Lesson 4: Letter Daal
Letter Daal
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Daal using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Daal is one of the simplest letters in form, yet it carries great elegance and balance. It helps students practice vertical control, smooth curvature, and accurate proportions. Writing Daal correctly strengthens your understanding of how straight and curved strokes work together in Thuluth.
Letter Data
- Letter: Daal
- Script: Thuluth
- Total strokes: 4
- Pen angle: 70°–90°
- Total length: Based on nuqta measurements
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Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 90°
- direction: Downward (vertical)
- length: 3 nuqta
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw a straight vertical stroke to form the main foundation of the letter.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Curved to the right and slightly downward
- length: 4 nuqta
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a smooth curved stroke to create the main body of the letter.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Short downward vertical
- length: 1 nuqta
- height: 3 nuqta
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Add a small vertical stroke to strengthen the lower structure and complete the form.
Stroke 4:
- angle: Natural curve
- direction: Small curved line at the top of the first stroke
- length: 1 nuqta
- height: Slope of 0.5 nuqta
- pressure: Light
- description: Draw a small curved line at the top to complete the head of the letter and refine its elegance.
- Main vertical foundation
- Curved body stroke
- Final vertical support stroke
- Upper head curve
- Vertical stroke too short or tilted
- Body curve too sharp or too flat
- Weak or oversized head curve
- Uneven stroke thickness
- Changing pen angle during the curve
Practice Stroke 2 (the curved body) repeatedly on grid paper before combining all strokes. This stroke defines the beauty of Daal.
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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