Ornamental Drawing Series

Course Details & Booking

10% fees for online classes go to unicef’s children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal

Concessionary and student rates are available on request for those unable to afford class fees

Questions
adamzoomclasses@gmail.com

3 course Bundle

Sign up for 4 live online classes + 2 RECORDINGS – bundle

We’re delighted to offer these three upcoming online workshops as a combined study series, bringing together geometry, ornament, and architectural detail across three distinct traditions.

Join us for a journey through tessellation, rotational symmetry, and carved pattern, exploring how ornament grows from structure — whether in wallpaper design, metalwork, or architectural wood carving.

10% fees for online classes go to unicef’s children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal

All classes finish before UK Iftar

Included Workshops

Ottoman Door Knockers & Roundels of Istanbul

CLASS RECORDING
Study rotational symmetry through the brass knockers and bosses (kapı tokmağı and kapı göbeği) that mark the thresholds of Ottoman architecture.

William Morris: Hidden Geometry & Wallpaper Tessellations

28 February & 1 March 2026
Uncover the repeat systems behind Morris’s iconic wallpapers and create a fully painted repeating pattern.

Persian Wooden Door Panels: Carved Geometry

7&8 March 2026
Draw deeply carved hexagonal panel systems filled with Samarra-derived arabesque, exploring the relationship between geometry and relief carving.

Schedule

All workshops run across two sessions and begin at 3:00 pm (UK time) each day.

If you’re unable to attend live, you’re very welcome to skip the live sessions and work from the recordings, which are provided in full after each class with lifetime access.

Bundle Offer

Book all three workshops together as a combined series for:

£89 (normally £105)

A reduced rate for those wishing to study the courses as one connected programme.

Each workshop includes:

2 live guided sessions
Step-by-step drawing tuition
Lifetime access to recordings
Supporting resources and reference material

Across the series, you’ll complete multiple finished drawings while building a deeper understanding of ornamental systems across cultures and materials.

Practical drawing class with a short introductory lecture
All abilities welcome (no drawing experience required)
Please arrive on time so the step-by-step progression is clear
Downloadable recording

Also in Online Class Archive

The Lotus

Drawing the Lotus: Indo-Islamic Carving Motifs

The Mughal Colonnade

Join us for a two-part deep dive into the elegance and symbolism of Mughal architecture as we draw a classic three-arch Mughal colonnade, complete wit...

William Morris Wallpaper

This two-part online workshop explores how Morris transformed organic motifs — flowers, vines, birds, and leaves — into precise tessellation syste...

Ottoman Roundels

A two-day online workshop exploring the rotational geometry and metal craft of Ottoman Istanbul’s door knockers and bosses, guiding you step by step...

Persian Door

Draw this exceptional 12th-century Persian wooden door panel, and leave with a fully rendered study capturing its geometric structure, carved foliate ...

Wrought Iron Ornament – 3 evenings in May

A three-evening online drawing series exploring the history, geometry, and forged craft of wrought iron ornament — guiding you step by step to creat...

Patterns of Shah Rukn-e-Alam

In this special 4 part drawing meditation we will gradually create a large drawing composing of 9 biomorphic and geometric patterns that adorn the stu...

Cordoba Biomorphs

Over 2 sessions we will draw the biomorphic (arabesque) patterns from the famous Mezquita of Córdoba.

Uzbek Columns

Over 2 sessions we will draw and explore the carved wooden columns of Uzbekistan

The Spiral

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...

The Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque

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

Patterns from Abo Heriba

Over 2 sessions we will draw and explore carved panels from Abo Heriba, Cairo

Sultan Uljaytu’s Frontispiece

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

Luza’s & Sormedan’s

Learn how to construct stunning 10 fold Geometric Persian Pattern

Yazd Rosette

Learn to Draw this mesmeric ancient Persian radial shamsah rosette from the 12th Century JÄmeh Mosque of Yazd, Iran.

The Court of Lions Rosette

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 Spai...

Golden Spiral & dodecahedron

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

Lotfollah Shamsah Dome

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

Horseshoe Arch

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

Darj w ktaf Patterns

We will draw and fold a series of variations on Darj w ktaf (step and shoulder) pattern famously used throughout the Alhambra palace and moroccan arch...

