Both the words *icon* and *idol* are used in the New Testament.  

>The Greek word *eikōn* (icon) is translated *portrait* in Ma 22:20, Mk 12:16; and Lk 20:24.

>The Greek words *eidōlothytos* and  *eidōlon* are translated *idolatry* and *idol* in 1 Co 10:14,19 and *passim*.  

From both the Catholic and Protestant traditions, Christians (with very few exceptions) do not oppose the use of icons, since Jesus Himself handled coins with icons on them and taught His followers to "render unto Caesar [whose portrait was stamped onto coins] the things that are Caesar's."  Since an icon is simply a likeness, a portrait, or other representation of a human being (e.g., a statue), there is no biblical reason for not producing them in whatever medium (e.g., oil paints, watercolors, pencils, mixed media, granite, wood, cloth, paper).  Jesus was, after all, "God's self-portrait in human flesh" (Gerald L. Sittser, *Water From a Deep Well*, p.177).  


  [1]: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy%202&version=RSVCE
  [2]: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%205&version=RSVCE
  [3]: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010&version=RSVCE
  [4]: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055&version=RSVCE