A practical guide to drawing and painting beautiful Islamic botanical patterns.
The ancient art of Islamic pattern is steeped in tradition, with dazzling motifs inspired by geometry and nature. Islamic biomorphic patterns are the floral, organic and flowing designs that usually sit within a geometric frame and are sometimes referred to as Arabesque, Islimi or Rumi. These patterns can be found on anything from grand architectural monuments to illuminated manuscripts.
In this practical guide, learn how to analyse 12 patterns from the Islamic world, such as Iznik pottery from Turkey and mosaics from Uzbekistan, and draw them with a combination of geometry and freehand technique. Then, discover how to paint these patterns in contemporary and traditional ways, and explore colour harmony with watercolour or gouache. Experienced artist Esra Alhamal also teaches you how to produce your own shell gold, prepare your paper, and outline with ink and a brush to create stunning Islamic art compositions.
Following the historic way of learning from the masters, Esra starts each project by introducing and analysing a pattern sourced from historic ceramic tiles and illuminated manuscripts before showing you how to reproduce it with colourful step-by-step instructions. Soon you will have the knowledge to understand how these biomorphic patterns came to be and gain the skills to recreate designs and paint them beautifully.
Introduction
Personal Pattern Exploration
The World of Patterns
How to Use This Book
Part I: Pattern Development and History
The Islamic World
The Influence of History on the Development of Islamic Patterns
Part II: Pattern Study
Six-pointed Star Grid
Studying Biomorphic Nabati Patterns
Eight-pointed Star Grid
Part III: Painting Patterns
Contemporary Painting Styles
Islamic Illumination Painting Style
Conclusion
Suppliers
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Credits
Appendix: Motif Database
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