Intensive Miniature and Tezhib Course

The Miniature and Tezhib Course

Miniature

This course is designed for those who wish to explore the art of miniature painting and learn the fundamentals of the classical miniature tradition through hands-on practice.
Working with designs prepared by the instructor, participants will focus on essential techniques, colour application, composition and the visual language of classical miniature painting.

Course Content
– Introduction to miniature painting and its historical background
– Composition and figure concepts in miniature art
– Animal figures: drawing and painting techniques
– Scenes from the Mesnevi: narrative composition, scene arrangement and painting techniques
– Colour application and classical miniature style

Course Process

Participants will work on an animal or Mesnevi-themed design prepared by the instructor. The process begins with transferring the design onto paper, followed by step-by-step painting, colouring and detailing.

By the end of the course, each participant will have completed one miniature artwork.
Those wishing to explore two different techniques or artworks can book two course days and work on a different project each day.

Materials

All materials required for the course are provided.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:
– Understand the fundamental principles of classical miniature painting
– Develop painting, colour application and detailing skills
– Gain practical experience working with traditional miniature techniques
– Complete one finished miniature artwork

Illumination TEzhib Course

Course Content

– Introduction to classical Turkish illumination tezhib course and its traditional principles
– Introduction to classical motifs and their use within traditional compositions
– Drawing and painting Rûmî motifs and their variations
– Drawing and painting Hatâyî motifs and stylised floral forms
– Working with penç, gonca (buds), leaves and other complementary motifs as much the design includes
– Understanding the structure and arrangement of motifs within a classical composition
– Transferring a prepared design onto paper
– Traditional colour application and colour harmony
– Introduction to gold application and gilding techniques
– Fine brushwork, outlining and traditional detailing techniques
– Step-by-step completion of a classical illumination design

Course Process

Participants will work on a classical illumination design prepared by the instructor, incorporating traditional motifs such as Rûmî, Hatâyî, penç, gonca and leaves. They will be introduced to the structure and characteristics of these motifs while learning how they come together within a traditional tezhib composition.

The process includes transferring the design onto paper, colour application, gilding, outlining and fine detailing. Participants will be guided step by step through the techniques used to create the refined and intricate appearance characteristic of classical Turkish illumination.

By the end of the course, each participant will have worked towards completing one classical illumination artwork.

About the Artist
Dr Sema Yurtseven is an artist specialising in traditional Turkish arts, with a particular focus on illumination (tezhib) and miniature painting. Her practice is grounded in classical techniques and a meticulous approach to traditional craftsmanship.
Through her teaching, she aims to introduce participants to the artistic process while helping them develop technical confidence and a deeper understanding of these traditional art forms.
For more information about Dr Sema Yurtseven and to explore her work, please visit the Artists section of our website.