Upcoming Courses in Asia
If there are any upcoming thangka classes, workshops and retreats in Asia they will be added here:
Sign up for the Newsletter to stay posted on all future courses, including those in Asia.
Thangka Classes in Singapore / Sri Lanka / Malaysia / Nepal
For many years Carmen taught each year in Singapore, taught in Malaysia, and in Sri Lanka offered several beautiful thangka retreat weeks in combination with a sightseeing tour/pilgrimage afterwards.
During the Covid-years these events were paused, but we are currently working on starting to offer new courses in Asia.
Sign up for the Newsletter to stay posted on all future courses and retreats in Asia.
Venerable Bellanwila Dhammaratana (or more affectionately addressed as Bhante) with Carmen and her thangka group during the sightseeing tour/pilgrimage after the Thangka Painting Retreat retreat in Sri Lanka
Thangka workshops and weekend courses in Singapore and Malaysia
Join an Online Course
Online thangka courses are offered through the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art, where you can learn how to draw or paint a Tibetan Buddha, Mandala, or Symbol from your home, while personally being guided by Carmen.
Most classes are for students on all levels – yes, also those without any drawing experience whatsoever.
Can’t wait to start your thangka journey?
Join the Buddha Face Thangka Art Course or the Tara’s Mudra Thangka Art Course today!
Testimonials and Artworks
“It has been such a great pleasure to be able to attend this Thangka art class workshop and allowing us the ability to draw with such great amazing details. I want to thank Carmen for her patience and metta.”
Joseph Pang, Singapore
Weekend courses in Singapore
“Carmen leads students gently into the subject matter in a systematic, organised matter. I loved the combination of lectures, meditation and drawing/painting. I always find it interesting to know about the history, symbolism, and more importantly the benefits of the drawing with regards to blessing others.”
Belinda Tan, Singapore
Weekend courses in Singapore
Shashi Rekha, India
Liked the meditation
I liked the course and the meditation before starting the course.
Liked the meditation
I liked the course and the meditation before starting the course.
Shashi Rekha, India
Kanika Mehra
This course was much more than I had hoped for and look forward to many more!
Dear Carmen, it was a wonderful course. I have not managed to finish all the art works, but I plan to complete them . The meditations, symbolism behin...
This course was much more than I had hoped for and look forward to many more!
Dear Carmen, it was a wonderful course. I have not managed to finish all the art works, but I plan to complete them . The meditations, symbolism behind each symbol and reflection was so enriching! This course was much more than I had hoped for and look forward to many more! thank you so much for all the effort you have put in creating these courses for us!
Kanika Mehra
Tenzin Nyidron, Vietnam
For all sentient beings to be happy and free of suffering
I’m so happy to attend this class and thanks for the teacher, Carmen, who is so kind and experience. I’m not good in drawing but realised what I dream...
For all sentient beings to be happy and free of suffering
I’m so happy to attend this class and thanks for the teacher, Carmen, who is so kind and experience. I’m not good in drawing but realised what I dream. When I draw Buddha face, I think of all Buddha’s quality, visualise Buddha, then the grid then draw it. I read sometimes the mantra of Buddha Shakya Muni. When coloring, I can see better the independent origination, all the draw, color, one by one to make his appearance. Just relax the mind, think of Buddha’s quality, continue to color. The most dificult is how to show via the drawing Budha’s compassion and wisdom. Compassion I try to make his eyes, look upon beings with loving, kindness “I show you the path, it’s your choice to follow”. Then the wisdom, I try to make via the hallow, blue circle by making the following one zen tradition of painting circle, just draw circle, visualise of his wisdom raise. And Buddha has the 3 kayas, then the Nirmakaya, his appearance, Sambogakaya, his smile and the light, Dharmakaya in his wisdom appeare.
That is my way to complete the Buddha’s face.
Thank you for Carmen to guide me and explain clearly.
I dedicate for Carmen’s work to help more people can draw their dream, for all sentient beings be happy and free of suffering.
