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Upcoming Buddhist Art Courses in the United States of America
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Types of Classes
Overview of the different kinds of Buddhist Art Courses that are offered in the USA:
In these short workshops you will get a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist Art, and create a (small) drawing or Tibetan Amulet.
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.
In a weekend course (starting Fri evening) we will start to draw a Buddha, Mandala or Symbols, but -depending on how fast you are- you might 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.
Besides the drawing sessions, you will be guided through (short) meditations, slideshows and lectures about the meaning, symbolism and mantra of the particular subject, offering you a complete picture of the Buddhist philosophy that is connected to your Buddha or Mandala.
Coloring or painting your drawing can be done at home or during a thangka painting retreat.
The longer courses, such as the annual 5 day Retreat Week at the Omega Institute (Rhinebeck, NY), are suitable for both drawing & painting.
For Thangka Painting Retreats that last 7 to 10 days and offer even more depth and practice, you can join the annual painting retreats in Italy or Sri Lanka.
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, you will be guided through (short) meditations, slideshows and lectures about the meaning, symbolism and mantra of the particular subject, offering you a complete picture of the Buddhist philosophy that is connected to your Buddha or Mandala.
In the days before or after a course in the US, Carmen can be hired to offer individual thangka teachings.
For people who want to treat themselves to the luxury of a private course, for one person or with a few friends.
Pictures of Thangka Classes
After a thangka course, Carmen posts pictures of it on her FaceBook Page. You can also check her Instagram page for pictures.
Reviews
Testimonials from people who have joined the thangka courses in the US:
“From word one Carmen brings her skills as an artist to the heart of her teaching. I felt her generosity and compassion with me, a very beginner art student.
Her instructions are clear and concise. I know the tools to use to draw the Buddha at home. I know the beauty and sacredness of the symbols I see.
I am taking home with me an image I created on paper and an experience of the sacred. Carmen is an inspiration to me and I will seek opportunities to study with her again. What a joy to share this experience with a fantastic group of classmates!”
Diane N., Pennsylvania, USA
Retreat Week at Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
“My experience in the classes at the RMA and Tibet House with Carmen Mensink was very special. Along with great skill in Tibetan Tangkha painting her knowledge of the integration of the symbols and Philosophy was shared in a precise and lucid manner. I have always been interested in Tibetan Art and Carmen’s explanations expanded my connection to it and brought it to life in a very real way.
Carmen created an atmosphere of ease with the absence of pressure that made learning new techniques really joyful and satisfying. As a person, Carmen expresses her support and encouragement with the great generosity and spirit of a true teacher. I was inspired to continue practicing with the new methods I learned and to continue working on a Mandala that has remained unfinished for some time now. I am really looking forward to her next visit to New York.”
Al Gorgoni, New York City, USA, Thangka art classes at Rubin Museum of Art & Tibet House, NYC
“Having been stuck in my own art practice for a number of years, Carmen’s class helped me not only break through that stuckness, but also integrate new, old & unfolding learnings. It is a beautiful amalgamation of mindfulness, art, meditation. We learned, applied & had opportunity to try new techniques & ask plenty of questions. I look forward to taking class again with Carmen next year.“
Lisa Evert, Ohio
Thangka Retreat Week at Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
“We had a really fun five days, Carmen was really a dedicated teacher, it was amazing how we all didn’t really know what we were doing at first, but got guided through the process and we all ended up making nice stuff IMO. …We did a cool meditation every morning that was tied into the specific buddha that we were all drawing/painting. Carmen’s great – sincere, supportive, humble & enthusiastic.”
Vlad Lewis, Massachusetts, USA
Retreat Week at Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
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