How to Order a Hand-Painted Orthodox Icon

Ordering a hand-painted Orthodox icon is different from choosing an ordinary decorative object. An icon has a subject, a place, a prayerful purpose, and a tradition behind its image. This guide explains how to prepare for a custom icon order and how to choose the right format without confusion.

If you already know which icon you need, you can browse available works in our Orthodox icon shop. If you need practical details about checkout, delivery, and payment, see how to buy an icon.

What Kind of Icon Can You Order?

Our workshop paints Orthodox icons by hand on prepared wooden boards. You can order an icon of Christ, the Mother of God, a patron saint, an archangel, a wedding icon pair, or another traditional Orthodox subject. The icon can be made as a small personal image, a family prayer corner icon, a gift, or a larger work for a church, chapel, or parish room.

For some commissions, it is also possible to discuss a custom composition, selected inscription, gold leaf, ornamental border, or a format based on a particular iconographic type.

What to Prepare Before Ordering

Before contacting the workshop, it helps to prepare a few details. The most important is the subject of the icon: Christ, the Mother of God, a saint, an archangel, a feast, or a wedding pair. If the icon is a gift, the recipient’s name, parish tradition, or patron saint can help guide the choice.

It is also useful to know the approximate size, where the icon will be placed, whether it should stand or hang, and whether you prefer a modest painted background or gold leaf. If you are not sure, these details can be discussed before painting.

Choosing the Subject

For a home prayer corner, many people begin with an icon of Christ and an icon of the Mother of God. Patron saint icons are often chosen for namedays, baptisms, family gifts, and personal prayer. Wedding icons are usually ordered as a pair and should be matched in size, style, and finish.

To explore the main categories, see Jesus Christ Orthodox icons, Virgin Mary Orthodox icons, Orthodox icons of the saints, and wedding icons.

Size, Materials, and Gold Leaf

A small icon is convenient for personal prayer or a desk-sized prayer corner. A medium icon is usually suitable for a family prayer corner or gift. Larger icons are better for churches, chapels, parish rooms, and places where the icon must be visible from a distance.

Gold leaf gives the icon a more solemn appearance and is often chosen for gifts, churches, chapels, and important family icons. A painted background can be more restrained and is often well suited to a personal icon.

Custom Painting by Photo

Some customers ask whether an icon can be painted from a photo. This is possible only in a careful and limited way, depending on the purpose of the commission. A hand-painted Orthodox icon should remain faithful to the language of iconography, not become a naturalistic portrait.

For this specific topic, read our dedicated page: custom icon painting by photo.

How the Order Process Works

The order usually begins with choosing the subject, size, and general format. Then we clarify the background, inscription, materials, timing, and shipping details. Simple available icons can often be purchased directly. Complex custom work requires discussion before painting.

For custom or complex orders, prepayment may be required because the work is prepared for a specific person, size, and iconographic task. For simple available icons, payment terms are described on the buying and shipping pages.

For Churches, Chapels, and Parish Spaces

Church and chapel orders require special attention to size, visibility, iconographic type, inscriptions, and the place where the icon will be installed. A small home icon and a church icon solve different visual and liturgical tasks.

If the icon is intended for a parish, iconostasis, chapel, or public prayer space, it is best to discuss the dimensions and composition in advance.

FAQ about Ordering an Orthodox Icon

What information should I prepare before ordering an icon?

It is helpful to know the icon subject, approximate size, where the icon will be placed, preferred background, inscription, and whether the icon is for personal prayer, a gift, or a church space.

Can I order a custom Orthodox icon?

Yes. A custom icon can be painted in a selected size and composition, with a painted background or gold leaf, after the details are discussed.

Can an icon be painted from a photo?

Yes, for certain memorial or family-related commissions, but the final work should remain within Orthodox iconographic principles. Details are discussed before painting.

How long does it take to paint an icon?

Timing depends on the size, complexity, background, gilding, and current workshop schedule. Complex and large icons require more time than small personal icons.

Do complex custom orders require prepayment?

Yes, complex custom work may require prepayment because materials, drawing, gilding, and painting are prepared for a specific commission.