My name is Alana, and I am an Orthodox Christian currently living in a village on the edge of rural Pennsylvania. My husband is a student at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary.
In addition to Orthodox iconography, I am interested in American and Slavic folk art, Medieval cooking, and the history of the American hobo.
If you'd like to keep up with my work and other things we're up to, see my main blog page.
In addition to Orthodox iconography, I am interested in American and Slavic folk art, Medieval cooking, and the history of the American hobo.
If you'd like to keep up with my work and other things we're up to, see my main blog page.
Do you take commissions? How does that work?
Once we've agreed on a layout and pricing, I require a non-refundable (but exchangeable) 50% deposit to begin the work (as detailed in the Returns/Exchanges section in red at the bottom of this page.)
The second 50% is paid upon my completion and your approval of the icon.
(NOTE: If this is not paid within one month of my completing it, I reserve the right to put the icon up for sale. Your initial deposit can go toward another item of your choice. I will honor this for one year from your initial payment date.)
Then the icon is shipped via USPS Priority (with the tracking number passed onto you) unless we've made a different arrangement.
Turnaround time on an icon depends very much on the type, and how many are ahead of yours on the list. I try to give an accurate estimate, but sometimes things are done sooner, or a few days later.
I always remain in contact with the commissioner in the case of any changes or questions.
If a hard deadline is necessary for a holiday or event, please be sure to let me know.
If you reach out for information, and decide I'm not the painter for you, there is no pressure or hard feelings! As part of your prayer life, icons can be very personal, and you should be happy with your selection. And I always enjoy simply saying hello to other Orthodox brothers and sisters. :)
Golden elements such as haloes are rendered in layers of metallic paints, rather than gold leaf. This is a not-uncommon choice of iconographers, for reasons of style as well as cost-cutting. I prefer my work to be entirely hand-painted, and also pass savings onto you.
Do you deliver outside of North America?
No.
Yes! The majority of my work is done on commission.
Feel free to reach out for information, no commitment required!
Feel free to reach out for information, no commitment required!
Prices vary depending on the size and complexity. We will always decide on a design and a price before I begin.
A good example of range is this:
A simple half-stature of a Saint with a plain background, on a 5x7" board, starts at $150.
A more complex scene, such as St. George and the dragon, for example, could start around $240 or higher.
A good example of range is this:
A simple half-stature of a Saint with a plain background, on a 5x7" board, starts at $150.
A more complex scene, such as St. George and the dragon, for example, could start around $240 or higher.
And an 11x14" custom family icon, for example, featuring a painted border, six full-length Saints, and the Theotokos, might reach $550-700, depending on the details.
It all depends on your choice, the number of details, and the size.
I strive for transparency and ease in the entire process. If you've got a basic idea for an icon, I will send you examples of positions and features that I have in mind (though it's not incumbent upon you to choose if you'd prefer to leave things up to me!)
I strive for transparency and ease in the entire process. If you've got a basic idea for an icon, I will send you examples of positions and features that I have in mind (though it's not incumbent upon you to choose if you'd prefer to leave things up to me!)
Once we've agreed on a layout and pricing, I require a non-refundable (but exchangeable) 50% deposit to begin the work (as detailed in the Returns/Exchanges section in red at the bottom of this page.)
The second 50% is paid upon my completion and your approval of the icon.
(NOTE: If this is not paid within one month of my completing it, I reserve the right to put the icon up for sale. Your initial deposit can go toward another item of your choice. I will honor this for one year from your initial payment date.)
Then the icon is shipped via USPS Priority (with the tracking number passed onto you) unless we've made a different arrangement.
Turnaround time on an icon depends very much on the type, and how many are ahead of yours on the list. I try to give an accurate estimate, but sometimes things are done sooner, or a few days later.
I always remain in contact with the commissioner in the case of any changes or questions.
If a hard deadline is necessary for a holiday or event, please be sure to let me know.
If you reach out for information, and decide I'm not the painter for you, there is no pressure or hard feelings! As part of your prayer life, icons can be very personal, and you should be happy with your selection. And I always enjoy simply saying hello to other Orthodox brothers and sisters. :)
What medium do you work in?
I currently work in high-quality acrylic on prepared wooden boards, because it's what I know and love, and is the best medium for my mobile life and tactile self!
Unlike the old acrylics, todays are formulated to be at least as durable as egg tempura, oils, or encaustics, if not moreso. The icon is finished with a protective clearcoat, and then a high-quality "cold wax" finish made with 50% beeswax. It hardens and can be buffed to a soft satin polish, eliminating any "plasticky" acrylic appearance.
Unlike the old acrylics, todays are formulated to be at least as durable as egg tempura, oils, or encaustics, if not moreso. The icon is finished with a protective clearcoat, and then a high-quality "cold wax" finish made with 50% beeswax. It hardens and can be buffed to a soft satin polish, eliminating any "plasticky" acrylic appearance.
Golden elements such as haloes are rendered in layers of metallic paints, rather than gold leaf. This is a not-uncommon choice of iconographers, for reasons of style as well as cost-cutting. I prefer my work to be entirely hand-painted, and also pass savings onto you.
Do you deliver outside of North America?
Will you paint an exact 1:1 replica of a specific icon I send to you?
Very probably not. I can base an icon off one you like, it will be canonically and stylistically Orthodox (and I am a fairly good copyist of some medieval/early-modern Russian styles). But if you have your heart set on an exact image, it might be best to just buy a print. Try the Holy Trinity Icon Studio.
