Custom Orthodox Icon Painting from a Photo

If you have a photograph of an old Orthodox icon, a family icon, or a sacred image you would like to commission, our Mstyora icon painters can create a new hand-painted icon based on your reference. We do not simply copy a picture mechanically: we study the image, discuss the desired size and materials, and adapt the work respectfully within Orthodox iconographic tradition.

Send us a photo of the icon by email or the form on this page. The image may be a clear photograph of an existing icon, an old family icon, a church icon, or a reference from our catalog. If the photo is damaged, dark, or incomplete, we will tell you honestly what can be restored in painting and what needs to be clarified before work begins.

What kind of icon can be ordered from a photo?

Most customers contact us when they want to preserve the memory of a lost or damaged icon, repeat an old family image, order a patron saint icon, or create a hand-painted Orthodox icon as a meaningful gift. We can also discuss icons of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, Guardian Angels, Archangels, saints, feast days, wedding icons, family icons, and church commissions.

When the request requires correction, we explain it before accepting the order. The final icon should remain appropriate for prayer and Orthodox visual tradition, not just look similar to a random picture.

How the custom icon order works

1. Send the reference photo. Attach the image and describe the icon you want to order.
2. Choose size and materials. We discuss the icon board, levkas/gesso, egg tempera, gilding, filigree, and other details.
3. Confirm the estimate. We clarify the price, production time, and international shipping option.
4. Painting begins. The icon is painted by hand in the Mstyora workshop using traditional techniques.
5. Photo before shipment. We can send photos of the finished icon before packing and delivery.

Traditional materials and hand painting

Our custom icons are painted on a prepared wooden board with fabric and levkas/gesso. The image is created with egg tempera and natural pigments; halos and backgrounds can be decorated with gold leaf. These materials are chosen for durability, depth of color, and the living character of a true hand-painted Orthodox icon.

Because every icon is handmade, there may be small natural differences in color, brushwork, and gilding. This is part of the value of a painted icon and one of the reasons a custom commission feels different from a printed reproduction.

What to send with your request

• a clear photo or several photos of the icon/reference image;
• the name of the saint, feast, or iconographic type, if you know it;
• preferred size or the place where the icon will be kept;
• whether you want gold leaf, filigree, or a simpler painted background;
• delivery country and any timing requirements.

If you are not sure which image to choose, write to us anyway. We can help you select a suitable Orthodox icon for a home prayer corner, baptism, wedding, memorial gift, church, or family commission.

Ordering from abroad

Orthodox-icons.com works with customers outside Russia. We explain the order details in English, pack finished icons carefully, and help choose a suitable delivery option. You can also read our shipping and payment information, learn more about the Mstyora Icons workshop, or contact us directly at order@orthodox-icons.com.