This article is written by Gloria Malouf-Marsh

Original Painting by Andrei Rublev (1370-1430)

This painting I took from an Icon called “The Holy Trinity”.  Andrei Rublev painted it around the 14th century. He is a famous medieval artist of Orthodox icons. This icon is a masterpiece of Russian traditional iconography. There are many depictions of this Icon, portraying different colorings.  It represents the Trinity in the form of three angels.  The icon describes three angels who visited Abraham at the Oak of Mamre. The angels are a representation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father and the Holy Spirit are both inclined toward the Son, which is the central figure. The faces’ gaze is circular.  The symbolism portrayed is that the Father leads us to the Son, who leads us to the Holy Spirit; in turn the Holy Spirit leads us back to Christ and Christ leads us back to the Father. There are three figures sitting around a table. The finger pointing is very important in iconography – pointing to the chalice, the eyes gazing to God the Father, which is the first figure. God the Son is the central figure and the figure on the right is the Holy Spirit.   Its purpose is to transport us into a transfigured world. Meditating on and symbolism of the icon is a very important factor during the painting.

The house above the first figure (God the Father) is that of Abraham and Sarah from the Old Testament. The subject of the icon is based on the story of Abraham, who is camping by the Oak of Mamre when he received three visitors.  As he converses with the three angels and serves them a meal, it is revealed he is actually talking directly to God. The Mamre oak tree above the middle figure (God the son) may represent the Cross, and the mountain above the third figure represents places where people often encountered God -places where heaven and earth seem to touch. Another name for this icon is called “The Hospitality of Abraham” icon.

To appreciate the subject, I thought to elaborate on the background of the Icon first. I started painting the canvas with gesso. I sketched 3 figures and 3 haloes and wings in the center of the canvas. I worked around, above and below the 3 figures. Firstly, I used burnt umber (dark brown) above and below the figures.  I then used the deer brush to dab the rich gold, over the burnt umber and left spaces between. I then applied yellow oxide on top of that with the deer brush, and finally used Naples yellow hue, one at a time to build the texture and effect. This gave a three-dimensional effect to the picture. This is an effective tip to pass on. I loved the color scheme that I chose.  The painting was very detailed; drawing the figures had to be reasonably in proportion. I then sketched the wings and the painting  was taking form. A clergy told me that I depicted the feminine side in the three figures of this picture. I thought that was significant, as one would imagine that the male dominant force was strong in the medieval times. This was significant for me because I learned that we all have a feminine and masculine side to us. One goes on a very personal journey with the artist and the subject. Creating and painting folds of material sweeping and draping of the arm garments and the knee positions all assisted with the overall effect. I chose to create my personal style in this composition and it meant a lot to me. This took me over three months to finish.  I was also caring for our very sick dog named Cassie, during this time.  So my time was divided, and I was feeling very sad at the time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I gave this painting.

I do encourage all artists to try all mediums and a diversity of choices when being creative.  Create with abandon; nothing is right or wrong with using the brush.  Acrylic Medium is very forgiving. So be daring with swirls and freeing up of the hand, the brush and the mind, and you’d be surprised where creativity takes you. This does unleash the artist within.

I also encourage regular practice with the brush. Mix with likeminded people.  We all teach each other so much and most of all have lots of fun and enjoyment! This keeps us connected to our creative spirit.

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My name is Gloria Malouf-Marsh. I live in Brisbane, Australia, in a very leafy suburb called Indooroopilly. I live with my husband Greg and my daughter Salwa.

Emails are welcome to gloria@radiantpathways.com.au

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