Video Course: “Traditional Levkas: The Complete Preparation Process”
Levkas is a traditional ground made from chalk and glue, used for preparing wooden panels for icon painting. This technique has been practiced for centuries and is an essential step in icon creation. Levkas is often confused with gesso, but there are key differences:
• Levkas is a natural ground based on chalk and animal glue, traditionally used in iconography.
• Gesso is a general term for ground, which in Western tradition can include chalk, gypsum, or zinc white, with binders that may be either natural or synthetic.
In this course, we share our unique levkas recipe, developed from historical sources and refined through over 20 years of research in our studio. We have adapted the process to modern materials while preserving the traditional quality and durability.
What Will You Learn in This Course?
The course consists of 7 video lessons covering the complete process of preparing a levkas panel:
1. Preparing gelatin glue
2. Properly attaching the wooden panel
3. Gluing pavoloka (natural fabric) onto the panel
4. Preparing and applying seven layers of levkas
5. Sanding and polishing the surface to achieve a perfectly smooth finish
Course Format
This course is designed for self-paced learning. After purchasing, you will receive lifetime access to the video lessons and can progress at your own convenience.
What Do You Need for the Course?
To complete this course, you will need:
• A wooden panel
• Gelatin
• Chalk
• Pavoloka (natural fabric)
• Wide brushes
• A rubber or plastic spatula
• Sandpaper
You can purchase the course without materials or choose the full set, which includes all the necessary supplies.
If you choose the course with materials, you will receive:
• 1 wooden panel (22 × 30 cm)
• Pavoloka (fabric) (25 × 35 cm)
• Gelatin (25 g)
• Chalk (0.5 kg)
• Sanding block
• Sandpaper
• Special cloth for polishing the panel
• Special spatula
This course will introduce you to an ancient technique that has stood the test of time, allowing you to create your own levkas panels with a flawless, smooth surface for icon painting!
