Miniature Art Course: Techniques for Painting Trees and Rocks – One-Day Workshop (Sunday)

Techniques of Painting Trees and Rocks in Miniature Art

Led by renowned miniature artist Filiz Adıgüzel,this intensive one-day workshop explores both the technical mastery and symbolic depth of depicting trees and rocks in classical Ottoman miniature painting. Participants will practice drawing at least four different types of trees, beginning with the iconic cypress tree—a motif symbolizing eternity and strength. Through refined brushwork and hatching techniques, students will analyze its slender, elegant form and vertical symbolism. The course then expands to lush, leafy trees and flowering spring blossoms, where students will refine their skills in tonal gradation, layered textures, and pastel blending, while reflecting on their compositional and symbolic functions within miniature art.

In parallel, students will study rock formations, from sharp cliffs to rounded boulders, learning to convey texture, mass, and light contrast through brush control and color layering. The workshop will also touch upon clouds as poetic elements, applying tahrir (fine outlining) and wash techniques to suggest movement and transience. Through practical exercises and guided critique, participants will develop the technical fluency and conceptual awareness necessary to integrate these natural forms into miniature compositions as essential carriers of visual structure, symbolism, and poetic resonance.

Learning Outcomes::

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Depict a range of trees and rocks using traditional miniature techniques such as tahrir, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and layered coloring. Demonstrate an understanding of the symbolic meanings and compositional roles of natural elements within miniatures. Apply tonal and color layering to create realistic depth, texture, and fine detail. Integrate natural motifs harmoniously into narrative miniature compositions. Engage in both classical and contemporary miniature approaches under the guidance of an expert.

Learning Objectives::

• Identify and draw at least four types of trees and multiple rock formations as commonly depicted in Ottoman miniature art.
• Apply traditional miniature techniques (tahrir, hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, color layering) for expressive depth and accuracy.
• Interpret and convey the symbolic meanings of trees, rocks, and clouds within narrative compositions.
• Demonstrate technical skill in brush control and color application to depict natural forms.
• Blend structural and symbolic elements into balanced miniature artworks.
• Experiment with traditional and modern miniature styles under professional supervision.

Age Group:: Adults (16 years and above)
Course Language:: English

Course Schedule:

Sunday, 2 November 2025
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
4 instructional hours
20 Fee: AED 20 per hour – AED 80 total

Certificate:

Participants will receive a the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.
Requirement: Attendance of at least 90% of the total course hours.

School Address:

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

Instructor Biography: Professor Filiz Adıgüzel:

Professor Filiz Adıgüzel, is a faculty member at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dokuz Eylül University (Izmir, Turkey), As the Head of the Department of Turkish Traditional Arts, she is recognised as both a prominent miniature artist and a distinguished academic, skillfully blending classical Ottoman miniature techniques with contemporary practices.

Her work often draws inspiration from nature—especially trees and plants—rendered with intricate detail and symbolic richness. Since 2018, she has collaborated with contemporary artist Halil Altındereshe has also collaborated with contemporary artist Halil Altındere on provocative miniature reinterpretations of Ottoman history that engage with current political and social issues. Her works have been exhibited widely in national and international venues, expanding the expressive potential of this historic art form. In her teaching, she emphasises fine brushwork, layered colours, and the symbolic dimensions of visual storytelling, offering her students immersive experiences that merge technical mastery with poetic interpretation.

Terms and Conditions:

• Fees include all learning hours and the materials provided within the in-person course.
• Fees are non-refundable, and attendance on the specified dates is mandatory.
• Please note that no make-up sessions are available