Introduction to the fundamentals of gilding and botanical ornamentation — Beginner level — Sunday — September to June — Specialist annual programme

Course Description

This course provides a step-by-step practical introduction to the world of floral decoration and gilding in Islamic art, combining historical knowledge, design principles, technical skills, and practical application.

Participants learn about the characteristics of Islamic botanical ornamentation, how to simplify forms inspired by nature and transform them into compositional units that are capable of being formed, matched, and repeated. They also practice drawing the basic botanical elements, such as leaves, flowers, and spiral paths, and constructing precise and balanced decorative patterns.

The course also includes an introduction to the tools and materials used in gilding, preparing the work surface, using water-based gold, and applying it with a brush, as well as the basics of painting and choosing colors that harmonize with gold.

The course concludes with an integrated project in which each participant designs and implements a manuscript cover, starting with the idea, the initial drawing, and the construction of the composition, all the way to coloring, gilding, and finishing the work.

Appointments

Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a break.

November 1, 15 and 29; December 13, 27, 2026; January 10 and 24; March 21; April 4 and 18; May 2 and 30; and June 13 and 27, 2027.

• Duration: 14 sessions.
• Total training hours: 70 hours.
• Course Language: Arabic.

Objectives

The course aims to:

• Understanding the basics of plant decoration in Islamic art.
• They understand the principles of constructing decorative compositions, including balance, symmetry, and repetition.
• Recognizing the basic plant elements, such as leaves, flowers, and the spiral path.
• Developing skills in drawing decorative patterns with precision and mastery.
• Constructing balanced and repeatable botanical decorative units.
• Recognizing the principles of designing manuscript covers and organizing frames and decorative spaces.
• Learning about the basic tools and materials used in gilding.
• Learn how to prepare the work surface and prepare it for painting and gilding.
• Training in the use of water gold and its application with a brush.
• Choosing harmonious colors and achieving harmony between them and gold.
• Converting the initial idea into an integrated decorative design.

Outputs

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Drawing a group of plant elements in a simplified and precise decorative style.
• Creating decorative units that take into account proportion, balance, and symmetry.
• Organizing plant elements within an integrated decorative framework.
• Preparing a design for a manuscript cover inspired by Islamic decoration techniques.
• Using the basic gilding tools and materials in a correct manner.
• The application of colors and gold harmonize within the composition.
• Transferring the design to the implementation level and organizing its stages.
• The completion of a decorative manuscript cover that combines floral ornamentation, coloring, and gilding.

About the Teacher

Haya Abd al-Khatbi is an Emirati artist with a bachelor's degree in education, specializing in artistic and decorative practice. She offers practical training focused on drawing plant elements, constructing decorative compositions, painting, hand-embroidery, and guiding participants through all stages of the work's execution, from the initial idea to the final project.

Location:

In person in Fujairah – School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Refund Policy

All fees are non-refundable upon completion of registration.