Ebru Art: The Connection Between Ebru, Miniature, and Ornamentation

Ebru Art: The Connection Between Ebru, Miniature, and Ornamentation

Course Overview

This course focuses on the art of Ebru, known as water painting, and explores the aesthetic and symbolic connections between it and miniature painting and ornamentation. Ebru allows the artist to create unique patterns and colors on the surface of water, then transfer them to paper or other materials, opening up a wide range of creative possibilities. In contrast, miniature painting is based on precise miniature depictions that adorn manuscripts, while ornamentation specializes in decorating surfaces with geometric, floral, and linear patterns.

During the course, participants will discover how these art forms complement one another—using Ebru designs as backgrounds for miniature or ornamental compositions to create visually harmonious artworks.
The course begins with an introduction to the history of Ebru art, its Iranian origins, and its development in Turkey, with an introduction to the most important tools, colors, and preparation techniques. Participants will then engage in practical experience in preparing colors and liquids, practicing various painting techniques such as flowers, spirals, and waves. Sessions will also be dedicated to exploring how to integrate ebru into miniatures and decoration, enhancing their understanding of the visual and symbolic relationships between these arts.
During the course, participants will discover how these art forms complement one another—using Ebru designs as backgrounds for miniature or ornamental compositions to create visually harmonious artworks.

Learning Objectives

• The course aims to enable participants to:
• Learn about the history of ebru art, its tools, colors, and various techniques.
• Develop water painting skills through precise control of hand movement and color distribution.
• Enhance creativity, patience, and focus while creating paintings.
• Enhance creativity, patience, and focus while creating paintings.
• Understand the link between cause and effect in the formation of colour patterns on the surface of water.
• Preserve an authentic artistic heritage and repurpose it in contemporary works.
• This training provides comprehensive artistic expertise, from preparing materials to creating paintings that combine traditional and modern styles.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
• Create unique, unrepeatable Ebru paintings, thanks to the uniqueness of watercolour painting.
• Execute compositions that combine Ebru, miniatures, and ornamentation, enriching the aesthetic dimensions of artwork.
• Use Ebru techniques to decorate manuscripts or decorative works.
• Express themselves and highlight their artistic sense through colours and fluid movements.
• Recognise the cultural and heritage value of Ebru art, and preserve its continuity through its practice and transmission to future generations.
• Acquire practical skills that contribute to the development of professional artistic practice and broaden horizons of innovation.

Adults (Ages 16+)

Language: Arabic

Course Schedule

• Monday to Thursday
• November 17 to 20, 2025
• Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• Four training days, totaling eight hours

Fees

• Fee: AED 20 per hour – AED 160 total

Participation Certificate

• Participants receive a certificate of participation from the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.
• A minimum attendance of 90% of the course hours is required.

School Address

Al Taif Mall Business Center – 17th Floor – Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Instructor:

Naem Al Azaibi is a visual artist specializing in miniatures, ornamentation, and Ebru. She worked as an educational supervisor for art education at the Education Office. She has numerous local participations and has held art workshops to qualify art teachers to teach art education. She also participated in numerous international events in Cairo, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, India, China, Morocco, Bangladesh, and Algeria. She won the fourth prize in the art of miniatures and decoration in Algeria. She played a major role in promoting the art of miniatures and their importance in conveying civilisations, fashions, weddings, and religious rituals, which are considered a national identity. Miniatures remain a legacy for future generations. A solo exhibition of miniatures and decoration was held in Sharjah, titled "Soft Exodus." 

A solo art exhibition was held at the University of Sharjah for Fine Arts, "Under the Shade of Palm Trees." Currently, she is studying Ottoman decoration at the IRCICA Centre in Istanbul, Turkey, online.

Terms and Conditions

• Fees include all materials and tools used.
• Refunds are not accepted after registration.
• No make-up sessions will be provided.