Ayyubid Allure: Traditional Painting Technique Community Session with Tasneem Afaneh
Tasneem Afaneh
Explore the timeless beauty of Ayyubid-era painting techniques in this engaging online workshop. Whether you're an experienced painter or a curious beginner, this session is a unique opportunity to connect with history, refine your skills, and create your own artwork inspired by Ayyubid traditions.
GUEST ARTIST
Tasneem Afaneh
Artist
Through my work, I hope to inspire people to discover the beauty of Islamic art, particularly geometric patterns, and to encourage them to understand this art on a deeper level. I aim to shift their perception of these designs from simply viewing them as a collection of beautiful lines and shapes to appreciating the geometric brilliance and craftsmanship behind them. Personally, I am very much looking forward to leaving a mark in the field of preserving decorative arts in Al-Aqsa Mosque. Also, I aspire to do an analytical and documentary study of the geometric decorations that fill the sides of Al-Aqsa Mosque in order to protect them for future generations.
Guest Artist Works
Check out the works from our guest artists.
We are glad you asked! Check out our website and Instagram for upcoming, in-person and past events! Otherwise, you can sign up to this form and we’ll make sure to send you updates about our upcoming events right in your inbox.
Yes! You can join our events even if you’re not a member. The only difference between members and non-members is the event ticket price. Members also get more “perks” included in the membership. For more information check this page
No, the community membership opens few times a year. If you are reading this during the close cart time, you can join the waitlist and get notified when the registration open again.
- Every month we will host one drawing session and one painting technique session
- Once every quarter we will host a one-panel discussion
- Once a year networking event
We will be conducting all of our sessions online on Zoom. The link will be sent by email before the event.
As all teachers are fluent in English, the challenge will be conducted in English throughout the whole course.
Besides learning how to draw and/or paint different Islamic geometric patterns, you will learn the history behind them, techniques and tips that enable you to experiment and discover beyond them.
In addition, through our guest artists, you will learn unique perspectives to the art that are relevant to the art today, adding to your breadth and experience.
You can access all the information on your Thinkific account https://gcia.thinkific.com/users/sign_in
The recording will be uploaded after the session on your Thinkific account. You can access it here https://gcia.thinkific.com/users/sign_in
The recording will be available for two weeks (for non-members) and unlimited access (for members).
PDF tutorials will be uploaded on Thinkific for our community members. If you are one of them find them on your Thinkific account here https://gcia.thinkific.com/users/sign_in
Sure our PDFs are downloadable but please don’t share them with others. Thank you for your collaboration.
You are not allowed to teach or share the patterns, techniques or resources covered in the classes with others. You can though follow it to draw and paint your designs and utilise it in different mediums
The Community Platform is only available for our members. You are welcome to join us here.
Our Instagram handle is @gcislamicart and the hashtag we are going to use are #GCIACommunity #Islamicartcommunity
Each session will be different and a detailed list will be sent to you prior to the session.
In general, these are the tools recommended
Geometry sessions:
- Compass (Spring compass with adapter is preferable)
- Ruler
- Set square (optional)
- Soft lead pencil and hard lead pencil (mechanical pencil 0.5mm 2H and 0.7mm B are preferable)
- Eraser (Clic Eraser is preferable)
- Tracing paper
- Smooth surface paper (Bristol paper is preferable)
- Masking tape (optional)
Painting sessions:
- Drawing from the drawing session
- Thick paper (300gsm suggested)
- Colours of preference (watercolour, acrylics, crayons, felt-tip pens etc)
Biomorphic sessions:
- Copy paper, size A3 or A3 sketch pad
- Tracing paper, A4 or A3
- Watercolour paper 1, size A3
- Compass (Spring compass is preferable)
- Masking tape
- Pencils (H, HB, 2B)
- Eraser
- Ruler
- Coloured pencils or watercolors (round brushes, palette, container etc)
Digital sessions:
- Geogebra Classic 6
- Infinite Painter
Please email us at salam@gcislamicart.com
Ayyubid Allure: Traditional Painting Technique Community Session with Tasneem Afaneh
Join accomplished artist Tasneem Afaneh on 26th April 2025 at 2 PM BST via Zoom as she demonstrates traditional methods and shares insights into the cultural significance of this exquisite art form.
