Draw panels from exquisite geometric and biomorphic sandstone carvings from the Agra fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, north India.

Acanthus ~ Scroll Ornament Saturday & Sunday ~ 6&7th April 2024 15:00- 18:30

ON-LINE SERIES: Structured progressive programme of classes presented by Richard Henry. Recordings and all supporting media available here.

Study a range of patterns from the Islamic Geometry Journal and receive a FREE SIGNED COPY of the Journal. Suitable for beginner-intermediate level students, participants join LIVE sessions and receive feedback on their work, as well as receive life-time access to class recordings to work through material at own pace.

Short format classes for COMPLETE BEGINNERS. Class videos, together with PDF e-Booklets with step by step instructions available here.

Our most in-depth FOUNDATION COURSE covering all main families of Islamic Geometric Patterns. Suitable for beginners and those seeking a more structured approach. Class videos together with PDF e-Booklets with step by step instructions available here.

The spiral is a timeless universal symbolise, a mysterious form that governs nature and the cosmos and enables life, from the golden growth of our DNA to the coil of a fern and rotation of a wave. In this special practical course we will explore these formulas through a serious of exquisite drawings, models and presentations. We will draw spiral patterns used in architecture including an ionic volute and projected conical spirals. We will also draw the spiral of Theodorus, Archimedean & logarithmic spirals and create simple and stunning models.

Over 2 sessions we will draw the geometric and biomorphic (arabesque) patterns from the famous Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque.

Learn how to construct stunning geometric and arabesque 12 fold Frontispiece patterns over two afternoons.

Learn how to construct stunning 10 fold Geometric Persian Pattern

In this extended class learn how to draw this sublime 16 fold rosette carved into the walls of the Court of Lions in the Alhambra Palace, Granada Spain.

We will draw a pentagonal net, a logarithmic gold spiral and then build a dodecahedron.

In this class we will draw this geometric pattern for the famous Lotfollah Dome in Isfahan built during the Safavid Empire, 1619

Draw a moorish horseshoe and multi-foil arch and learn about the extraordinary evolution of the arch throughout civilisations across the world.

Learn how to draw this biomorphic stucco 8 fold rosette from the Bou Inania Madrasa (1356) Fez Morocco.

Learn how to draw this sublime 10 fold rosette in this extended one off session. We are very excited to share this remarkable pattern found in both the Bou Inania Madrasa (1356) and the Al-Attarine Madrasa (1331) in Fez Morocco.n

Learn how to draw Dynamic Biomorphic Patterns

We will draw and fold a series of variations on the Moroccan zelij 8 fold rosette and investigate octagon and square Semiregular Tessellation.

This class will be in two parts, in the first section we will complete projected isometric drawings of the 5 solids with compass + straight edge. In the second optional session we will build the platonic solids with chickpeas and cocktail sticks.

Learn how to draw the famous 8 fold pattern adorning the Sultan Lajin minbar built for the Mosque of Ibn Tulun (1296). We will also sketch out and discuss the biomorphic (arabesque) carved inside the geometric shapes.

Using paper we will create an array of models and 3-dimensional static and kinetic structures. We will create a series of artworks including a structures that can be used as lanterns and decorative features for your home!

Learn how to draw this famous Alicatados masterpiece of the Mexuar found in the Alhambra Palace over a special 3 part extended class.

Learn how to draw this famous Alicatados masterpiece of the Mexuar found in the Alhambra Palace over a special 3 part extended class.

Learn how to draw this famous Alicatados masterpiece of the Mexuar found in the Alhambra Palace over a special 3 part extended class.

Learn how to compose classical layouts for biomorphic, arabesque, tezhib boarders.

We will draw variations on these stunning kundekari 12 fold rosettes from The Great Mosque of Damascus and the Azem Palace.

Learn how to dynamic drop patterns that adorn the domes of medieval Cario This class will combine both freehand and geometric elements. There will be an overview of the terminology associated within decorative forms and explore the various motifs and compositional devices.

Learn how to draw this stunning biomorphic stained glass and plaster composition from the Suleymaniye Camii, 1550.  This is a very neat geometric sign-wave underlaying grid and dilimi fractal rumi patterns to explore.

Learn how to draw biomorphic compositions within the various geometric forms. We will design patterns that fit within a luza, pentagon, saft and various stars including the khatam. We will study wooden and brass plated panels and explore classic rosette compositions.

