Arabesque as a Drawing, Painting or Iznik Pottery // Biomorphic Design From paper to tile with Ruba
Dive into the intricate and beautiful world of Mamluk decorative arts with master artist Ruba. Recreate traditional geometric designs for your own Iznik pottery pieces in Amman, one of the most historically rich and architecturally magnificent places in the world.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea, Breakfast
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1410
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $960
Meet the Artist
Ruba is a Jordanian visual artist focused on biomorphic design, traditional Islamic art, and architecture. Growing up in an artistic household with an artist mother and a father who was a talented Islamic vocalist, she crystallized her interest in traditional Islamic arts at an early age. Ruba studied traditional Islamic art and teaches biomorphic design, freehand drawing, and geometry at the Islamic art and Architecture Institute in Jordan. She has honed her skills learning from masters from several countries, including Turkey, England, India, Morocco and Egypt and has won several distinctions and awards for her work. She also works on miniature paintings, mosaics, illumination and abstract paintings with watercolor. Ruba lives in Amman, Jordan with her family and when she is not making art, she enjoys nature, meditation and sports. Get ready to learn from Ruba and "express a new joy of life."
VAWAA Includes:
- Learning historical biomorphic designs.
- Practicing in a beautiful courtyard under the guidance of a master.
- Brushwork techniques for delicately applying glaze to a stoneware tile or readymade plate, Tile, Plate, Mug, Vase
- Your own unique painted tile or plate inspired by Iznik pottery principles.
- All of the tools and materials necessary to create your piece.
- Your own Arabesque Painting or Designs on readymade Tile, Plate, Mug, Vase
- Basics elements and design principles of Arabesque geometric and biomorphic designs.
- Refine designs using traditional color distribution techniques.
- Refine designs with finer detailing techniques and painting with colors or pigments (as well as learn to make your own pigments)
- For advanced students, option to learn 3 painting techniques – with gold (illumination) or negative and halkar techniques. If gold, additional fee.
- Can do painting or apply to pottery or both based on level.
- A drive into the heart of Amman with Ruba to explore the Jordan National Museum, galleries, and fantastic historical buildings.
- Visit to Orient Gallery where Ruba displays her work.
- Visit to local Jordanian artists and their studios.
Explore Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts- a unique blend of old and new. Take a short walk outside of Ruba's studio and you'll be surrounded by its robust history, encountering well preserved Roman ruins, majestic mosques, and old markets alongside new malls. Visit the Jabal al-Weibdeh neighborhood, a thriving artist haven with painted murals, quaint cafes, and little shops in one of the oldest parts of Amman. Discover the many museums and galleries, where you can see modern and contemporary art and archaeological treasures like the Dead Sea Scrolls all in one area. Don’t miss an opportunity to take a drive to Petra, the ancient city capital with its many tombs and temples carved into red sandstone. In Amman, the harmony between old and new is everywhere you look, so it’s no wonder that Ruba’s art is a combination of the traditional, contemporary, and abstract.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Amman is April or May as the weather is comfortable and gorgeous. It warms up in June but it’s still cooler than July/August if you are concerned about the heat. During the winter in December–January, Ruba's studio is cozy as she has a traditional fire place to stay warm.
This VAWAA cannot be extended in duration.
Studio sessions can be adapted for children 6+ years of age, individuals in wheelchairs, and with special needs.
This VAWAA cannot be extended in duration.
Studio sessions can be adapted for children 6+ years of age, individuals in wheelchairs, and with special needs.
Guest Reviews
Marion A., United States
Ruba is an award-winning artist and experienced, talented teacher who can accommodate whatever your level of experience may be. She will encourage you to try new things and take artistic risks, always guiding you with patience and kindness. In addition to the art, she introduced me to many aspects of Arabic culture: the food, hospitality, customs, and spiritual foundations of the art (which I spec Read more
