Seeds of Light: Painting the Pomegranate Tree
As we approach the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, this workshop invites participants to gather and paint a pomegranate tree in the Persian traditional painting style. The pomegranate, often placed on Iranian tables during Yalda Night, carries deep cultural and poetic significance. Its abundant seeds symbolise life, fertility, prosperity, and renewal.
Yalda Night, the ancient celebration of the winter solstice, is a time when families come together to share food, recite poetry by Hafez, and tell stories. Pomegranates and watermelons, with their rich red hues, evoke warmth, unity, and the return of light after the longest night.
During the course, students will be introduced to the cultural and symbolic significance of the pomegranate in Persian tradition, with reference to Yalda Night. Examples from Persian painting will be shown. The geometric spiral form will be introduced as a structural principle. Students will then begin designing their composition through basic drawing, developing a spiral structure for the branches, and practising brushwork skills, including line work and pardaz (shading).
Students will transfer their design onto paper and begin painting using traditional techniques, gradually building form, colour, and detail towards completion of the work. The workshop will conclude with a group gathering to read poetry by Hafez and share pomegranates, reflecting on the cultural and symbolic meaning of the subject.
Booking Options
As we approach the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, this workshop invites participants to gather and paint a pomegranate tree in the Persian traditional painting style. The pomegranate, often placed on Iranian tables during Yalda Night, carries deep cultural and poetic significance. Its abundant seeds symbolise life, fertility, prosperity, and renewal.
Yalda Night, the ancient celebration of the winter solstice, is a time when families come together to share food, recite poetry by Hafez, and tell stories. Pomegranates and watermelons, with their rich red hues, evoke warmth, unity, and the return of light after the longest night.
During the course, students will be introduced to the cultural and symbolic significance of the pomegranate in Persian tradition, with reference to Yalda Night. Examples from Persian painting will be shown. The geometric spiral form will be introduced as a structural principle. Students will then begin designing their composition through basic drawing, developing a spiral structure for the branches, and practising brushwork skills, including line work and pardaz (shading).
Students will transfer their design onto paper and begin painting using traditional techniques, gradually building form, colour, and detail towards completion of the work. The workshop will conclude with a group gathering to read poetry by Hafez and share pomegranates, reflecting on the cultural and symbolic meaning of the subject.
Our payments are processed using : Sage Pay
