Taught by Richard Henry, this introductory workshop is suitable for beginners, or those seeking to refresh their skills.

This is the first of an ON-LINE series of workshops exploring 5-fold symmetry.

Patterns based upon 5 and 10-fold symmetry are among the most beautiful and subtle found within Islamic art. We will look in particular at the stunning 10-fold rosette patterns, the use of the Golden Section in these designs and the proportional design modules from which these designs can be generated.

There are a number of traditional approaches to drawing these designs, as well as more recent ‘polygonal’ methods. In this workshops will explore the ‘polygonal’ method. There will be a brief contextual slide lecture, exploring the historical significance of these patterns and each student will receive a video recording of the workshop and a PDF handouts detailing the steps undertaken to re-create the design.  The course content will complement, but differ from our other ON-LINE workshops. (Scroll through gallery in banner above to see images of historical 10-fold designs and former students’ work ).

REQUIRED equipment & materials

• A compass (recommended compass is the Rotring Master Bow)
• A ruler
• Cartridge paper, 3 sheets – A3 size ideally heavy weight (150gsm plus)
• Range of Pencils (6B-4H)
• Tracing paper
• Masking Tape
• Zero Eraser or equivalent
• Scissors
• Optional – Coloured pencils.
• Optional – Fine line drawing pens (useful to have, but not essential)

Cut-stone pattern from tomb of Itimad-Ud-Duala, Agra, North India.