About
As we approach the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, this workshop invites participants to gather and paint a pomegranate tree in the Persian traditional painting style. The pomegranate, often placed on Iranian tables during Yalda Night, carries deep cultural and poetic significance. Its abundant seeds symbolise life, fertility, prosperity, and renewal.
Yalda Night, the ancient celebration of the winter solstice, is a time when families come together to share food, recite poetry by Hafez, and tell stories. Pomegranates and watermelons, with their rich red hues, evoke warmth, unity, and the return of light after the longest night.
During the course, students will be introduced to the cultural and symbolic significance of the pomegranate in Persian tradition, with reference to Yalda Night. Examples from Persian painting will be shown. The geometric spiral form will be introduced as a structural principle. Students will then begin designing their composition through basic drawing, developing a spiral structure for the branches, and practising brushwork skills, including line work and pardaz (shading).
Students will transfer their design onto paper and begin painting using traditional techniques, gradually building form, colour, and detail towards completion of the work. The workshop will conclude with a group gathering to read poetry by Hafez and share pomegranates, reflecting on the cultural and symbolic meaning of the subject.
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?
Saturdays, 5 and 12 December 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
Students should bring the following to class:
- Pointed round watercolour brushes – your tutor suggests natural hair, sizes 4, 2,1,0,00.
- A palette with wells
- Gouache/Watercolour: colours tbc.
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
Halleh Mortazavi is a Persian artist specialising in traditional Persian book art and illumination. Born in Iran, she grew up surrounded by its rich artistic and poetic traditions. She initially trained as an electronic engineer, completing a PhD at the University of Manchester, while continuing to study painting with masters such as Aydin Aghdashloo and Leila Pourkhani. She later earned an MA from The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, where she focused on Persian manuscript arts and received the Kairos Award for Hand Drawn Geometry. Her work explores classical Persian motifs and geometric design using natural pigments, especially lapis, combining precision and ornament while staying rooted in traditional forms. Her interests also extend to traditional Persian art forms such as painting single figure composition, bird & flower studies, and Siah Qalam.
