Our Inspiration: Islamic Art Styles
At Camels & Chai, every class is an invitation to dive into the colorful, playful, and fascinating art traditions of the Islamic world. Our classes make these timeless Islamic art styles approachable and fun. You’ll get a quick peek at the history, watch simple demonstrations, and then dive in, sip chai, play with colors, and make each design your own. From precise lines to playful patterns, there’s a style here for every kind of creative explorer.
Geometric & Arabesque Patterns
Geometric and Arabesque art is a hallmark of Islamic design, developed over centuries across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. This style is known for repeating patterns, intricate interlacing shapes, and stylized floral motifs that create harmony, balance, and visual rhythm.
In these classes, you’ll create paintings inspired by these patterns, learning to craft precise geometric designs, intertwining vines, stylized florals, and intricate motifs that capture the elegance and timeless beauty of Arabesque patterns.
Mughal Miniatures
Mughal Art is basically the Instagram of the 16th–19th century Mughal Empire—full of drama, elegance, and royal flair. Developed in South Asia during the Mughal reign, this art form is famous for its insanely detailed miniatures, perfectly balanced symmetry, and lush scenes of gardens, grand palaces, and courtly life. Think of it as history’s way of showing off.
In these classes, you’ll get to channel your inner Mughal artist. You’ll learn to paint delicate borders, pointed arches, flowing vines, and rich, regal color palettes that make history pop off the page.
Illuminated Manuscripts
Illuminated Manuscripts are basically the medieval version of “bling for books.” This centuries-old art form spread across the Islamic world and Europe, turning hand-written texts into sparkling works of art with gold accents, vibrant colors, and intricate designs. Think detailed borders, geometric patterns, floral motifs, and fancy calligraphy, all working together to make the written word look fabulous.
In these classes, you’ll get to add some sparkle of your own. You’ll learn to paint ornate borders, delicate florals, intricate geometric designs, and rich color palettes that bring the elegance and drama of illuminated manuscripts to life.
Pakistani Truck Art
Pakistani Truck Art first hit the roads in the mid-20th century in Pakistan, turning ordinary trucks into moving explosions of color, personality, and poetry. What started as a way for drivers to personalize their vehicles quickly became a national art form, with bold florals, whimsical illustrations, and decorative motifs that celebrate everything from animals to pop culture to cultural sayings.
In these classes, you’ll get to bring that roadside magic to your own canvas. You’ll learn to paint swirling florals, playful patterns, and vibrant color combos that capture the joyful, larger-than-life spirit of Pakistani Truck Art.
Kufic Calligraphy
Kufic Calligraphy is basically the OG of Arabic script, dating back to the 7th century. Famous for its bold, angular letters, strong lines, and geometric precision, it’s the kind of script that could hold its own as a work of art, whether on manuscripts, buildings, or sacred texts.
In these classes, you’ll get to channel your inner calligrapher. You’ll learn to paint striking letterforms, geometric patterns, and stylized motifs that show off the beauty, balance, and timeless cool factor of this historic script.
