Book, Tips & Resources

Attend a practical class, course or workshop. Many are now online! The traditional method for learning arts has been for many centuries transmitted through an experienced professional/master, producing the work and training their apprentice. There is much merit to seeing an artist in action and being shown the way in which tools should be used in order to produce the best results. 

Being taught directly is immensely useful. If you are looking for classes/workshops in London you may find courses offered by Art of Islamic Pattern  and the King’s Foundation School of Tradtional Arts immensely useful. For a further list of workshops and teachers around the world please view recommendations by Dr Esra Alhamal on her blog: www.islamicillumination.com

Books from across the globe

Do not be put off by books in various languages not native to you for reading. If the book contains useful diagrams and graphical examples then you won’t need to worry much about the text. Translation tools and apps can be used to fill the gaps.

Even if you have no one to teach you in a class-like environment, there are an increasing number of online tutorials and videos free to access.  There are also numerous artists on social media sharing videos and tips with their followers. Here is an example by Ambigraph/Ameet Hindocha on his blog: Analysis of a Geometric Pattern from the Alhambra Palace

Visual observation and research

– Try looking at as many visual examples as possible, including historical artefacts, architecture and prints. Examine these and look for what they have in common. When a flower or motif is drawn in a particular way, using a particular colour or combination of shapes and compositions this is a distinctive style. When specific materials and tools are used, these become part of the technique. Practice drawing these yourself, first by tracing, then by copying, then by customising, and then attempt to draw your own. Even if you feel you need a lot of practice, then keep practicing. The mantra ‘practice makes perfect’ is very much something to pursure for the journey and development as opposed to reaching actual perfection.

Refer to nature

Closely observe real life phenomena, such as plants and flowers, and try and re-draw these, whether in a realistic form or in an abstract and stylised form.

Tracing is your best friend. Many Islamic patterns contain symmetry and repetition. This means you can draw one section and use this on top of a basic grid/layout to then re-trace a design in repeated form. The repetition looks more appealing due to the consistency this generates in the design. Remember to also keep elements proportional as this will lead to a composition that is more harmonious and balanced.

And remember to take your time. An artwork cannot be rushed.