Lesson 6: Letter Seen (Shape 1)
Letter Seen (Shape 1)
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Seen using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Seen is a flowing and rhythmic letter that reflects the elegance of connected curves and balanced vertical movement. It helps students develop strong control over multiple connected strokes, smooth transitions, and proportional spacing. Mastering Seen will greatly improve your ability to write long, continuous letter forms in Thuluth.
Letter Data
- Letter: Seen
- Script: Thuluth
- Form: Shape 1
- Total strokes: 6
- Pen angle: 70°
- Total length: Based on nuqta measurements
-
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Short curved stroke
- length: 1 nuqta
- height: Proportional
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Draw a small curved stroke to begin the letter and set the initial flow.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Short balanced curve
- length: 1 nuqta (width)
- height: 1 nuqta
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Add a short stroke to extend the opening structure smoothly.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Curved downward and forward
- length: 2 nuqta (width)
- height: 1.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a wider curve to introduce motion and rhythm to the letter.
Stroke 4:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Upward vertical
- length: 2.5 nuqta (height)
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a vertical stroke to emphasize the upward movement of the letter.
Stroke 5:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Long curved extension
- length: 3.5 nuqta (width)
- height: 2 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Extend the body of the letter with a wide, smooth curve to increase its visual reach.
Stroke 6:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Vertical finishing stroke
- length: 1.5 nuqta (width)
- height: 3.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw the final stroke to complete the letter’s structure and provide a strong ending.
- Opening curve
- Small extension
- Flowing curve
- Vertical rise
- Broad curve
- Final finishing stroke
- Breaking the flow between strokes
- Uneven spacing between curves
- Vertical stroke too short or too tall
- Overly sharp curves
- Inconsistent pen angle
Practice strokes 3, 4, and 5 together to achieve a smooth continuous rhythm before adding the final finishing 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. |
This lesson focuses on writing the letter Seen using connected curves and rhythm. Students will practice maintaining balance across repeated strokes.
There are no comments for now.
to be the first to leave a comment.