Course Description: In this previously class we will explore the biomorphic and geometric patterns from Islamic world while focussing on a commonly occurring pattern. Each class will feature a curated historical contextualization of the chosen site and patterns. Students will learn elementary to complex geometry and biomorphic pattern making. This class can be enjoyed by beginners and novices, please know that each session will build upon skills and intensity. In each session, careful instruction is provided and handouts are given to make sure each student understands and can work toward finishing the patterns taught in class.
Workshop ONE: 8 Fold Rosette Construction
Workshop TWO: Sindh- Sachal Sarmast Tomb
Workshop THREE: Qom- Fatemah Masumeh Mosque
Workshop FOUR: Aleppo- Umayyad Mosque
Workshop FIVE: Bursa- Green Mosque and Tomb
Workshop SIX: Granada- Tash Khauli (Stone Palace)
Workshop ONE: 8 Fold Rosette Construction
This class will focus on constructing the 8 fold rosette that will be used for the entirety of the course. A demonstration will be given on adding small biomorphic motifs to the geometric composition from Ghulam Nabi’s Tomb of Hyderabad. Students will then have the ability to paint and experiment with color.
Workshop TWO: Sindh- Sachal Sarmast Tomb
This class will focus on the unique patterns and colours from Sachal Sarmast Tomb, a
location dedicated to the famous Sufi poet. Students will have the chance to look at the wonderful world of kashi kari and how the indigenous colours, patterns and motifs come together to create the style the region is known for.
Workshop THREE: Qom- Fatemah Masumeh Mosque
This class will focus on the Seljuk and Safavid ornamentation implemented on Qom,
Iran’s Fatemah Masumeh Mosque. Students will learn and implement the motifs inside the geometric structure . This class will discuss the technique as well as look at the aesthetics and the history of the location.
Workshop FOUR: Aleppo- Umayyad Mosque
This class will focus on the internal geometric and biomorphic patterns from the minbar of the Aleppo Umayyad mosque. We will look at the history of the history of the locations while investigating the variation of patterns and ornamentation. Students will learn how the pattern is repeated to create a composition.
Workshop FIVE: Bursa- Green Mosque and Tomb
This class will focus on the internal biomorphic patterns from the mihrab of both Bursa’s Green mosque and tomb. We will look at the history of the history of the locations while investigating the variation of tabrizi patterns and ornamentation appropriated by the early Ottomans. Students will learn how the pattern is repeated to create a composition.
Workshop SIX: Khiva- Tash Khauli (Stone Palace)
This class will focus on the internal geometric and biomorphic patterns from a group of wooden ceilings at the Tash Kauli Palace. We will look at the history of the history of the locations while investigating the variation of patterns and ornamentation unique to the location. Students will learn how to create a geometric variation of the 8 fold rosette.
Recommended materials list.
Compass
Ruler
Mechanical (0.5) or lead pencil (HB and softer such as a 2B or 4B
Erasers, white vinyl and kneadable erasers
Masking tape
Tracing paper- I suggest rolls rather than individual sheets but if you can only get sheets that use what you have.
A3 and A4 cartridge paper or multi purpose sketchbook paper.
A3 and A4 printer paper or a sketchbook to work with in class.
Optional Materials
Fineliners- I use stabilo brand and they are long lasting.
Watercolour paper- hot press is more desirable as the surface is less textured.
Watercolour brushes- Proart and Roubloff brand, These are Kolinsky brushes and I use them in sizes 2, 3, 4, 6
Watercolour pencils, paints and gouache
I use a combination of Kuretake, Winsor and Newton (Cotman line is a great set for beginners) as well as Holbein Watercolours, Schminke as handmade paints from pigments I have made myself.
For watercolour pencils, I use Koohinoor and Caran D'ache