Lesson 10: Letter Ayn (Shape 2)
Letter Ayn (Shape 2)
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Ayn in its second form using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
This shape of Ayn is more elaborate and expressive than Shape 1. It combines strong vertical strokes with wide flowing curves and layered structure. Practicing this form will help you develop advanced control over stroke sequencing, proportional balance, and smooth curvature, which are essential for professional Thuluth writing.
Letter Data
- Letter: Ayn
- Script: Thuluth
- Form: Shape 2
- Total strokes: 6
- Pen angles: 70° – 75° – 90°
- Total length: Based on nuqta measurements
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Downward vertical curve
- length: 2 nuqta (height)
- width: 2 nuqta
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw a short vertical curved stroke to establish the foundation and symmetry of the letter.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 75°
- direction: Diagonal curved stroke
- length: 2.5 nuqta (width)
- height: 1 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a diagonal stroke to introduce flow and connect smoothly to the main body.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 75°
- direction: Long downward curve
- length: 3 nuqta (width)
- height: 4 nuqta
- pressure: Medium and controlled
- description: Draw a bold elongated curve to form the central structure of the letter.
Stroke 4:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Downward curved stroke
- length: 1.5 nuqta (width)
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a shorter curved stroke to begin forming the lower body of the letter.
Stroke 5:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Wide curved stroke
- length: 3 nuqta (width)
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Add a wider curve to complete the rounded lower body of the letter.
Stroke 6:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Long horizontal curve with downward finish
- length: 4 nuqta
- height: 2 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw the final sweeping stroke to form the tail and complete the letter with elegance and balance.
- Vertical foundation curve
- Diagonal transition stroke
- Central body stroke
- Lower body curve (first layer)
- Lower body curve (second layer)
- Final tail and flourish stroke
- Weak or tilted foundation stroke
- Sharp diagonal instead of smooth transition
- Central body too narrow
- Lower curves uneven or crowded
- Tail too short or too flat
- Inconsistent pen angle
Practice strokes 3, 4, and 5 together to achieve a smooth, rounded body before adding the final tail stroke.
Structured Practice Guidelines for Letter Mastery
The "Guidelines for Letter Mastery" table provides a clear and systematic approach for students to practice and refine their Arabic calligraphy skills. It outlines each step, the recommended time allocation, and detailed descriptions to ensure effective and focused practice sessions. This table is designed to help students build consistency, master letter proportions, and develop a strong foundation in Arabic calligraphy.
| Step | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Set Aside Dedicated Practice Time | 15–20 minutes per session | Allocate focused time for practice. Aim for 3–4 sessions per week to build consistency and muscle memory. |
| Understand the Letter's Structure | 2–3 minutes | Review examples and stroke breakdowns. Familiarize yourself with angles, proportions, and key components. |
| Begin with Tracing | 5–7 minutes | Trace the letter on the worksheet to understand its flow and stroke angles. |
| Practice Freehand | 10–12 minutes | Draw the letter freehand using guides. Focus on clean strokes, proportions, and consistency. |
| Refine with Repetition | 5–10 minutes | Repeat the letter multiple times, aiming to improve alignment, spacing, and smoothness. |
| Evaluate Your Progress | 2–3 minutes | Compare your work to the examples on the worksheet. Identify areas for improvement. |
| Incorporate Feedback | As needed | Seek feedback from an instructor or peer and apply their suggestions in future sessions. |
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