Classe de Desenho e Pintura da Alhambra

★★★★★ We had a fantastic time doing this experience and came away with something genuinely unique to remember our holiday by. Our host, Mark, was excellent — incredibly patient throughout and clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the geometric designs found in the Alhambra. He started by explaining the different patterns, their meanings and the differences between them, before helping us choose the design we each wanted to create. What made the experience particularly enjoyable was that we actually created everything ourselves from the beginning. We drew out the geometry using rulers and compasses, traced the finished pattern and transferred it onto the watercolour paper using the traditional rubbing technique. From there, we chose our own colour schemes and started painting, with Mark guiding us whenever we needed it without taking over. Our session lasted around three hours, although I could easily see it taking a little longer with a larger group. It never felt rushed and Mark was happy for us to work at our own pace. Neither of us are particularly experienced artists, so we were genuinely impressed with what we managed to produce! A really interesting, relaxing and hands-on experience, and something completely different from the usual holiday activities. Highly recommended.

+3

Great chilled experience, interesting to hear a lot about the background of the Alhambra. Our art skills weren’t perfect but it was far more about the experience than the less than perfect output haha

Really fun and inspiring activity. The course, run by Kate and Mark, was educational, friendly and productive. It was really interesting to learn about the history of this artform and to produce a small sample of it for myself. I know it sounds like learning how magic works, but it was actually even more intriguing to start understand the complexity of the geometry that lies behind these beautiful repeating patterns. A lovely morning and I wish I had done the course earlier in my stay so that I had time to do another.

It was fascinating to see a pattern emerge from a geometric drawing. Marc explains patiently and step-by-step how to proceed; he explains some techniques and helps if something goes wrong. You can choose from different patterns and many colors and brushes to design your product and have a personal souvenir of Nerja. This activity offers relaxation, but also requires concentration.

This was really absorbing and enjoyable. Mark is a kind and expert tutor. He helped me to develop confidence so that I was able to enjoy the process and produce a piece of art that I am truly proud of!

Signed up for a class at The Geometric Art Studio, didn’t really know what to expect. Found out it about creating the same designs found at the Alhambra. Fascinating and the drawing and painting are a Zen experience! Mark was great, patient and knowledgeable. Came back the next day to complete and met Kate, who does awesome designs herself! Highly recommended!

took an Islamic art class with Mark, and it was one of the best things I did in Andalusia. Mark was incredibly patient and generous. I now have my first Islamic drawing, and I am so happy about it. I can’t recommend it enough!

The Geometry of the Alhambra workshop was one of the highlights of my week in Granada. It was a fun, inexpensive way to deepen my experience of the city and the Alhambra. Our class consisted of five people from the U.S., Australia and Canada. I have zero artistic ability but still managed to create something I love. Kate and Mark are great teachers and lovely people to spend an afternoon with.

A fantastic workshop. They take you through the process step by step and we (3 sisters) were amazed at our own results. Kate and Mark are kind, patient and helpfull. The next day we went to the Alhambra and there we saw the work that went into creating the beautiful Nasrid Palaces.

This was incredible! Kate and Mark are awesome and have so many interesting stories about their travels. They’re so helpful at explaining the process. I wasn’t sure what my piece would end up looking like because I haven’t painted since elementary school and I don’t have the steadiest hand, but it turned out really well thanks to their help. It was a blast to get to learn more about the designs I’d been seeing around the city and to bring a souvenir home that I made. I definitely recommend taking a few hours out of your day in Granada for this experience!