Tenzin Nyidron, Vietnam
Wai Fong
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had
It was my first time attending Carmen’s Thangka painting retreat and it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Carmen was ab...
One of the greatest experiences I have ever had
It was my first time attending Carmen’s Thangka painting retreat and it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Carmen was able to attend to individual’s needs although it was a big class of participants with mixed experiences. I also loved it that Carmen not only taught us how to do Thangka painting, she made sure that we understood the symbolism of the deities that we were painting through the daily morning meditation and evening lectures. She also made special efforts to introduce Sri Lankan Buddhism art history to us to prepare us for our tour after the painting retreat. It was a great 10 days with an inspiring teacher, great company, wonderful accommodation at a meditation centre with delicious meals. Can’t ask for more!
Wai Fong
Namita Pal
A spiritual journey of growth and deeper understanding
Loved the course
Was a spiritual journey of growth and deeper understanding
Made me introspect a lot without realising it
Thank you carmen
God bless
A spiritual journey of growth and deeper understanding
Loved the course
Was a spiritual journey of growth and deeper understanding
Made me introspect a lot without realising it
Thank you carmen
God bless
Namita Pal
Sylvia Schmidt
Teacher with a lot of patience and devotion
I started drawing Vasudhara, Buddhist bodhisattva of wealth, prosperity, and abundance in November 2019 during a retreat at the Maitreya Institute in ...
Teacher with a lot of patience and devotion
I started drawing Vasudhara, Buddhist bodhisattva of wealth, prosperity, and abundance in November 2019 during a retreat at the Maitreya Institute in Loenen, the Netherlands. In February 2020 I did the Retreat at the Paramita Meditation Center in Sri Lanka and a 4 days round tour trip. The Paramita Meditation Center is the perfect place for meditation and Thangka Painting, a very quiet place with a beautiful garden and wonderful people. I started coloring my Vasudhara during this retreat. Carmen had made a perfect schedule with meditations, enough time to draw/ color and lectures. Her knowledge and devotion is outstanding. She is having a lot of patience and a teacher with a deep devotion of the topic. She provided me a lot of help to make a very nice drawing. I am very proud and happy that I decided to do this retreat. Next to it, the round tour trip was perfectly organised and Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country. If you love Buddhism and Buddhas that is the play to go. It was a wonderful time and perfect retreat. Thank you so much Carmen, I am a blessed person.
Sylvia Schmidt
Yong Shou Ying
I never imagine I could draw a Buddha
I came with an open mind and did not have any expectation. I just want to learn some thing new and enjoy the process. I started with meditation before...
I never imagine I could draw a Buddha
I came with an open mind and did not have any expectation. I just want to learn some thing new and enjoy the process. I started with meditation before I drew the gridlines and Buddha face in pencil. It helped to keep my mood calm and balance. I never imagine I could draw a Buddha and it is close to symmetrical. I enjoy the process and it freed my mind and I am totally immersed in drawing. Every little step completed is a triumph for me and some times I would admire it before I progress the next step. The lectures give me insight and understanding in the art and buddhist tradition. The videos in showing how to draw were really good as gives me a good guide to follow.
I wish this tradition continues to flourish and more get to appreciate the tradition and this course.
It is so helpful especially in such time where technology is overwhelming and simple things can be taken for granted. Thank you for having this online course!
Yong Shou Ying
Ven. Karma Shan Tan, Singapore
Really enjoyed the lessons
Palms joined in Heartfelt gratitude to Teacher Carmen for the guidance via the video teachings. Had really enjoyed the lessons and really took time to...
Really enjoyed the lessons
Palms joined in Heartfelt gratitude to Teacher Carmen for the guidance via the video teachings. Had really enjoyed the lessons and really took time to meditate and chant before each drawing. Had also repeatedly observed in meditative concentration to finetune again and again. Thus, like to apologise for submitting an uncompleted draft as really taking time to repeat watching the lessons and repeat fine tuning for each part. Since I have zero background, would appreciate if Teacher Carmen could share more in detail from her wealth of experiences on how to attain the symmetry of both left and right sides especially with the eyes, mouth and nose.
