

Paul Renneberg

Nan Cowan

Lauren

Juliane Laufer

www.ikonenstudio.de

Anna Marie

Susan Florence

Nuala Pacheco

Students' Experience

Our Online Iconography Drawing Course 1 overwieved by course participants. Students note that our courses are both informative and practical. They value attentive guidance, clear methodology, and a supportive learning environment. Feedback is always constructive, focusing on understanding form, composition, and the logic behind the iconographic decisions.

Would you like to leave feedback?

*
Dear Olga,

Thank you for your corrections (and for ALL of your teaching) - they are very helpful, and they make me look more carefully at what I've done, hopefully before I send it to you, but the learning is equally good when I get it 'wrong' anyway!!(...)

I now find this online way of working is actually more helpful for me - it gives me time to try to understand what I need to do before I try to do it. I am also allowed to work at a pace that suits my temperament - and being able to come out to the studio when I am in the right 'frame of mind' is very good also; sometimes even in the middle of the night, when everything is quiet.

**

Dear Philip,

It’s a very interesting approach - I see the value straight away - instead of just copying, even good copying, you can now understand what you are actually copying! And therefore you can actually have more confidence and understanding when you’re constructing your own faces, or still copying for that matter. It’s a good solid way to learn.

K.R.

Dear Philip and Olga,

Thank you for your reply. All constructive criticism is welcomed! That is how one learns. I respect your teaching methods and understand what you are striving for in your students.

Every lesson is building on the previous one. You both are excellent in the videos and explanations. I like how Olga illustrates the shape of the face and measurements in each lesson, this is a very good recap or repeat/reminder of the previous lessons! Now we are at assignment #4. I also realize more practice with the Basics is needed to learn, apply and understand. Analogy is: You can't build the frame of the house if the foundation is not well built.

This class is the first class that makes sense in learning from the very beginning from measurements- not tracings from a prearranged drawing to achieve a portrait. Your hard work, hours, planning and energy that both of you have achieved to produce a successful class on line is valued very much! Many cheers to you both! Looking forward to the next week's lesson. Thank you both again for helping me improve in this class!

C.M. 29 Nov 2025

Dear Olga and Philip,

Thank you for this excellent course. It was exactly what I needed as a newbie to painting. The video demonstrations/instructions were easy to follow, though not always easy to imitate.

It is good to see what 20 years experience of painting looks like. I will keep practicing. Personal feedback for me and fellow students with similar challenges to mine were helpful. I will look forward to taking other courses with you in the future. May God bless you both and your work!