Master Arabic calligraphy: A Complete Beginners Course

Let's start writing the first alphabet Alif.

As we have familiarized ourselves with Nuqta system; let's apply this knowledge to write the first word of Arabic language.

In this video I ll show you which other letters are written using the form of Alif.

These Arabic letters are Tua and Laam .

I have created Calligraphy strokes worksheete in PDF format. free to download for all Calligraphy artists.

download and practice, they will improve your writing immensely.

In this new video I have shown how you can join two letters in Arabic Calligraphy.

keep practicing and writing with your own hands the divine verses of Quran.

And consider leaving a review if you want to see more new video lectures on forming words and sentences.

Intro lecture on how to write Arabic alphabet YA in Celi Divani script.

This is a part of series of learning to write Arabic calligraphy alphabets.

Learn and practice with me.

Click on the next lecture to begin.

Start with making 3 Nuqta horizontally and 2 nuqta for the length of the beginning part of the Ya alphabet.

Write from right to left at the angle of 22.5 degree angle.

In Celi divani script always hold your pen at 22.5 degrees.

Watch the next video to complete writing letter Ya in Arabic Calligraphy.

Start writing with kalem at 22.5 degree angle.

Continue to make the curvature of letter YA.

Then continue to the lower part which looks like Seen, Suadh and Noon.

Moving onto the next part of writing arabic calligraphy letter YA.

Hold the kalem at 22.5 degrees angle.

Continue from the curvature and continue to where you began writing the letter YA.

Then continue to make the NOON looking part of letter YA.

Make lower part of letter like half moon.

Make it rounded and beautiful.

You can make 3 Nuqtas in the belly of YA to keep your proportions aligned.

When you write; look for over all look and form of the alphabet.

Ask yourself:

1. Is it in perfect geometric proportions?

2. Does it look beautiful in its composition?

You can pause and breathe while writing arabic calligraphy

There is no rush in writing arabic calligraphy.

The slower you write , more beautiful your writing becomes.

Congratulations. You just learned to write Arabic alphabet Ya in perfect geometry.

Embarking on the AIN: A Dance of Curves and Angles

Setting the Scene: The 6 Dot Framework to write Perfect proportioned alphabets in Diwani Script of Arabic Calligraphy.

Make six dots aligned vertically, creating the framework for your AIN.

This acts as your guide, ensuring proportions remain balanced and the letter maintains its graceful form.

The Entry: A Confident Stroke

1. Angled Approach: Position your pen at the familiar 22.5-degree angle. This sets the stage for the AIN's characteristic slant and flow.

2. Right to Left: Begin your stroke from the right, starting slightly above the top dot. This establishes the entry point for the letter.

3. Full to Fine: Start with a confident stroke using the full width of your pen's nib. As you descend, gradually taper the stroke, transitioning to the delicate point of your pen. This creates a visually pleasing contrast.

   
   

The Taper and the Belly:

1. The Gentle Narrowing: At the third dot, begin a more pronounced taper, creating a thin, elegant line. This marks the transition to the AIN's distinctive belly.

2. The Rounded Curve: Guide your pen in a diagonal, downward motion, forming a graceful, rounded half-moon shape. This is the belly of the Jeem, its most recognizable feature.

3. Width Matters: Ensure the belly's width spans three dots. This maintains proportion and harmony within the letterform.

Tips for a Beautiful Ain :

• Smooth Transitions: Focus on creating seamless transitions between the thick and thin strokes, and from the initial stroke to the belly.

• Controlled Curves: The belly's curve should be even and well-rounded, showcasing the elegance of Arabic calligraphy.

• Mindful Angle: Maintain the 22.5-degree angle throughout the stroke, ensuring consistency and visual harmony.

Practice and Patience:

Mastering the AIN, like any letter in Arabic calligraphy, takes practice and dedication.

Embrace the journey, enjoy the process of creating beautiful forms, and allow your creativity to flow through each stroke. With time and patience, you'll witness your skills blossom, and the elegance of the AIN will grace your calligraphy.

Starting your first Arabic calligraphy sketchbook is an exciting journey! Here's a guide to help you begin

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Choosing Your Sketchbook:

• Watercolor Sketchbook: Offers a sturdy surface that can handle wet media like inks and watercolors. Look for a sketchbook with cold-pressed paper for a slightly textured surface. This texture provides some grip, which is helpful for calligraphy.

• Smooth Paper Calligraphy Sketchbook: Ideal for beginners as the smooth surface allows for consistent ink flow and clean lines. Excellent for practicing with dip pens and fountain pens.

• Handmade Paper Sketchbook: Adds a unique, artistic touch to your calligraphy practice. Handmade paper often has beautiful textures and variations in tone, making each piece special.

Essential Tools:

• Zig Calligraphy Markers: These markers come in various nib sizes and offer vibrant colors, making them versatile for both traditional and modern calligraphy styles.

• Sennelier Acrylic Inks: Known for their high quality and intense pigmentation. They offer a smooth, consistent flow and are waterproof when dry, making them suitable for layering and mixed media techniques.

• Local Brand Inks: Explore inks from local artists or manufacturers. They can be a more affordable option and often offer unique colors and properties.

• Black Sumi Ink: A classic choice for calligraphy. Sumi ink produces rich, deep blacks and is known for its archival quality.

• Ink Sticks: Traditional ink sticks require grinding with water on an inkstone. This process can be meditative and allows for subtle variations in ink consistency.

Getting Started:

• Practice basic strokes: Begin by mastering the fundamental strokes of Arabic calligraphy.

• Experiment with different tools and inks: Explore the unique characteristics of each tool and ink to discover your preferences.

• Find inspiration: Look at the work of master calligraphers, study historical manuscripts, and find inspiration in your surroundings.

• Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Embrace imperfections as part of the learning process. Your sketchbook is a space for exploration and growth.

In this video i am sharing my creative process of painting calligraphy on canvas.

Start with a sketch on composition before you paint on canvas. This will keep you focused on what you need to do to create your painting.

Decide on colours; go for complementary colours to create maximum contrast and eye catching painting.

Or opt for analogous colours which are next to each other on color wheel to create subtle and harmonious calligraphy painting.

do arabic calligraphy with different size of brushes to create variation in writing. it makes the painting beautiful and interesting.

Create paintings , experiment withy colours and texture to become easy with your art.

Learn from other Calligraphy artists and copy their work for learning purpose. You will become proficient in your style over time by copying other artists works.

If you want to learn more or paint Arabic calligraphy painting with me , book a workshop with me on my website. I will decode the method for you and teach you step by step to create any painting of your choice.

Hey Calligraphers!

Ready to paint with me?

Today, I'm diving into my process. It all starts with a Red canvas and some vibrant acrylics. So grab your brushes, let's squeeze out those colors and get creative!

First, let's plan our composition.

Sketch it out small, then bring it to life on the canvas. Markers and pointer pens are perfect for outlining those beautiful Arabic letters.

Remember, have a vision for your painting before you start. It'll guide you as you layer colors and bring your masterpiece to life. Don't be afraid to experiment with opaque colors and glazing techniques. It's all about finding your own unique style.

Big and small letters, complementary colors – it's the details that make your calligraphy painting truly stunning.

This Arabic calligraphy piece is going to be BIG and BOLD, with red taking center stage.

We'll play with its fiery companions – think oranges, purples, and yellows – to make it truly pop.

Remember, composition is key! Sketch it out first, visualize the placement of each letter, and play with different sizes to create visual interest. It's those big and small details that make Arabic calligraphy so captivating.

So, are you ready to pick up your brush and create something amazing? Let's paint together!

Embarking on Your Arabic Calligraphy Journey: A Guide to Your First Sketchbook

The art of Arabic calligraphy, with its elegant strokes and intricate letterforms, is a captivating pursuit that combines creativity and spirituality.

Starting your first Arabic calligraphy sketchbook is an exciting step into this beautiful world. Here's a guide to help you begin:

Essential Supplies

• Sketchbook:

•          Silky Smooth Paper: Opt for a sketchbook with smooth, high-quality paper that allows your pen to glide effortlessly. This prevents snagging and ensures clean, crisp lines.

• • Watercolor Sketchbook: If you plan to explore ink washes and gradations, a watercolor sketchbook is an excellent choice. The paper is designed to handle water-based media without buckling or bleeding.

    
    

• Pens:

  • Traditional Qalam (Reed Pen): The quintessential tool for Arabic calligraphy, crafted from dried reeds. Offers flexibility and a distinctive line variation.

  • Wood Pens: Provide a sturdy and comfortable grip, suitable for beginners.

  • Glass Pens: Known for their smooth ink flow and durability.

  • Zig Calligraphy Pens: Modern pens with pre-filled ink cartridges, offering convenience and consistent line widths.

• Inks:

  • Sumi Ink: A traditional black ink that produces rich, deep tones.

  • Arabic Calligraphy Inks: Available in various colors and formulations, including waterproof and water-soluble options.

• Other Supplies:

  • Stencils: Useful for practicing letterforms and creating consistent shapes.

  • Ruler: Essential for drawing guidelines and maintaining straight lines.

  • Pencil: For light sketching and layout planning.

  • Eraser: A kneaded eraser is ideal for gently removing pencil marks without damaging the paper.

  • Water Container: For cleaning pens and diluting inks.

  • Paper Towels: For blotting excess ink and keeping your workspace clean.

Getting Started

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Find a comfortable and well-lit area where you can focus on your practice.

2. Basic Strokes: Begin by mastering the fundamental strokes of Arabic calligraphy. Practice straight lines, curves, and loops. Pay attention to pen angle and pressure to achieve different line thicknesses.

3. Letterforms: Start with simple letters and gradually progress to more complex ones. Use stencils or trace examples to familiarize yourself with the correct shapes and proportions.

4. Word Formation: Once you're comfortable with individual letters, practice connecting them to form words and phrases. Focus on spacing and the flow of the script.

5. Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different inks, pens, and techniques. Explore washes, gradations, and decorative elements.

Tips for Success

• Patience and Persistence: Calligraphy requires practice and dedication. Don't get discouraged if your early attempts aren't perfect.

• Observation: Study the work of master calligraphers. Pay attention to their letterforms, composition, and use of space.

• Consistency: Practice regularly to develop muscle memory and improve your skills.

• Cleanliness: Keep your pens and workspace clean to ensure smooth ink flow and prevent smudging.

• Enjoy the Process: Calligraphy is a meditative and rewarding art form. Embrace the journey and enjoy the creative process.

Additional Resources

• Online Tutorials: Numerous online resources offer tutorials, tips, and inspiration for Arabic calligraphy.

• Calligraphy Books: Explore books on Arabic calligraphy to learn about its history, styles, and techniques.

• Workshops and Classes: Consider taking a workshop or class from an experienced calligrapher to receive personalized guidance.

Starting your first Arabic calligraphy sketchbook is an invitation to a world of beauty and expression. With the right tools, dedication, and a passion for this ancient art form, you'll embark on a fulfilling creative journey.

Students will learn how to create beautiful calligraphy paintings. We will cover different techniques of how to divide circles or squares into equal parts and how to place these divisions on a grid. Students will be able to create their own paintings, as well as use their skills in an art project with their class. .

Students will also gain confidence to write words , verses or poetry of their choice using the method explained above.

I visited a new mosque in Istanbul in levent area yesterday, and made this video lecture there. I want to show you the Arabic calligraphy script used in buildings or architecture. Mostly Thuluth and Naskh scripts are used in the interior of mosques and palaces. Thuluth is a beautiful, strong looking script because of its vertical straight writing style. If you have practiced writing letters in this course, it will be very easy to transfer your knowledge to write Thuluth or Naskh scripts. All you have to do is hold the qalam at 55 degree angle and write with alternating between different qats to write a straight looking letter in Thuluth/ Naskh script.

The knowledge you have gained in this course is good enough to get started and gradually going on to practice other scripts. Join two or more letters as shown in this lecture and continue writing. You will gain Mastery of this Art with patience and practice. Its a spiritual art and done for preservation of Quran; making it a good deed. Pile up on your good deeds done solely for cause of pleasing Allah swt. May Allah accepts our good deeds. Amen.