DATE

11th - 15th July 2024

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Full-board accommodation in private ensuite twin bedroom

• 3 days’ tuition (average 6 hours per day)

• An evening out (all food and drink included)

• An excursion relevant to the Course Content (transfers and a delicious tapas lunch and drinks included)

• Transfers to and from Granada Airport

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

• Flights

• Transfers from Malaga Airport (we can arrange a taxi direct from Malaga or take a bus and collect you from Granada)

• Alcoholic drinks (there is a fully stocked Honesty Bar with the finest wines and beers from Granada at the venue!)

COURSE DETAILS

The art of the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain, is a testament to the exquisite beauty of Moorish architecture and design. Built during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 14th century, the Alhambra is renowned for its intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, and vibrant tilework that adorn every surface. The Alhambra's artistry reflects a synthesis of Islamic, Moorish, and Andalusian influences, creating a visual masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire admirers from around the world.

Across this four day workshop we’ll work with the same tools and techniques used to design the incredible Alhambra Palace and learn how to make a number of geometric patterns from the walls and columns of this spectacular 14th century Nasrid complex. During the workshop we will use a compass and a straightedge,  drawing and painting in easy to follow practical sessions. We’ll construct and tessellate some gorgeous geometric patterns, learn how to correctly prepare paper for adornment, go through the necessary transfer process and explore paint mediums and techniques that you will use to bring your creations to life. We will also learn about making our own paints with organic and inorganic pigments, and have a practical session creating some paint using traditional methods. 

All are welcome and no experience is necessary. 

While drawing each pattern step by step, you will be guided on how to use your compass and ruler to build a combination of lines and geometric shapes that construct mosaics and patterns used richly throughout the Alhambra. The patterns will increase in complexity as you develop your understanding and clear detailed instructions will allow you to build your knowledge of Geometric Design - something you will take into your own artistic expressions.  

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Kate Henry is a Granada-based artist and geometer. She specialises in Geometric Design from the Islamic world and draws upon a wealth of experience, having spent more than two decades living and working in diverse countries all across the globe. Her works are vibrant and colourful and display a deep understanding of the techniques and methods used to create patterns using a compass and straightedge. Blending the traditional with the modern, her work shows what it is possible to do with Geometric Design in a contemporary sense.

Kate first studied Geometric Design in Dhaka, Bangladesh, working with Tasleema Alam at Traditional Ateliers. She continued her studies with The London School of Traditional Arts, Art of Islamic Pattern, Art of Process, the Istanbul Design centre, with Samira Mian and so many more. It is something that she truly loves working in and is always eager to learn more about.

Kate has exhibited in Spain, Japan, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh, exhibiting in both Nagoya and Granada in 2023. She sells her work primarily through her instagram account, festivals and galleries. With a broad experience of teaching, she runs The Geometric Art Studio in Granada, with classes for those living in the city or coming to visit the Alhambra. 

Kate has a degree in Teaching and Learning from Charles Darwin University and a Masters in Design from Monash University.

COST

Price per person 1,100€ for the 4 nights to include 3 days’ tuition, full-board accommodation in a private twin room, and materials. Participants can, of course, bring their own materials if they wish. 

Flights are not included.

Maximum of 8 participating places available on this course.

Partners, friends and family who wish to take part in the course are welcome, on the basis that they will share a twin room. Price is 895€ per additional person.

Non-participating partners, friends and family are more than welcome, and the price is 750€ per additional person sharing a double or twin ensuite room.

THE VENUE & ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is on a full-board basis in a charming rural hotel located in the very historic village of Moclín, about 35 minutes’ drive from Granada city and airport. Guests will have private twin ensuite bedrooms (you will never be asked to share a room), all of which are spacious and very traditionally Andalucian in style. All classes will be held in the large studios in the hotel, and there will be plenty of opportunity to get out and explore the glorious surrounding countryside. The property, which is exclusively ours for the weekend, is arranged around a central open courtyard and is right on the edge of the village with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape.

FLIGHTS

The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX). Vueling (part of IAG) fly direct routes from London Gatwick Airport to Granada.

British Airways, Jet2, EasyJet and Ryanair are just a few of the airlines that offer regular direct flights from the UK to Málaga.

A list of airlines operating at Málaga Airport (AGP) can be seen on the airport website.

For more information please contact us