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
- 4.8 Instructor Rating
- 1,050 Reviews
- 3,565 Students
- 2 Courses
A budding artist and experienced educator interested in tapping in to my 12 years teaching experience to lead Islamic Geometry workshops in the UK or abroad and now online.
I am a former Secondary School Mathematics teacher with a passion for understanding and teaching Islamic Geometric pattern. My interest in geometry was something I was able to share with my students throughout my 12 years of teaching. In 2013, I began learning to construct Islamic Geometric patterns more formerly when I attended Saturday courses with Adam Williamson and Richard Henry at Art of Islamic Pattern. Following several courses with them, I began painting too. Having a creative outlet had always been a part of my life since GCSE and A level Art.
In January 2015, I moved to Morocco, to learn Arabic at the American & Arabic Language Centre in Fes (ALC & ALIF). I specifically chose this wonderful city because of its inspirational surroundings. My geometry and painting continued and evolved throughout my year there. In September 2015, I taught fellow students, both Moroccan and foreign, how to construct the patterns they were surrounded by. The weekly workshops in the ALC & ALIF Riad in the heart of the Medina were a great success. A seed had been planted for something I could pursue back home in London.
In January 2016, I returned home and set about making Islamic Geometry Workshops a reality in the west of London. To date, I have lead workshops for adults as well as for children at Harrow Arts Centre, OPEN Ealing, The Art Space at Cass Art Kingston, Leeds University and now Udemy.