Art Therapy

Marbling Art (Ebru Sanati)

This course is designed for artists and creative individuals who want to explore Ebru (Turkish marbling art) as a unique and meditative artistic technique. Ebru is a centuries-old art form where pigments float on water before being transferred onto paper or fabric. Throughout the course, you will learn traditional and modern Ebru techniques, experiment with different patterns, and develop your own artistic style. By the end, you will be able to create and complete your own marbled artwork as a final project.

Details

Duration: 6 Weeks
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Format: Live video lessons, downloadable worksheets, interactive Q&A, final project

About the course

Key Points

In this course, you will:

The history and cultural significance of Ebru art
Traditional Ebru materials and techniques
Basic and advanced Ebru patterns (Battal, Gelgit, Taraklı, Şal, Hatip Ebru)
Creating unique designs by balancing pigments and water
Applying Ebru art on paper, fabric, and other surfaces
Completing an original Ebru artwork for the final project

Required Materials

Ebru Tray – A wide, shallow container for water-based painting (metal or plastic)
Thickening Agent (Kitre) – A natural material that increases water viscosity
Ox Gall – A substance that helps pigments spread on water
Ebru Paints – Natural pigment-based colors (pre-mixed with ox gall)
Brushes – Special Ebru brushes made from horsehair in various thicknesses
Mixing Containers – Small glass or plastic cups for preparing colors
Stirring Sticks – Wooden sticks for mixing pigments and thickening agents
Detailing Tools (Biz) – Metal-tipped rods for creating intricate designs
Combs & Sticks – Used for Taraklı and Gelgit patterns
Dropper or Spoon
Absorbent Paper – Special acid-free marbling paper
Varnish or Fixative
Cloth or Sponge
Gloves & Apron
Scissors & Ruler
Spray Bottle

Course Lessons

Week 1: Introduction to Ebru & Materials

Topics:
• History and cultural importance of Ebru art
• Overview of traditional Ebru masters
• Introduction to key materials (kitre, ox gall, pigments, brushes, and tray)

Practical Work:
• Preparing and mixing colors
• Experimenting with basic floating pigment techniques

Week 2: Battal Ebru & Fundamental Patterns

Topics:
• Introduction to the Battal technique (the foundation of all Ebru patterns)
• Understanding color distribution on water
• Controlling brush strokes for circular and dot formations

Practical Work:
• Creating Battal Ebru compositions
• Developing a personal color palette

Week 3: Gelgit, Taraklı, and Şal Ebru Techniques

Topics:
• Creating flowing and structured patterns
• Gelgit Ebru – Wave-like movement effects
• Taraklı Ebru – Using combs to create linear patterns
• Şal Ebru – Smooth, flowing fabric-like patterns

Practical Work:
• Practicing directional movements in marbling
• Experimenting with Taraklı and Şal Ebru techniques

Week 4: Hatip Ebru & Floral Techniques

Topics:
• Introduction to the Hatip Ebru technique
• Creating floral patterns (tulip, carnation, and violet motifs)
• Methods for controlling paint distribution

Practical Work:
• Symmetrical Hatip Ebru designs
• First attempts at floral patterns

Week 5: Modern Applications of Ebru Art

Topics:
• Applying Ebru on different surfaces (paper, fabric, wood, ceramics)
• Exploring digital Ebru art and contemporary adaptations
• Ebru techniques in textiles and design

Practical Work:
• Experimenting with marbling on fabric or ceramic
• Creating a modern Ebru-inspired design

Week 6: Your Own Ebru Artwork

Topics:
• Developing a unique composition using learned techniques
• Refining personal artistic style
• Finalizing and presenting your completed Ebru piece

Final Project:
• Create and present a completed Ebru artwork using multiple techniques
• Receive feedback and prepare the piece for display or preservation