Lesson 6: Letter Seen (Shape 2)
Letter Seen (Shape 2)
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to write the Arabic letter Alef (ا) using the Thuluth calligraphy style.
Although Alef looks simple, in Thuluth it is formed using three carefully measured strokes. Learning these parts helps you control pen angle, stroke direction, letter height, and smooth transitions between strokes.
Mastering Alef will strengthen your ability to write tall letters and prepare you for many other letters that share similar vertical structures.
Letter Data
- Letter: Seen
- Script: Thuluth
- Form: Shape 2
- Total strokes: 5
- Pen angle: 70°
- Total length: Based on nuqta measurements
Stroke Details
Stroke 1:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Long flowing curve forward
- length: 13 nuqta (width, divided into 4 parts)
- height: 3.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium and steady
- description: Draw the long main curve that forms the body of the letter. This stroke sets the rhythm and overall proportion of the Seen.
Stroke 2:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Short vertical curve
- length: 0.25 nuqta (width)
- height: 2.5 nuqta
- pressure: Light to medium
- description: Add a short vertical stroke to support the first curve and define the internal structure.
Stroke 3:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Curved extension
- length: 3.5 nuqta (width)
- height: 2.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a medium curve to continue the flow of the letter and connect visually with the main body.
Stroke 4:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Upward vertical curve
- length: 1.5 nuqta (width)
- height: 3.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw a vertical stroke to create the rising movement of the letter.
Stroke 5:
- angle: 70°
- direction: Downward finishing curve
- length: 3 nuqta (width)
- height: 2.5 nuqta
- pressure: Medium
- description: Draw the final stroke to complete the letter with a balanced and elegant ending.
- Long opening curve
- Vertical support stroke
- Secondary curve
- Vertical rise stroke
- Final finishing stroke
- Making the first stroke too short
- Breaking the smooth flow of the main curve
- Uneven spacing between strokes
- Vertical stroke too tall or too short
- Weak or rushed final stroke
Practice Stroke 1 alone several times on grid paper before adding the remaining strokes. This stroke controls the beauty of the entire letter.
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. |
There are no comments for now.
to be the first to leave a comment.