Miniature Art Course: Tree Painting – Artistic and Symbolic Expression

Techniques of Depicting and Coloring Trees in Miniature Painting

This course, led by Filiz Adıgüzel,a specialist in Ottoman miniature techniques, focuses on both the artistic and symbolic dimensions of tree painting. Students will work on at least four different types of trees, mastering their forms, color layering, and the delicate brush technique known as tahrir.

The course emphasizes the aesthetic and symbolic role of trees in miniature art, combining practical exercises with contextual discussions. Students will begin with the cypress tree, a recurring motif in classical miniatures symbolizing eternity, strength, and elegance. Through analytical drawing, hatching, and cross-hatching, participants will develop brush control to capture its slender, graceful form, while exploring its symbolic role in creating vertical balance within miniature compositions.

The focus will then shift to dense-leafed trees, highlighting their dynamic shapes and rich textures. Students will practice tonal gradation, stippling, and fine brushwork to convey depth, volume, and movement in interwoven branches and foliage.

بعد ذلك، ينتقل التركيز إلى الأشجار الكثيفة الأوراق التي تتميز بأشكالها الديناميكية وملمسها الغني. من خلال تمارين تركز على التدرج اللوني، والتنقيط، والعمل بالفرشاة الدقيقة، سيتعلم الطلاب كيفية إظهار الحجم والعمق والحركة في تراكيب الأغصان المتشابكة والمظللة.

Finally, the course will explore the flowering spring tree, a symbol of renewal and the transient beauty of life. Using soft brushstrokes, pastel layering, and subtle color blending, students will learn to express delicacy, vitality, and symbolic resonance.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained fundamental skills in depicting trees through traditional miniature techniques, along with a deeper understanding of their cultural meanings and compositional power.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, participants will: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the aesthetic, technical, and symbolic dimensions of tree painting in miniature art. Master traditional techniques such as tahrir (fine outlining), hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and layered colouring. Develop brush control to capture natural forms with detail and precision. Understand the symbolic meanings of trees—such as eternity, strength, renewal—and their compositional functions.

Learning Objectives:

Rooted in the rich traditions of Ottoman miniature art and inspired by a contemporary artistic sensibility, this course invites participants to explore the natural world from an aesthetic perspective. Under the guidance of Filiz Adıgüzel, a seasoned and innovative miniature artist—students will study and depict different types of trees, blending historical symbolism with advanced technical skills.

Through practical exercises and contextual discussions, participants will develop artistic fluency and a deeper cultural understanding of the enduring symbols within the art of miniatures.

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

• Identify and draw at least four distinct types of trees commonly represented in miniature art.
• Apply traditional brush techniques, including tahrir (fine outlining), hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling, to achieve texture, depth, and fine detail.
• Master color layering techniques to render natural elements with vibrant hues and high precision.
• Construct balanced miniature compositions that express both aesthetic harmony and cultural symbolism.
• Engage in creative experimentation, exploring different miniature styles under the guidance of an artist who bridges classical traditions with contemporary techniques.

Age Group:: Adults (Ages 16+))

Course Language:: English

Course Schedule:

 Monday to Thursday, 27 – 30 October 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 4 teaching days Total Hours: 8 instructional hours
Fee: AED 20 per hour – AED 160 total

Certificate:

Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation from 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), where she serves as Head of the Department of Turkish Traditional Arts. She is recognised as both a distinguished artist specialising in miniature painting and a leading academic who skillfully bridges classical Ottoman miniature techniques with modern approaches.

Her work draws inspiration from nature—particularly trees and plants—imbued with symbolic richness and intricate detail. Since 2018, she has collaborated with contemporary artist Halil Altındere on bold miniature reinterpretations that engage with historical narratives to address contemporary political and social issues.

Professor Adıgüzel’s work has been exhibited in numerous national and international exhibitions. In her teaching, she emphasizes precise brushwork, layered colors, and the symbolic dimensions of visual storytelling, guiding her students toward immersive artistic experiences that balance technical mastery with poetic interpretation.

Terms and Conditions:

• Fees include all instructional hours and materials provided during the in-person course.
• Fees are non-refundable after registration.
• No make-up sessions will be provided.