On Sunday, June 14th, an outdoor painting workshop was organised for the children of the Sunday school at the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
Before the lesson began, the children discussed what plein air is and why artists often paint from life. They learned that working outdoors helps you to look more closely at the world around you, noticing the light, shape, colour and mood of a place.
This time, the children worked with acrylic paints on canvas. The theme of the lesson was the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh itself. The children painted it from life, looking closely at the familiar outlines of the walls, domes, and crosses.
The masterclass took place shortly after Russia Day, which is celebrated on 12 June, and on the day when the Church commemorates all the saints who shone forth in the Russian land. Therefore, the image of the church acquired special significance on this day. The golden domes of Orthodox churches remind us of golden-domed Rus', of spiritual beauty, and of the saints through whom the Christian faith sanctified the lives of the people.
We thank parishioner Anya and Matushka Elena for organising and running this creative workshop. Such meetings help children not only to develop their artistic abilities but also teach them to look more attentively at the beauty of God's world, to see their native church as part of their lives, and to keep love for the Orthodox faith and church tradition in their hearts.
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