Introduction to Islamic Art: Create Biomorphic Patterns

Delve into the rich history of Islamic art to draw and paint intricate patterns that honor tradition and encourage experimentation

• Introduction
• Foundations
• Drawing and Painting
• Sun Rays and Social Media
• Final project

An ancient art form steeped in tradition, dazzling patterns, and motifs inspired by nature, is at your fingertips. Saudi artist, educator, and podcaster Esra Alhamal has established a career in Islamic art, born from her profound adoration for the practice, and has specialized in the art form for her PhD. She founded online platform Islamic Illumination where she hosts workshops, and her weekly podcast Art Illuminated has received more than 15K downloads. Esra’s work has also been exhibited in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and in London where she is based.

In this course, learn how to reproduce a pattern from a 16th century Safavid manuscript in your own style. Discover the traditional methods of painting a symmetrical biomorphic pattern using free-hand techniques and an eight-pointed geometric grid for structure. Explore color harmony and experimentation, and see how to outline with ink and a brush to create stunning compositions of Islamic art. See where this ancient art form takes you.