Learn how to draw this Moorish geometric and biomorphic stucco pattern of the famous Facade of Comares on the Patio of the Gilded Room where at the foot of this wall the Sultan received his citizens.

Learn how this delicate knot work from the Alhambra Palace.

Learn how this delicate knot work from the Alhambra Palace.

This class is a continuation of the Hatayi border class but maybe take as a stand alone session. Learn how to draw a series of Hatayi motifs famously used to adorn Iznik tiles and illuminated manuscripts across Turkey and Persian. The class will end with a BOARDER Pattern.

Celtic Key Compass Rosette

Learn how to draw a series of Hatayi motifs famously used to adorn Iznik tiles and illuminated manuscripts across Turkey and Persian. The class will end with a shamsah (Little Sun) Pattern.

Draw this exquisite 14th century marble medallion that adorns the southern façade of Cairo’s Aslam al-Silahdar Mosque. A geometric symphony of curved knotwork and floral flourishes welcomes all who visit this sacred site. 

Special session discussing the place of Calligraphy with the decorative canon comprising of Calligraphy, Geometry and Arabesque.

We will explore compass constructions for tirskelle’s and early Selduk Rumi.

Learn how to work biomorphic compositions into architectural features. This class will include drawing arches and decorative features.

Learn a series of drawing techniques to build geometric patterns using just pencil and paper. Practice skills that aid sketching on site and improve hand eye coordination and deeper connection to archetypal patterns.

In this practical class we will draw this stunning marble carving and band from the entrance to the 14th Century Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan in Cairo, Egypt. 

To celebrate the arts and crafts and rich decorative history of Afghanistan we will study the famous Boteh symbol  (also know as the paisley) over two sessions. This sacred symbol representing the (cypress) tree of life and originally the Zoroaster sacred flame proliferates the sublime Great Mosque of Herat in Afghanistan.

Experience one of the most satisfying carving processes and complete a sublime artwork. This is a unique opportunity to experience plaster carving with a practicing sculptor.

Study patterns from the The Forbidden City in Beijing, China. From Kelantan, Malaysia and Jepara, Java. Many Islamic styles in the Middle East have been inspired by Chinese art forms and then returned to Southeast Asia in a confluence of styles resulting in sublime syncretic masterpieces.

Special anniversary session and sharing - next week will be exactly 1 year since the first online class! Drawing the Jali carving from Sidi Saiyyid ni Jali Show and Tell

Over 2 classes We will draw the characteristic twisted-cable marble and mosaic patterns of Sultan Hasan Mosque Cairo and Hisham’s Palace in Jericho constructed in the 8th century as the Winter Palace for the Umayyad Caliph.

Bouiania Biomorphs

Draw this sublime geometric and biomorphic Persian pattern from the 14th Century Jāmeh Mosque of Yazd.

In this class we revisit the stunning rosette panel in the Court of Lions at the Alhambra Palace in Granada. We draw the full extended geometric and biomorphic pattern over a 2 part class.

The Intrados is the interior curve of an arch, adorning the passage or heavenly gateway. Vines spiral and flow from the arch apex bifurcating into blooming motifs.  Over three classes we will take in patterns from Fez, Cairo through Istanbul and Agra to Isfahan and beyond.

New 2 part series exploring the roots of Islamic ornamentation, we will draw 5 soffits from Ibn Tulun in Cairo.

raw this sublime 17th century Safavid 8 fold pattern under the Iwan at the entrance gate to the Sheikh Lotfollah in Isfahan. The body of the sumptuous bioficating spiral pattern is a series of reflecting isosceles triangles surrounding a central illuminated 16 fold peacock medallion

~ Hamsa ~ UPCOMING LIVE CLASS - 17:30- 20:00, 11 Jan 2022

We will be broadcasting live drawing classes from the most important moorish monuments in Andalusia, Spain. the Alhambra Palace Granada, Alcazba Sevilla and Mesquita Cordoba.

Draw a stunning golden proportion net and then use it to build a series of slide polyhedra models.

Join us for a free conscious drawing practice to raise funds for the ongoing humanitarian crisis, spotlighting the power of art, history, and universal prayer as a means to bring diverse communities together. The spirit of this event is to transcend politics and religion, focusing on the inherent humanity we all share.