About
Rooted in centuries-old artistic traditions spanning Central Asia, South Asia, and Persia, Siyahi Qalam is a monochromatic ink practice that emphasizes restraint, precision, and expressive minimalism. Its focus on line quality, surface texture, and tonal gradation sharpens an artist’s understanding of form, volume, and spatial composition. By stripping imagery down to its essentials, Siyahi Qalam trains the eye and hand to communicate depth and emotion with economy, making it a foundational discipline for serious artistic study.
During this workshop, participants will work hands-on with traditional materials and tools, including handmade paper and soot-based ink, under close guidance and with personalized feedback throughout the learning process. By the end of the course each participant will have made significant progress toward completing an original Siyahi Qalam artwork that brings together time-honored techniques and their own individual artistic expression.
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
All levels of ability and experience welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
How many people can attend?
14 people
Where will the workshop take place?
At The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 15 – 19 June 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
Students should bring the following to class:
- Brushes (sizes TBC)
- A kneadable eraser (see example)
- A mechanical pencil, size 0.3mm (see example)
- A palette to keep any ink that you have mixed
All other materials will be provided.
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.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Sangeeta Singh is an experienced artist with over three decades of practice bridging traditional and contemporary art. She holds a Master’s degree in Traditional Arts from the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, where she she chose to specialise in Siyahi Qalam, as well as Indian and Persian miniature painting. Her studies also include Classical Naturalism with Ted Seth Jacobs and Studio Escalier in France. Over the years, she has explored diverse themes, media, and styles, exhibiting internationally. Her commercial commissions appear in public spaces worldwide.
