Charlotte Dilley- Radiant Medallions: Art of the Shamsa Motif - Sept 4 & 11, 2026

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This class is not hosted by John Neal Books. Please contact the instructor for more information.

Within the traditional arts of manuscript illumination, textile design, metalwork and architecture, the shamsa has long served as a refined vessel for intricate decoration, functioning as an ornamenta…

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Description

Within the traditional arts of manuscript illumination, textile design, metalwork and architecture, the shamsa has long served as a refined vessel for intricate decoration, functioning as an ornamental medallion that marks, honours and frames the most significant elements of a work. Derived from the Arabic word shams (“sun”), it is poetically described as a “sunburst” or “little sun”, reflecting the circular form and radiating energy of its design.

Across two sessions, we will explore the geometric foundations of basic oval and circular forms through simple geometric construction using a ruler and drawing compass. Looking at historical examples, students will be guided through some of the floral motifs and traditional shapes used in shamsa designs.

​By combining geometric and freehand approaches, we will then work towards a finished design, adding colour, shading and linework. Guidance on colours, paints and materials will be shared throughout, helping students build confidence to achieve satisfying detail and refinement in their own work.

​Skill level: Beginner. No previous experience is required, although some familiarity with a drawing compass would be advantageous.

​I look forward to welcoming you.

Radiant Medallions - Art of the Shamsa Motif
Charlotte Dilley, Hosted By The Gentle Penman

Live (Also recorded for later viewing)

4 & 11 September 2026 (Friday)  
21:00 pm – 23:00 pm (Hong Kong Time)

Class Cost : HKD 780.00 or USD 100.00
Registration Link : https://www.thegentlepenman.com/radiant-medallions-art-of-the-shamsa-motif

Supply List:

This list references the tools and materials I use but please don’t feel you need to rush out and buy everything! For example, the grey backing cardboard from a pad of paper would work as a substitute for coloured card and you can always add colour with pencil rather than painting.

Tools

- Graphite pencils (regular or mechanical) – one hard leaded for construction lines and one soft leaded for sketching (PL38, PL21)

-  Sharpener and eraser (PL13, E13)

-  30cm / 12inch ruler (a transparent one with parallel lines is ideal but not essential) (S798)

-  A drawing compass (S317)

-  Metal spoon, polished stone or cowrie shell to rub over the reverse of tracings to transfer designs

-  Paint brush if painting (something small like a size 0, 1 or 2) (BR26)

Surface

-  Cartridge or printer paper for sketching / designing (P25)

-  Minimum size A4 tracing paper and some low tack, or washi, tape (P112, S1676)

-  Minimum size A4 mid-toned, tea-stained or watercolour paper of your choice for final design (PS119)

Colour

- Coloured pencils (or watercolour or gouache if you prefer to use paint) (PL05, WNWC1, HG749)

-  Black Fineliner or Micron Pen, nib size 0.05 or 0.1 (eg. UNI-BALL PIN Fineliner Pen) or black ink or gouache paint (M217, M218)

-  Gold pen (eg. SAKURA Gelly Roll Metallic Pen) or gold paint (eg. Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache in GOLD) (M64, WNG3)

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