15 Inspiring Islamic Art Drawing Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

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Are you fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of Islamic art? Do you want to try your hand at creating breathtaking geometric patterns, floral motifs, or calligraphy that has inspired artists for centuries? Islamic art is not just about decoration; it is about capturing the essence of harmony, spirituality, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore this art form or an experienced artist seeking new challenges, here are 15 inspiring Islamic art drawing ideas to help you get started.

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1. Geometric Star Pattern

Why It’s a Good Idea: Geometric star patterns are a hallmark of Islamic art, showcasing the discipline of symmetry and the beauty of complexity. This idea is great for those who enjoy working with precision and want to create a mesmerizing effect with simple shapes.

Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Start by drawing a circle.
  2. Divide the circle into even sections (8 or 12).
  3. Use a ruler to connect the points, creating intersecting lines.
  4. Add additional lines to form the star shape within the circle.
  5. Refine and add details, like smaller triangles and decorative elements.

2. Arabic Calligraphy Quote

Why It’s a Good Idea: Arabic calligraphy is one of the most well-loved forms of Islamic art. It beautifully combines language and artistry, allowing you to express deep spiritual meanings.

Suitable For: Beginners to advanced artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Choose a short quote or word in Arabic (e.g., “Peace” or “Love”).
  2. Sketch the outline lightly with a pencil.
  3. Use a brush pen to create thicker lines for emphasis.
  4. Add curves and flourishes to bring elegance to your writing.
  5. Finish by adding decorative dots or small motifs around the text.

3. Floral Arabesque Motif

Why It’s a Good Idea: Floral motifs are perfect for practicing free-flowing and organic lines, capturing the lush, natural beauty typical of Islamic decorations.

Suitable For: All skill levels.

How to Draw:

  1. Draw a central flower, starting with basic shapes like a circle and petals.
  2. Add surrounding leaves and small buds.
  3. Draw repeating curves and swirls to connect the flowers and leaves.
  4. Use ink to finalize the outline and add detailing to enhance the design.

4. Tessellated Tile Pattern

Why It’s a Good Idea: Tessellation is a pattern of shapes that fit perfectly together without gaps, often used in Islamic mosaics. It’s perfect for those who like intricate detail.

Suitable For: Intermediate artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Start with a hexagon as your base shape.
  2. Recreate the hexagon across the page, ensuring they all fit perfectly.
  3. Fill in each hexagon with different designs—floral or geometric.
  4. Add colors to create a mosaic effect.

5. Mandala Inspired by Islamic Geometric Art

Why It’s a Good Idea: Mandalas with an Islamic twist are great for exploring symmetry and repetitive shapes while adding your own unique flair.

Suitable For: All skill levels.

How to Draw:

  1. Draw a series of concentric circles.
  2. Divide the circle into even sections.
  3. Draw a different geometric design within each section.
  4. Fill the spaces with small details like stars or dots.
  5. Finish by adding ink or color.

6. Quran Verse Border Design

Why It’s a Good Idea: Border designs that frame a Quran verse can make a beautiful piece of art for personal reflection or as a gift.

Suitable For: Beginners to intermediate artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Draw a rectangular border around your paper.
  2. Choose simple floral or geometric shapes to draw along the border.
  3. Write a short Quran verse in the center.
  4. Add embellishments to the corners and refine the overall design.

7. Islamic Mosque Silhouette at Sunset

Why It’s a Good Idea: Drawing mosque silhouettes is a wonderful way to practice simple forms while incorporating the warmth of a sunset background.

Suitable For: Beginners.

How to Draw:

  1. Sketch a mosque with domes and minarets as a simple silhouette.
  2. Add curved lines to define the domes.
  3. Fill in the mosque shape with black ink.
  4. Use colored pencils or watercolor to create a gradient sunset background.

8. Repeating Hexagon Mosaic

Why It’s a Good Idea: The repeating hexagon mosaic is an excellent exercise in precision and repetition, which helps develop focus and discipline.

Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Draw a single hexagon using a ruler.
  2. Create rows of hexagons until your paper is covered.
  3. Decorate each hexagon with a different internal pattern.
  4. Use bright colors to enhance the mosaic effect.

9. Palm Tree Oasis

Why It’s a Good Idea: Palm trees symbolize desert life, often depicted in traditional Islamic landscapes.

Suitable For: Beginners to intermediate artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Sketch the outlines of palm trees.
  2. Add a curved horizon line to indicate sand dunes.
  3. Draw details for the palm leaves and trunk.
  4. Shade lightly for a 3D effect and add a setting sun in the background.

10. Islamic Lantern Drawing

Why It’s a Good Idea: Lanterns represent light and guidance, often used during Ramadan. This drawing can become a beautiful festive decoration.

Suitable For: All skill levels.

How to Draw:

  1. Draw the outline of a traditional lantern shape.
  2. Add details such as glass panels and intricate metalwork designs.
  3. Create highlights to show light coming from within.
  4. Finish with colorful decorations to add festive flair.

11. Zellige Tile Pattern

Why It’s a Good Idea: The Zellige tile pattern is common in Moroccan architecture and can help artists understand how to work with interlocking geometric shapes.

Suitable For: Advanced artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Begin with a grid of intersecting lines.
  2. Sketch multiple interlocking polygons (e.g., stars and diamonds).
  3. Fill each shape with smaller motifs.
  4. Add colors to highlight different sections of the design.

12. Peacock Inspired Floral Pattern

Why It’s a Good Idea: Peacocks are often depicted in Islamic art, especially in textile design, and this offers a fun way to practice organic, flowing shapes.

Suitable For: All skill levels.

How to Draw:

  1. Sketch a simple outline of a peacock.
  2. Replace the feathers with abstract floral designs.
  3. Add decorative elements such as spirals and leaves.
  4. Use vibrant colors to bring the pattern to life.

13. Bismillah in Decorative Script

Why It’s a Good Idea: Writing “Bismillah” is a beautiful way to combine calligraphy and embellishments for a meaningful artwork.

Suitable For: Intermediate artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Write “Bismillah” in Arabic at the center of your page.
  2. Sketch decorative flourishes extending from each letter.
  3. Add small flowers or leaves to enhance the script.
  4. Use gold or metallic ink for a sophisticated touch.

14. Golden Dome of the Rock

Why It’s a Good Idea: Drawing a famous Islamic landmark helps bring historical and cultural elements into your art.

Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Draw a large circle to represent the dome.
  2. Add the surrounding rectangular base.
  3. Sketch arches and columns to create detail.
  4. Add a golden color to the dome and subtle shading to show depth.

Can Everyday Objects Be Incorporated into Islamic Art Drawing?

Incorporating everyday objects into Islamic art drawing can add a modern twist to traditional designs. By using everyday object drawing ideas as inspiration, artists can create unique and meaningful pieces that reflect contemporary life within the context of Islamic art. This fusion of the ordinary and the traditional can result in striking and thought-provoking artwork.

15. Mihrab Arch Design

Why It’s a Good Idea: Mihrabs are niches in mosques indicating the direction of prayer. Drawing them allows artists to practice creating depth and detailing.

Suitable For: Advanced artists.

How to Draw:

  1. Start by sketching a basic arch shape.
  2. Draw smaller arches within the larger one to create depth.
  3. Add intricate floral or geometric patterns inside the arch.
  4. Use shading and colors to give a 3D effect.

These Islamic art drawing ideas can inspire artists of all levels to explore the beauty of this timeless art form. Whether you are interested in geometric patterns, calligraphy, or vibrant floral motifs, each of these drawing projects offers a unique way to immerse yourself in creativity and the rich cultural history of Islamic art. Why not pick one today and start creating? The journey itself is a rewarding and spiritual experience!