Ven. Karma Shan Tan, Singapore
Anjana
Initially was apprehensive about drawing such a figure with so many intricate details
Thank you Carmen for providing this amazing and enriching experience of drawing the White Tara. The course was both informative and detailed. Initiall...
Initially was apprehensive about drawing such a figure with so many intricate details
Thank you Carmen for providing this amazing and enriching experience of drawing the White Tara. The course was both informative and detailed. Initially was apprehensive about drawing such a figure with so many intricate details but the energy of Tara was such that I could complete the entire drawing with focus and calmness never experienced before. Loved every bit of if.
Anjana
Previous Courses and Related Events in Asia
Upcoming thangka classes, workshops and retreats in Asia will be added here as well. Sign up for the Newsletter to stay posted on all future courses.
Types of Classes in Asia
Overview of the different kinds of Buddhist Art Courses that are offered in Asia:
In these short workshops you will get a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist Art, and create a (small) drawing, such as a lotus flower or other Tibetan Symbol.
The Lotus Flower is part of the famous set of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. It’s also the flower that a lot of Buddhas hold in their hands, such as Green Tara and White Tara.
Similar Online Workshops:
In a day workshop you can learn to draw a Buddha face, Lotus flower or other Tibetan Buddhist symbols and color it by using the color pencil techniques, that will be explained as well. The thangka day workshops offers you a good introduction in Tibetan Art.
Similar Online Workshops:
In a Weekend Course (starting Fri evening) you can learn to draw a Buddha, Mandala or Tibetan Symbols, but -depending on how fast you are- you may have to finish your artwork at home.
In an Extended Weekend Course (starting Thu evening) we can dive even deeper into the subject and you will most probably be able to finish your drawing (at least in black and white).
Besides the drawing sessions in these multi-day courses, you will be also receive guided meditations, presentations and lectures about the meaning, symbolism and mantra of the particular subject, offering you a complete picture of the philosophy and practice that is connected to your Buddha or Mandala.
Similar Online Courses:
- The Buddha (Shakyamuni) Thangka Art Course
- Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course
- White Tara Thangka Art Course
- Eight Auspicious Symbols Online Thangka Art Course
- Colouring Techniques Course (only to be purchased in addition to another online course)
The longer courses are suitable for both drawing & painting, such as the annual 7/10-Day Retreats in the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, the US and sometimes Asia (see upcoming courses and retreats).
A retreat gives you a true in-depth experience of the Tibetan Thangka art & philosophy, as there’s time to learn to work with the special thangka painting techniques and/or color pencil techniques.
Besides the drawing sessions in these multi-day courses, you will be also receive guided meditations, presentations and lectures about the meaning, symbolism and mantra of the particular subject, offering you a complete picture of the philosophy and practice that is connected to your Buddha or Mandala.
Similar Online Courses:
- The Buddha (Shakyamuni) Thangka Art Course
- Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course
- White Tara Thangka Art Course
- Eight Auspicious Symbols Online Thangka Art Course
- Colouring Techniques Course (only to be purchased in addition to another online course)
For those who want to treat themselves to the luxury of a Private Thangka Course.Individual teachings can be offered at Carmen’s studio in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), for 1 to 4 persons.
It’s also possible for Carmen to offer a Private Thangka Course on location, for 1 to 25 persons.
Also, when she’s touring in Italy, Portugal, Austria, US East Coast, or Asia, Carmen can be hired to offer individual thangka teachings. Check out the upcoming courses and retreats for the schedule.
Pictures of Thangka Classes in Asia
After a thangka course, Carmen posts pictures of it on on this website,at the Photos of Thangka Art Retreats section.
Pictures can also be found on her Instagram and FaceBook pages (such as this Buddhist Art Retreat & Sightseeing Tour in Sri Lanka and the Thangka Weekend Retreat in Singapore).
Add this page to your bookmarks
Sign up for the Newsletter and stay updated on all upcoming Tibetan art classes, lectures and events in Asia:
