Draw Islamic Geometric Patterns With A Compass And Ruler
What you'll learn
- Construct four different islamic geometric patterns
- Outline the pattern having constructed an underlying grid
- Tile eightfold and sixfold patterns.
- Create an interlaced effect.
- Add colour using multiple layered watercolour pencils and aquabrush
Requirements
- You will need a pencil, paper, transparent straight edge (i.e. ruler) and compass to construct the patterns. Specifically 2H pencil for construction, 2B pencil for outlining and tracing. To transfer the pattern you will need tracing paper, masking tape and a spoon. If you are able to source a transparent ruler with parallel lines marked on it, it would be beneficial. These are often found quilting & paper cutting. Colouring pencils & pens and paints are optional.
Description
In this course I demonstrate how to construct five Islamic Geometric Patterns step by step using the traditional method of a compass and straight edge.I will also provide you with a DOWNLOADABLE Step-by-Step handout PDF file for each pattern to supplement the video demonstrations.
In each unit you will learn to construct an underlying grid and outline an Islamic geometric pattern. This course consists of four units:
- A Sixfold Pattern: The Star and Hexagon
- An Eightfold Pattern: The Khatam * PLUS* additional pattern variations
- A Sixfold Pattern: The Ferozkoh Jaali
- An Eighfold Pattern: The Geometric Rosette
PLUS one final bonus unit: UNIT 5: a DOWNLOADABLE Step-by-Step handout PDF for drawing a:
Chinese Qur'anic Manuscript Arcing Motif
You will also learn additional techniques:
- Tiling the pattern, for both fourfold and and sixfold patterns;
- Creating a ribbon effect to interlace the pattern;
- Transferring the pattern using tracing paper and a spoon;
- Adding colour using watercolour pencils and an aquabrush.
Depending on your pace, each pattern may take 10 to 20 minutes to construct. The interlacing and tiling will take longer. As you work through the course, you will develop your compass and ruler and construction skills. Each pattern is a level up from the previous.
You will need a compass, ruler, pencil, plain paper, tracing paper, eraser and masking tape. I also use watercolour pencils and an aquabrush. However, you will gain enough skills to be able to transfer a pattern to the surface of your choice - how you add the colour is up to you, colouring pens or pencils, paints and beyond!
This course is aimed at beginners with an interest in the geometric patterns they have seen in and around the Islamic world and beyond. Many people haven't used a compass since their school days, if that's you, you can rediscover all the potential it holds.
All the videos on this course feature a remixed version of the song "Montmartre" by Jahzzar, from the Free Music Archive used under CC BY-SA 3.0
Who this course is for:
- Suitable for beginners particularly those who have an interest in pattern, symmetry and geometry.
- If you have previous experience of constructing patterns, do have a look at the four patterns on this course as they may be familar to you already and therefore this course isnt for you.
Instructor
- 4.7 Instructor Rating
- 1,089 Reviews
- 3,736 Students
- 2 Courses
In Short
An artist and educator with a passion for Islamic Geometry. By tapping into my 12 years teaching Mathematics at secondary school, I have been able to share my passion for the compass and straight edge constructions of Islamic Geometric Patterns in the UK, abroad and online since September 2015. For me it is an immensely satisfying pursuit, from analysing and constructing the patterns, to painting them in watercolours and gouache and most of all, sharing with others, bringing this art form to a wider audience.
See what I've been up to in my NEWS section on my website homepage
A bit longer...
I use my background in Mathematics and Education to share my knowledge and artistic passion. Breathing new life into the centuries-old technique of straight edge & compasses geometry to recreate geometric patterns from the Islamic Lands.
I research & analyses the geometry of these patterns to create intriguing and beautiful art. I'm not necessarily a traditional artist and love working intuitively, reimagining these great patterns with a fresh eye in contemporary colours & styles.
In the last year, I was commissioned to complete my first Public Artwork as part of a local project called Northolt Art Stops in West London. I also completed my first brand collaboration with Porsche Middle East as the Artist for the 2024 Porsche Ramadan campaign. I produced a range of contemporary designs which were used for Ramadan and Eid by Porsche Centres and Partners across the Middle East in their social media, promotions, showrooms and beyond.
I've dedicated the bottom of my homepage to NEWS to record the exciting things I've been involved in since the summer of 2016.
For the last 8 years, I've has regularly led workshops in the UK, abroad as well as reaching many online through live and recorded classes, social media, YouTube channel, Udemy and Patreon. Being part of a global community enables her to teach online with her own courses and workshops as well as bespoke workshops in collaboration with schools, societies, museums, charities, corporate staff events and families.
My biggest motivation is to share this intellectual & beautiful heritage from the Islamic Lands and the immensely satisfying pursuits they involve with the widest possible audience. I'm passionate about contextualising the patterns I teach, so that we can know & enjoy the beautiful intersection of history, religion, geography, art, design and mathematics that occurs when we recreate these beautiful geometric patterns.