Will you paint (a non-Orthodox saint/my favorite philosopher/somebody else)?
No.
Why not? Just don't paint a halo. I've read they put them in the narthex sometimes.
Okay, contact me if you're clergy or working for clergy.
Will you hem my cassock?
Where can I find out more about Orthodox Christianity/Iconography/etc?
For all sorts of topics, see my Resources page.
What is your Return/Exchange Policy?
Sale items are non-refundable.
Booklets, zines, and like material are non-refundable.
They are packaged carefully for shipping, but should your printed material arrive damaged, please contact me within 7 days of receipt at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page to discuss repair or replacement.
Non-custom artworks (including commissions so long as they are general designs, not family icons, etc) can be returned at the expense of the customer, for a full refund (less shipping), so long I am contacted and they are shipped for return within 7 days of receipt, safely packaged and arriving in good condition.
Feel free to use the same packaging.
Please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page as soon as possible to facilitate the return.
(If you are otherwise happy with a piece but it has arrived damaged, please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page ASAP to discuss a repair or replacement.)
Custom artworks (such as family icons and other personalised pieces that cannot be easily re-sold) can be returned at the expense of the customer for a partial refund, as long as I am contacted and they are shipped for return within 7 days of receipt, safely packaged and arriving in good condition.
You will receive a 50% refund in your original form of payment as well as a 50% credit toward the item of your choice, totalling your original payment.
I will honor this credit for one year from the date of your original payment.
Please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page within 7 days of receiving the work to facilitate any return/exchange.
(If you are otherwise happy with a piece but it has arrived damaged, please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page within 7 days of receipt to discuss a repair or replacement.)
Late or missing refunds
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund, please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page.
Shipping returns
To return your product, mail it to:
Alana Nickels
c/o Alana Solomon
148 Monroe Street, Suite 2
Archbald, PA, 18403
USA
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item.
Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.
If you are returning more expensive items, you may consider using a track-able shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. I must receive your item in order to refund or exchange it.
Need help?
Contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page for questions related to refunds and returns.
In addition to diocesan and parish support, this is our primary source of income while in the seminary wilds of Pennsylvania!
Your purchase directly supports our tiny seminary family. Thank you for your interest and may God bless you!
What is your Return/Exchange Policy?
In the event of any problem, contact me ASAP at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com
or via the shop or blog contact page.
or via the shop or blog contact page.
Sale items are non-refundable.
Booklets, zines, and like material are non-refundable.
They are packaged carefully for shipping, but should your printed material arrive damaged, please contact me within 7 days of receipt at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page to discuss repair or replacement.
Non-custom artworks (including commissions so long as they are general designs, not family icons, etc) can be returned at the expense of the customer, for a full refund (less shipping), so long I am contacted and they are shipped for return within 7 days of receipt, safely packaged and arriving in good condition.
Feel free to use the same packaging.
Please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page as soon as possible to facilitate the return.
(If you are otherwise happy with a piece but it has arrived damaged, please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page ASAP to discuss a repair or replacement.)
Custom artworks (such as family icons and other personalised pieces that cannot be easily re-sold) can be returned at the expense of the customer for a partial refund, as long as I am contacted and they are shipped for return within 7 days of receipt, safely packaged and arriving in good condition.
You will receive a 50% refund in your original form of payment as well as a 50% credit toward the item of your choice, totalling your original payment.
I will honor this credit for one year from the date of your original payment.
Please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page within 7 days of receiving the work to facilitate any return/exchange.
(If you are otherwise happy with a piece but it has arrived damaged, please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page within 7 days of receipt to discuss a repair or replacement.)
I am not able to offer refunds in the following cases:
- Any item not in its original condition,
damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to my error and not discussed and photographed prior to your returning it (for example, you return it because you don’t like it, but it arrives poorly packaged and damaged).
– Any item that is returned without notice (via AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page) or shipped for return more than 7 days after delivery.
– Sale items. Only regular priced items may be refunded.
– The refund and returns policy lasts 7 days. If 7 days have passed since your purchase and you have not contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page, I can’t offer you a full refund or exchange.
– To be eligible for a return, the item must be unused and in the same condition and packaging that you received it, unless we have otherwise discussed it (such as in the case of shipping damage).
Then what?
Once your return is received and inspected, I will send you an email to notify you that your item has been received.
I will also notify you of the status of your partial or full refund, repair, or exchange.
It will be processed as soon as possible to your credit card or original method of payment.
Once your return is received and inspected, I will send you an email to notify you that your item has been received.
I will also notify you of the status of your partial or full refund, repair, or exchange.
It will be processed as soon as possible to your credit card or original method of payment.
Late or missing refunds
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.
Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund, please contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page.
Shipping returns
To return your product, mail it to:
Alana Nickels
c/o Alana Solomon
148 Monroe Street, Suite 2
Archbald, PA, 18403
USA
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item.
Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you may vary.
If you are returning more expensive items, you may consider using a track-able shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. I must receive your item in order to refund or exchange it.
Need help?
Contact me at AlanaHNickels(at)gmail(dot)com or through the shop or blog contact page for questions related to refunds and returns.
In addition to diocesan and parish support, this is our primary source of income while in the seminary wilds of Pennsylvania!
Your purchase directly supports our tiny seminary family. Thank you for your interest and may God bless you!