Persian Book Art & Illumination - with Halleh Mortazavi. 1 April 2026

Persian Book Art: Painting a decorative eight point star medallion, with Halleh Mortazavi. 1 April 2026

From engineering to exploring a passion for geometry and the perfection of pattern repetition and natural proportion in nature. Halleh's background is in science, her instruction will teach you skill and techniques in geometry and pattern construction that appears in both structural and decorative form in ceramics, jewellery, architecture and book art. 

One-Day Persian Book Art Workshop: Painting the Eight-Point Star Medallion

This one-day workshop introduces participants to Persian book art through the painting of an eight-point star pattern, enriched with traditional floral motifs commonly found in manuscript illumination. The workshop explores how geometry and floral design work together in Persian decorative arts to create balanced and harmonious compositions.

Two examples of decorative eight-point star medallions in Safavid Quran manuscripts are attached. 

Participants will first become familiar with a selection of traditional flower designs used in Persian manuscripts, as well as the traditional Persian colour palette.

The workshop will then guide participants through practical methods for transferring the pattern onto paper with accuracy and clarity. Finally, participants will paint their compositions using techniques inspired by Persian book arts, focusing on fine controlled brushwork using colours from a traditional colour palette.

What participants will learn

• The structure and proportion of the eight-point star;
• Traditional Persian floral motifs;
• The traditional Persian colour palette;
• Methods for transferring geometric and floral patterns onto paper;
• Painting techniques used in Persian manuscript decoration.

What participants will take home

• A completed eight-point star medallion with floral decoration;
• Practical knowledge of traditional colour palettes, pattern transfer, outlining and painting;
• Skills applicable to other Persian book art and illumination designs.

All demonstrations, guidance, and reference materials will be provided.  Suitable for all, no prior experience is required.

A little more detail:

Introducing your Instructor:  Halleh's background is in science. She earned her PhD in Electronic Engineering in image processing at the University of Manchester, however, always had a passion for Persian & Islamic art. She studied under the MA Programme at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, UK to solidify her knowledge, skill and techniques in geometry and pattern repetition. 

"My main passion is illumination, especially Persian style (Safavid & Timurid era) as well as miniature painting. Moreover, I have realised a deep interest in ceramic painting and egg tempera as well. These two techniques contain hidden for me mysteries which I would like to explore further alongside practising my illumination & painting". 

All materials are included and all the tools required are supplied. You may (if you wish) bring your own fine brushes, watercolours or gouche paints if you wish to experiment with your own materials.    

Instructor: Halleh Mortazavi

Workshop Cost: $300.00 ( $272.72 +GST ) 

There are many cafes for refreshments, tea/coffee and lunch, you are welcome to BYO lunch. 

Class begins at 10.00am in Kyneton and will run through until 4.30pm. 

Location: Cusack&Cusack Gallery, 31 Piper Street, Kyneton, Victoria

NOTE: Art Studio is upstairs, there is unfortunately no wheelchair access.  

 Kyneton in Victoria's Macedon Ranges.

Positions are strictly limited on this workshop. Due to course preparation, international instructor and potential wait lists; if a position is cancelled less than four (4) weeks prior to the start date, we are sorry, but 50% of your deposit payment is not refundable. You may transfer or pass on this course booking (for this date only) to another person if you are unable to attend.