Intermediate Andalusian Moroccan Illumination
GENERAL INFORMATION
In this program, students will learn the basic techniques of Zakhrafa, the Andalusian tradition of Islamic Illumination.
- Course Title: Intermediate Andalusian Maghribi Illumination
- Course Schedule:
October 6 – Dec 15, 2024
[Break]
Jan 5 – Feb 16, 2025
[Break]
April 6 – May 18, 2025 - Time: Sundays 7 PM UTC
- Course Format: Online corrections (2 hours) / recorded lessons 15-30 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Instructor: Fouad Blili
- Age Restriction: 15+
- Installment plans available through PayPal and customer’s credit card.

THE CONTENT AND AIM OF THE PROGRAM
Andalusian Maghribi Illumination represents an Islamic decorative style that originated in the North African region and spread to Andalusia with the expansion of Islam in the region. This decorative style was widely used in Andalusian Moroccan architecture and handicrafts.
One of its prominent applications was the embellishment of Qur’ans and Islamic books, making it one of the notable uses of Andalusian Moroccan ornament. These decorations are characterized by intricate and complex details, combining botanical and geometric elements beautifully and harmoniously. They also feature precious materials such as gold and silver in their coloring and vibrant colors. This reflects a refined taste and high craftsmanship in design and manual execution, capturing the spirit of creativity and beauty in Andalusian Moroccan culture.
The course consists of three modules based on the fundamental stages of Moroccan-Andalusian ornament: the geometric design stage, the floral ornamentation design stage, and the application stage. The course begins with an introduction to Andalusian Maghribi ornament, its features, evolution, and applications. Students will analyze the components of the Moroccan-Andalusian decorative panel and become familiar with different decorative elements such as calligraphy, geometric patterns, and vegetal motifs.
Classes will be conducted online using Zoom, and instructional pre-recorded videos. Whatsapp will be used for communication, sharing information, and homework.

Students are expected to allocate 10 hours per week to attend live online classes, practice, and prepare their lessons for submission.


Material name | Colors/Details | Recommended Brand | Quantity |
Gold paint | Real 22k-24k gold (optional) | Schmincke Horadam Aquarell | 1 |
Gold paint | Pearl Gold | Pentel (Poster Color) | 1 |
Gouache | Primary cyan Indian Yellow Primary magenta |
Schmincke Akademie Gouache | 1 1 1 |
Gouache | White 100 Primary Yellow 205 Vermillion 311 Carmine 318 Blue Cyan 501 |
Royal Talens Designer Tempera | 1 1 1 1 1 |
Water-based ink | Schwarz black | Rotring | 1 |
Brushes | 1, 0, 00, 000 (all 4 sizes required) | Winsor And Newton 7 series | 1 of each size |
Fineliner in black (waterproof) | 0.03mm | Uni | 1 |
Geometric compass | Compass includes universal adapter, extension bar, extra needles |
Staedtler Comfort | 1 |
Mechanical pencil | 0.5 mm lead | 1 | |
Eraser | 1 | ||
12 inch ruler | 1 | ||
Translucent/tracing paper | 1 roll/pad A4 |
||
Paper | A3 graph paper (necessary) A3 tracing paper (necessary) Practice/watercolor papers, measuring 50/40 cm or larger (necessary) |
Size A3 : 2 Size A4: 3 |
|
Practice paper | Canson paper/ Printer paper |
unspecified | |
Light Box | A3 light box for tracing(optional but gives better results than tracing paper) |
||
Wheat Starch | 1 packet | ||
Water activated adhesive tape | 1 |
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR
Fouad Blili
Ustadh Fuad Blili is a highly accomplished Moroccan Illumination artist renowned for his specialization in the intricate Maghribi-Andalusian style.
Ustadh Fouad Blili is a highly accomplished Moroccan Illumination artist renowned for his specialization in the intricate Maghribi-Andalusian style. With a distinguished educational background, he is currently the Professor of Maghribi Ornamental Art at Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco.
Ustadh Fouad Blili has participated in numerous national and international calligraphy exhibitions and conferences and has received multiple awards for excellence in his field, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.
In addition to his academic and exhibition endeavors, Ustadh Fouad Blili is deeply involved in the meticulous design and illumination of the Holy Quran.