Introduction And Intermediate Andalusian Moroccan Illumination

Introduction and Intermediate Andalusian Moroccan Illumination

GENERAL INFORMATION

In this program, students will learn the basic techniques of Zakhrafa, the Andalusian tradition of Islamic Illumination.

Subject: Introduction to Andalusian Maghribi Illumination
Course Format: Online
Duration: September 7 – Dec 15, 2024
[Break]
Jan 11 – Feb 22, 2025
[Break]
April 12 – May 24, 2025
[Break]
June 14 – August 2, 2025
Time: 7 PM UTC Saturdays Click to convert to your local time zone.
Instructor: Ustadh Fouad Blili
Course Format: Online corrections (2 hours) / recorded lessons 15-30 minutes
Prerequisites: None
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.

COURSE MODULES

Module 1: Geometric Design

Students will practice drawing geometric designs and be assigned a project to create a design of geometric patterns for their artwork.

Module 2. Floral Ornamentation Design

Students will learn to design floral ornamentation units and their various elements. Students will understand basic ornamentation and design elements, such as the basic unit of pattern structure, binary leaves, individual leaves, links, and flowers. Students will also construct plant units for the geometric design created in the first module.

Module 3: Application Stage

Students will learn techniques for gilding, outlining, and coloring in ornament. Students will become familiarized with the tools and materials used in these techniques and will learn to apply gilding, outlining, and coloring techniques to the decorative panel designed.

Classes will be conducted online using Zoom, and instructional pre-recorded videos. Whatsapp will be used for communication, sharing information, and homework.

ESTIMATED TIME COMMITMENT

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

REQUIRED MATERIALS

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.

Moroccan Illumination