The horse is one of the most painted animals in Persian manuscript painting, always executed with great perfection and exquisite detail.  

Artist Roxana Manouchehri shows us how to create an ink drawing of a horse inspired by this great artistic tradition.  

This painting demonstration is inspired by a snuff bottle from the museum’s collection which depicts a five-clawed dragon chasing a pearl.

Watch artist Heather Gray transfer the image to paper using a traditional bamboo brush, black ink and xuan paper.

Create your own painting using other art materials you can find at home.

Khataei are decorative designs used in Iranian art. Often employed to decorate borders of books and carpets, these patterns were brought to Iran from China and are inspired by plants and animals.

Watch this video by Roxana Manouchehri and follow the steps to create your own khataei motifs.

Star toranj (medallion) pattern is one of the main motifs in Iranian-style designs. Usually placed independently in the middle of other patterns, star toranj is a combination of leaves and flowers inspired by nature.

Watch artist Roxana Manouchehri and learn to create a toranj medallion.

Visual artist, Hoi-Shan Mak, interprets Irish landscape in a style of a Chinese master, Chang Dai-chien.

Inspired by the landscapes of this great painter, relax and enjoy the floating inks, build-up of colours and textures of this mindful exploration.

Thinking of making your own greeting cards this Christmas? Why not watch this papercutting workshop with visual artist and designer Paul Bokslag.

The video explores examples of papercutting traditions from around the world and moves to experiment with some basic papercutting techniques. Step-by-step, you will create your own papercut Christmas cards and develop some new skills along the way.

This activity requires the use of cutting tools and is not suitable for children under 16 years of age without direct parental/guardian supervision.

A shamsa medallion is a radiating sunburst design, drawn from a single central point. Whether complex or simple, the shamsa is a frequent motif in Islamic art, appearing across all media including illuminated manuscripts, architecture, and carpets.

Watch this video prepared by artist Roxana Manouchehri and learn how to create your own medallion inspired by the Chester Beatty Collection.

*For ages 16 and up*

Following how to create a homemade blending stump, join Roxana Manouchehri and discover the use of the tool for drawing with Conté, a medium composed of powdered charcoal or graphite mixed with wax. This video demonstrates the use of drawing sticks, the effects of shading and textual grading with a blending stump.

This activity requires the use of cutting tools and is not suitable for children under 16 years of age without direct parental/guardian supervision.

*For ages 16 and up*

In this video, artist Roxana Manouchehri demonstrates how to make a blending stump at home. This tool is used with pencil, soft pastels or charcoal and allows you to gradate your drawing, add shading and texture.

This activity requires the use of cutting tools and is not suitable for children under 16 years of age without direct parental/guardian supervision.

Inspired by flora described in James Joyce’s Ulysses, follow artist Jen O’Brien and create a botanical watercolour postcard to send to your friends or family.

Watch this drawing demonstration with artist Roxana Manouchehri and learn how to create your own 3D drawing using very simple techniques.

For more information about drawing why not check our drawing pack here

Watch this drawing demonstration with artist Roxana Manouchehri and learn how to do a contour drawing.

For more information about drawing why not check our drawing pack here.

Inspired by a remarkable book of sketches by Hokusai called Quick Lessons in Simplified Drawing this video by artist Heather Gray shows you steps of how to draw a squid.

Why not look at some more sketches of flora and fauna, landscapes and supernatural to continue your exploration of drawing?

For more information about drawing why not check our drawing pack  here

Watch this art demonstration with artist Megan Scott and learn how to create a drawing with string.

For more information about drawing why not check our drawing pack  here

 

Music by Fesliyan Studios Inc.

Watch this drawing demonstration with artist Roxana Manouchehri and learn how to draw a mythical creature inspired by the Chester Beatty Collection.

For more information about drawing why not check our drawing pack here

Watch this drawing demonstration with artist Roxana Manouchehri and learn how to draw a face.

For more information about drawing why not check our drawing pack here