In the summer of 2019 I will be teaching the following geometric pattern courses at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London and at Alqueria de Rosales, Spain. I will be covering different aspects of Islamic geometric design with a focus on communicating the core structural principles of this infinitely variable artform.
Geometry of Twelve
Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London
10 June 2019 – 14 June 2019
10:30 – 17:30
Twelvefold symmetry provides the basis for some of the most versatile and flexible geometric patterns. Starting from the simplest 12 pointed star patterns and building up to more complex rosette patterns, students on this course will learn to draw 10-15 related but different patterns with ruler and compass.
Working through the designs in a systematic way will help students to develop an analytical understanding of the structure of these patterns and give an insight into how the designs may have originally been discovered by the designers and craftsmen of the past. We will also explore semi-regular (Archimedean) tilings which will open the door to countless further pattern variations.
Geometry of Nine
Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London
17 June 2019 – 21 June 2019
10:30 – 17:30
Learn to draw a series of geometric patterns featuring nine-pointed stars, of which there are diverse variations throughout the Islamic world, from the Alhambra Palace in Spain to Itimad-ud-Daula’s tomb in India. Understand the underlying constructions and how the designs are developed from a hexagonal grid. Learn how to weave a geometric pattern using the correct proportions.
By the end of the course, participants will have explored a range of construction methods for nine-pointed stars, and completed drawings for several patterns. They will also have developed an analytical understanding of them, which will expand their understanding of geometric patterns in general.
This practical art course will involve drawing geometric constructions using ruler and compass. Students will be guided through the practical steps and given analytical insights into the constructions.
Alqueria de Rosales Summer School in Islamic Geometric Patterns
The Fundamentals and Further Development of Islamic Geometric Patterns
This eight-day residential course runs in Andalucia, Spain from 13th to 20th July 2019. Tutors Alan Adams, Rajen Astho, Samira Mian, Ameet Hindocha and Daud Sutton will present practical and theoretical sessions designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, from complete beginners to the highly experienced.
I would like to know about online courses please. Thank you
Hi Guilherme, I haven’t planned any online courses at the moment but may run some later this year. You can find out more by following me on Instagram or Facebook. Many thanks for the interest.
I also am looking for an on-line course, given the pandemic times we are in. I will follow you on facebook, but would be glad of anything additional you could point me to. Thank you.
Hi Tracy, I highly recommend Samira Mian’s online courses as a starting point. Also Art of Islamic Pattern are running weekly online courses at the moment. Best of luck on your journey!