About
Explore the symbolism and visual language of animals in Persian miniature painting. Discover the meanings behind creatures including simurghs, lions, leopards, fish and fantastical beasts, examining how they have been depicted throughout Persian artistic traditions.
You will then select one creature to explore in depth, developing your own composition before painting it using traditional Persian miniature techniques. Through close observation, drawing and detailed painting, learn how artists have used animals to express ideas of power, wisdom, protection, transformation and the imagination.
Image: Detail, Colours of the Ocean by Yasmin Hayat
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days/times do I attend?
Mondays, 18, 25 January, 1, 8, 15, 22 February 2027, 18:00 – 21:00
How many students can attend?
14 people
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What should I bring to class?
Students should bring:
- A mop brush, ideally squirrel, can be synthetic (see example)
- Tubes of gouache or watercolour in the following colours: indigo, ultramarine, cadmium or lemon yellow, yellow ochre, vermilion or cadmium red, alizarin red, titanium or zinc white, lamp or ivory black, oxide of chromium, burnt umber, opera rose, cobalt turquoise.
- Pointed round watercolour brushes in a range of sizes (ideally sable): Sizes 000, 0, 2, 4, 6
- A book of loose leaf gold (colour and carat is up to the student)
- A palette with wells to keep the colours you mix
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Yasmin Hayat is a British-Syrian visual artist whose practice combines traditional Indo-Persian and Arabic miniature painting with contemporary Western approaches. Her work explores mythology, history and cultural memory through highly detailed paintings incorporating handmade pigments, gold and traditional techniques. She studied Painting at Central Saint Martins before completing an MA at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, specialising in traditional art and architecture, miniature painting and geometry.
Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the New York Winter Fair, Jonathan Cooper Gallery, Saatchi Gallery, Aga Khan Gallery, Ojas Art in New Delhi and Watts Gallery. In 2023, she presented her first solo exhibition, Yasmin Hayat: Timeless Vision, at Jonathan Cooper Gallery, London. Her work is held in permanent public collections including the Aga Khan Gallery, London, and Sarmaya Arts Foundation. Alongside her studio practice, Hayat has delivered workshops and masterclasses at leading cultural institutions including the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Watts Gallery and at the National Trust.Her collaborations include Soane Britain and architectural firm Own London, with her work also featured in the interior of Imad’s Syrian Kitchen in London. Hayat was awarded the 2018 Kairos Award and 2016 Al Bukhary Scholarship. Her work has been featured in Thames & Hudson, Veranda, Homes & Gardens, Arab News and India Times.
