About
Explore Persian miniature painting through the love story of Layla and Majnun, a tale of intense, unfulfilled love popularised by the 12th-century poet Nizami Ganjavi. Layla and Qays fall in love at school, and Qays becomes so consumed by his passion that he becomes known as Majnun (meaning “mad”), while Layla is forced to marry another. Despite their mutual love, the two ultimately die of heartbreak without ever being able to be together.
We focus on the scene of the lovers’ meeting in a palm grove, contrasting the peaceful garden setting with their inner turmoil. You will learn to depict the lovers’ glances, oasis vegetation, Majnun’s wild appearance, and Layla’s veiled beauty. The course covers traditional techniques for brushwork, paper and paint preparation, bringing this timeless story to life through art.
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
What days/times do I attend?
Saturdays, 17, 31 May and 7, 14, 21 June 2025, 10:00 – 16:30
Please note there will be no class on Saturday 24 May.
What materials do I need?
Students should bring the following to class:
- A ceramic palette (so you can take home any paint that you have mixed)
- A selection of pointed round, sable hair brushes: 00, 0, 1, 2, 4 (e.g. Handover Series 33, Da Vinci ‘Maestro’ or Winsor & Newton Series 7)
- A set of gouache paint, the tutor recommended this set, which contains Spectrum Red, Primary Red, Primary Blue, Ultramarine, Primary Yellow, Permanent Yellow Deep, Yellow Ochre, Permanent Green, Ivory Black, and Zinc White.
- Additional colour of titanium white and a brown, either burnt sienna or burnt umber.
- 1 pan each x shell gold. An alternative to shell gold is a set of Japanese gold watercolour.
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.
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.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for full-time students and Seniors/60+.
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
Sana Sanjrani is an artist based in London. She graduated from the School of Traditional Arts in 2023 focusing on Persian miniature painting, illumination and geometry for which she received the Kairos prize.