Icon Commissions

Each original icon I paint is unique, but faithful to the traditional forms, and is a labour of prayer and love. Just as when we paint an icon we come into a personal relationship with the Saint we are painting, so I like to have personal contact with the people who purchase my icons. My icons are painted in egg tempera on linden wood panels.
​The exact pricing of icons depends on a number of factors including:

  • Size

  • Panel borders (level or raised)

  • Subject/s

  • Half or full-figure

  • Number of figures

  • Festal or complex scene

  • Gilding (Full background, halo only, or none)

So when inquiring about an icon please give as much detail as possible. Also please keep in mind that the complex festal icons we see in books and prints are in reality a lot larger and have been greatly reduced for print. There is a limit to how small one can paint detail. Smaller does not mean cheaper, because painting minute detail is incredibly difficult. Please keep in mind that icons should be commissioned at least 3 months ahead of important events to avoid disappointment.

How to commission an icon

  • Step 1

    Fill in the Commission Form with as much detail as possible so that I can give you an initial quote that we will discuss via email.

  • Step 2

    Pay the non-refundable deposit of 50% to secure your commission slot.

  • Step 3

    I will contact you when I start working on the icon and you can follow the progress on my social media accounts.

  • Step 4

    Once completed the balance plus shipping costs are paid and the icon is sent by trackable mail.

Terms and Conditions

By commissioning an icon (whether hand-painted or a print) from Julia Bridget Hayes you are agreeing to the following:

  • All deposits are non-refundable. A deposit (or payment in full) is required to begin the commission.

  • The remainder of payment (balance) plus shipping costs are due upon completion of the commission, prior to shipping.

  • Julia Bridget Hayes reserves all rights to reproduce and/or reprint this original icon. The patron is granted permission to make reprints (copies) for personal or devotional use, but not for commercial or promotional use.

Testimonials

  • " We are privileged to have two icons by Julia’s hand in our home: one of St. Euphrosynos in our kitchen and the other a family icon for one of our daughters in our prayer corner. The icons are beautiful, and our daughter frequently reaches out to touch her saint. The style is unique but traditional. Her icon is a blessing in our prayer corner and is a window to St. Vera, the child martyr."

    B. Jackson, USA

  • Sometimes, when gazing upon an icon, one becomes aware that the iconographer must have had an exalted inner vision when painting the icon, that he/she saw something, the spiritual, light-filled beauty of the Saviour and his saints. That is what one hopes for in an icon, for it also means that the iconographer must have praying when he/she painted, for otherwise such an inner vision would not have been granted, and this in turn may inspire in the onlooker a desire to enter into that communion too. What more can one ask of the iconographer, than that he or she should inspire us to pray with faith and love, to seek the grace of God? If I may say so (for who am I to judge such things?), Julia’s icons do indeed show us this spiritual beauty we should all desire and they can inspire us in this way

    Archimandrite Jacobus, South Africa

  • I had a wonderful experience commissioning an icon from Julia. She kept in touch with me throughout the process. Her work is exceptional. The finished icon was breathtakingly beautiful and serene. I would highly recommend Julia.

    Demitra Lynch, USA

  • We live in the United States, and we commissioned an icon of St. Eleni as a graduation gift for our daughter. Julia was very prompt and considerate throughout the whole process, taking into account our thoughts and considerations. The icon arrived in great shape. It looks very beautiful and it is a moving addition to our icon corner. We will eagerly order another icon from Julia when the need arises.

    Natalie Tzobanaki, USA

  • Commissioning an Icon of Christ the Teacher has been a blessing, Glory to God. As an Orthodox inquirer hoping to become Catechumen, I commissioned the Icon to center me in my prayer life. When I received the Icon in the mail it was more beautiful and such a blessing to behold that I immediately put the icon in my Icon corner. One day by the will of God I aspire to write Icons as blessed as Julia Hayes.

    Alan Nathanael Beuris, USA

  • Julia Bridget Hayes executed two icons for me on request - St. Rupert (Robert) and, a few years later, St. John Cassian. Both are of supreme beauty. I also have her interpretation of St. Herman of Alaska which I purchased from her inventory. All three are clearly written by a hand that is inspired artistically and guided by a vibrant prayer life. Each evokes a vibrant sense of the divine presence and the holiness of the subject. She is in touch with their sorrow and their joy. She is not, as she will tell you, a copyist, but rather a stylist. Her icons are unique interpretations through which paint and wood bear witness to incarnational love. They are among my most cherished belongings and guide my prayers, speaking to me daily of the deep riches of the life in Christ. They reach out to me as I reach out to God.

    Robert Beeson, USA

  • The icons written by Julia are truly treasures to be cherished for eternity. Their traditional and unique beauty are a wonder to the eye, a warmth to the heart, an aid to prayer, and a window into heaven. Certainly, each icon I have commissioned and received has been created with great care and prayer. Julia is prompt, dedicated, and careful to ensure that each icon is given careful attention and sent to the recipient in a timely manner. May God Bless Julia for her sacred work.

    Bede Carpenter, USA

  • I live in the USA and ordered an icon of Saint Athanasios from Ikonographics. Both the process and the final product exceeded my expectations! Julia is both an excellent communicator and a very gifted artist whose love for this very special calling is quite obviously reflected in her work.

    Katerina Quintero, USA

Commission Form