The Bou Inania Tablet

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

The Jewel of the Attarine

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 th...

Dynamic Biomorphic

Learn how to draw Dynamic Biomorphic Patterns

Moroccan Rosettes

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

Rustem Pasha BabaNakkash

Learn to draw this stunning 6 fold Pattern from the Ottoman Rustem Pasha Camii.

Platonic Solids

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 t...

The Minbar of Ibn Tulun

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 dis...

Persian Miniature Painting

Jahangiri Mahal Carvings

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

Paper Folding FREE

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 stru...

Yazd Isometric Biomorph

Learn how to construct stunning geometric and arabesque/islimi patterns from medieval Iran/Persia.

The Mystery of the Mexuar, 1

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

The Mystery of the Mexuar, 2

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

The Mystery of the Mexuar, 3

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

Biomorphic Borders

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

Mamluk Medallion

Learn how to draw this glorious woven radial biomorphic (arabesque) Mamluk pattern. This class will combine both freehand and geometric elements. Th...

Umayyad Doors

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

Ornamental Domes of Cairo

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...

Suleymaniye Stained Glass

Learn how to draw this stunning biomorphic stained glass and plaster composition from the Suleymaniye Camii, 1550. This is a very neat geometric si...

Kundekari Panel

Learn how to draw biomorphic compositions within the various geometric forms. We will design patterns that fit within a luza, pentagon, saft and vario...

Celtic & Islamic Knotwork

We will discuss connections between Islamic and Celtic Knotwork before Adam Tetlow teaches a stunning pattern.

The Façade of Comares

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 fo...

Radial Celtic Knotwork

Nasrid Knotwork

Learn how this delicate knot work from the Alhambra Palace.

Curvilinear Star

Learn how this delicate knot work from the Alhambra Palace.

Moorish Stucco

HATAYI BORDER

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 famousl...

Key Compass Rosette

Celtic Key Compass Rosette

HATAYI SHAMSAH

Learn how to draw a series of Hatayi motifs famously used to adorn Iznik tiles and illuminated manuscripts across Turkey and Persian. The class wil...

Aslam al-Silahdar medallion

Draw this exquisite 14th century marble medallion that adorns the southern façade of Cairo’s Aslam al-Silahdar Mosque. A geometric symphony of curv...

Petals of Jericho .

Draw the stunning Umayyad torus mosaic patterns from Hisham’s palace in Jericho, Palestine. The mosaic floor in the Great Bath 825m², which is th...

Calligraphy in the Decorative canon

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

The Circle in Celtic and Seljuk

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

Spandrels & Arches

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

FREE HAND GEOMETRY

Learn a series of drawing techniques to build geometric patterns using just pencil and paper. Practice skills that aid sketching on site and improve h...

The Dome of Ali Qapu

Online session absorbing the hidden majesty of the sublime 16th Century Dome of Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan. Its delicate earthy tempora contrasting th...

Sultan Hassan Stone Rosette

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 C...

Enneagon Muqarnas , art of Afghanistan

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 tw...

Plaster Carving

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

Biomorphs of the Indomalayan Realm

Study patterns from the The Forbidden City in Beijing, China. From Kelantan, Malaysia and Jepara, Java. Many Islamic styles in the Middle East have be...

Bronze Doors of Cairo

In this practical class we will draw the unique bronze-plated door of Sultan Qalawun and Barquq courtyards.

The Tree of Life

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

CABLE LOOPS

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 ...

Bouiania Biomorphs

Yazd 12 & 8

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

Intrados, Part 1,2&3

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 bl...

Dual Level Patterns

Court of Lions Expansion PART 1 & 2

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 b...

Ibn Tulun Stucco Soffits

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 bl...

Samarra Stucco

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

Patterns of Palermo ~ Moorish Sicily

RECORDED LIVE ON LOCATION IN ITALY We will explore Sicilys rich history and confluence of styles through two Unseco World Heritage sites. A cultura...

Lotfollah Iwan Panel

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...

Hamsa

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

Patterns live from Spain

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

Festive Polyhedra

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

Acanthus ~ Scroll Ornament

ONLINE – Online Drawing Prayer / Fundraiser

Join us for a free conscious drawing practice to raise funds for the ongoing humanitarian crisis, spotlighting the power of art, history, and universa...