Rumi Borders in the Art of Illumination

3- week online workshop with Nagihan Seymour

Jan 8, 15, and 22, 2027 | 10 am - 12 pm ET

Fee: $120

Open to all skill levels | Recordings will be available

Course Description

In this three-week online workshop, artist Nagihan Seymour will teach participants traditional border design in Tezhip, with a particular focus on Rumi motifs. The course will begin with some background on the history of Tezhip and the development of its traditional motifs and designs. Participants will then look more closely at Rumi motifs, learning their basic structure and how they are used within border compositions.

Through step-by-step demonstrations, the instructor will guide participants through drawing a border design and preparing it for painting. The final week will focus on painting techniques, colour choices, outlining, and small details that help give the work a clean and finished appearance.

Course Schedule

Jan 8 (Week 1): Tezhip and Rumi Motifs

Introduction to the history of Tezhip and traditional border designs. Participants will learn about Rumi motifs, their structure, and how to draw them step by step.

Jan 15 (Week 2) - Border Drawing

Using the motifs introduced in the first week, participants will work on two forms of border design: circular and square. These can be used as standalone artworks or to decorate around a calligraphy piece or other central artwork. The session will cover layout, repetition, proportion, and how to create a balanced composition.

Jan 22 (Week 3) - Painting and Outlining

Participants will paint their border design using suitable Tezhip painting techniques. The instructor will demonstrate color application, fine brushwork, outlining, and finishing techniques, as well as sharing practical tips for achieving neat and refined results.

Time: 10 am - 12 pm ET (https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter)

Skill level: Beginner and continuing students. The workshop is suitable for beginners as well as those who already have some experience with Tezhip and would like to improve their drawing and painting skills.

Materials List

• Tracing paper

• 0 and 000 paintbrushes

• Gouache paint (black; preferably any other colours such as gold, blue, white)(Winsor & Newton series 7 sable watercolour brush is preferred)

• Pencil

• Eraser

• Palette

• Watercolor paper (at least 300gsm)( either cold or hot pressed), size is depending on your project, but A3 is recommended

• Ruler (minimum 30cm)

• Compass