The Art of Geometric Pattern Design

Multiple Offerings Available (See Above)

This is an Online Course.

Class Times:  6:00pm - 8:00pm (Nov | Mar) | 10:00am - 11:30am (Feb)

With Tutor: Maham Zehra

Discover the art of geometric pattern design and explore the beautiful patterns that can be created using just a compass and straightedge.

Drawing inspiration from historic and contemporary geometric design traditions, you’ll learn how simple circles, lines and grids can become intricate repeating patterns. Through guided, step-by-step exercises, you’ll explore the foundations of geometric construction, symmetry and motif development, while experimenting with line, colour and composition.

Combining precision with creative play, geometric drawing offers a focused and meditative way to create, while developing practical techniques that can be applied to illustration, painting, printmaking, ceramics and other creative practices.

No previous drawing, geometry or design experience is required.

Choose Your Course Format:

Weekend Workshop – 3 hours across two days
A compact introduction to geometric pattern design, delivered over 1.5 hours on Saturday and 1.5 hours on Sunday.

You’ll learn the foundations of working with a compass and straightedge, construct a geometric grid, explore the patterns and motifs that emerge from it, and begin developing a finished design using ink and/or colour.

This option is ideal if you’re curious about geometric pattern-making and want to experience the process in a short, focused format.

Four-Week Evening Course – 2 hours per week
Take your exploration further with eight hours of guided learning across four evenings.

You’ll work with both 4-fold and 6-fold symmetry, develop a wider range of grids and motifs, and explore tessellation, repetition, colour and composition. With more time to practise and experiment, you’ll build confidence with traditional drafting techniques and begin developing your own pattern variations.

This option is ideal if you’d like to develop your skills more deeply and build a foundation for your own ongoing geometric pattern practice.

What You'll Learn:

By participating in this course, learners will:

• Learn the foundations of geometric pattern construction using a compass and straightedge.
• Develop confidence creating accurate circles, grids and repeating forms.
• Explore symmetry and discover how intricate patterns emerge from underlying geometric structures.
• Learn how to identify and develop stars, interlocking forms and other geometric motifs.
• Experiment with repetition, line, colour and composition.
• Discover how geometric pattern-making can become both a meditative creative practice and a technique for use across other art forms.
  

Participants in the four-week course will have additional time to explore 4-fold and 6-fold symmetry, tessellation, scaling and the development of original pattern variations.

What You'll Create:

Each participant will leave the course with:

• Hand-drafted geometric reference grids and studies.
• A selection of geometric patterns and motifs.
• A developed or finished geometric artwork using ink and/or colour.
• Techniques and resources to continue exploring geometric pattern-making independently.
  

Participants in the four-week course will develop a broader collection of reference grids, pattern studies and finished work.

Meet Your Tutor

Syeda Maham Zehra is an artist and educator specialising in traditional geometric drafting, biomorphic pattern design, surface relief carving and ceramic art.

Her creative practice draws on historic pattern geometry and traditional structural art forms, exploring their application through contemporary drawing, hand-carved ceramic tiles and surface decoration.

Maham has experience delivering interactive workshops, online learning and step-by-step masterclasses. She is passionate about making geometric drawing accessible and guiding students through a patient, process-based approach that builds confidence while revealing the meditative and creative possibilities of pattern-making.

What Do I Need to Bring?

• Precision drawing compass – a standard student or artist compass with a locking mechanism or sturdy wheel.
• 30 cm clear plastic ruler.
• HB and 2B pencils.
• Eraser and pencil sharpener.
• Black water-based fine-liner pens – approximately 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.
• A3 heavyweight drawing or cartridge paper/pad – 180 gsm or heavier recommended.
• Coloured pencils or markers.
  

What Will Be Provided?

Step-by-step demonstrations and digital instructional resources will be provided to support your learning and help you continue exploring geometric pattern-making beyond the course.

This workshop is eligible for our ongoing Creative Immersion Offer!