Groene Tara Thangka Cursus Nederland: Foto’s & Meditaties
Retraite bij Maitreya Instituut Loenen (Veluwe), 19 t/m 22 feb en 23 t/m 26 feb 2026, met Carmen Mensink Meditaties
Thangka Zomerretraite Nederland: Foto’s & Meditaties
Een heerlijke week Tekenen & Schilderen van Tibetaanse Kunst, met Meditaties, Lezingen, Filmavond, Wandelingen en meer! Retraite bij Boeddhistisch Centrum
Jul 10-12 / Amsterdam, Nederland / De Historische Boeddha (Shakyamuni)
Tijdens deze weekendcursus leer je De Boeddha te tekenen volgens de oude Tibetaanse traditie van thangka (rolschilderingen). De officiële naam van De Boeddha is ‘Boeddha Shakyamuni’, en het Boeddhisme zoals wij dat in huidige vorm kennen is op zijn leringen gestoeld. Naast de tekensessies kom je tijdens deze cursus ook via korte meditaties, dialezingen en uitleg van de mantra van de Boeddha meer te weten over zijn achtergrond en symboliek. Dit geeft het tekenen van je Boeddha zoveel meer diepte.
Nov 12 / Vienna, Austria / Drawing the Buddha Face + Intro thangka Art
Learn to draw the Face of the Buddha according to the Tibetan tradition. No drawing experience needed. This workshop offers a great introduction on Tibetan thangka painting (Buddhist scroll paintings): through the lecture you’ll learn about the tradition of thangka art, how it came into existence, and the special place it holds within the Tibetan buddhist philosophy.
Jun 11 / NYC, US / Afternoon Workshop: Mudras of Tara
In this workshop you’ll learn how to draw the special hand gestures of Green Tara or White Tara, according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of thangka. These mudras are not only graceful but also hold profound meanings, that you’ll also learn in this workshop.
Jun 11 / Online / Lecture: Green Tara, Buddha of Active Compassion
During this online lecture you will learn all about Green Tara, her interesting story and her iconography in Tibetan art. This presentation is offered by renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink from The Netherlands, and ends with a Q&A. Offered live from NYC.
Jun 13+14, 2026 / NYC, USA / Green Tara, Buddha of Active Compassion
Green Tara is the most famous female Buddha, and in this thangka course,you’ll learn to draw her (and perhaps paint her later) according to the Tibetan Buddhist thangka tradition. Tara is one of the most revered Buddhas and is the embodiment of active compassion. She extends her hand -like a mother to her child- to fulfill all wishes. She stands with her right foot extended, ready to help where needed.
Dutch TV Program ‘Zin in Morgen’
Carmen Mensink on Dutch National TV, a personal portrait for the program ‘Zin in Morgen’ (a heartwarming program with inspiring stories about finding meaning and ’small’ happiness)
Catastrophic flash floods in Nepal
What prayers to do and where to donate to? A few suggestions A message from Carmen and the School for
Asia – Upcoming Classes, testimonials, and artworks
Upcoming Courses in Asia If there are any upcoming thangka classes, workshops and retreats in Asia they will be added
USA – Upcoming Classes, testimonials, and artworks
Join a Course in the US Overview of upcoming thangka classes, workshops and retreats in America. Sign up for the
Netherlands – Upcoming Classes (with student artworks & testimonials)
Note that all classes in The Netherlands are offered in Dutch, but if you need translations in English (or another
Testimonials & Artworks: Inspiration Gallery 2026
Check out the artworks that were created during the Onsite and Online Thangka Art Courses with Carmen Mensink in 2026!
PREVIOUS COURSES
USA / July 20 / Tibetan Amulet making class / FULL
NYC – Rubin Museum of Art, evening course on Tibetan Amulet making
PREVIOUS COURSES
Prajnaparamita – Boeddha van Wijsheid / 31 mrt-3 april 2022 / Veluwe, Netherlands / VOL
Een 4-daagse thangkacursus INCLUSIEF ALLE OVERNACHTINGEN EN MAALTIJDEN in Maitreya Instituut Loenen, op de Veluwe.
USA, PREVIOUS COURSES, Mandalas
Jun 21-26, 2026 / NY, USA / Five-Day Retreat at Omega Institute: Tibetan Mandala
Creating the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas: discover the sacred beauty of Tibetan Buddhist art in a peaceful retreat setting.
Dive deeper into Tibetan Buddhist art by learning to draw or paint the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas —
Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Vairocana – the five manifestations of enlightened mind.
Jun 19-21, 2026 / NY, USA / Weekend Workshop at Omega Institute: An Introduction
A perfect introduction for those curious about Tibetan art and its meditative practice. You’ll learn to draw the Buddha Face and the Lotus Flower, two profound symbols of awakening and purity. Through her inspired approach and guidance, Carmen helps to bring out the best in each student, and makes this retreat suitable for students of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced. You will return home with your own beautiful artwork(s). Drawing experience is not necessary.
PREVIOUS COURSES
Levenswiel Wheel of Life / VELUWE, NEDERLAND / Thangka Zomerretraite 2025
De 8-daagse Thangka Painting Zomercursus in Maitreya Instituut Loenen, incl. alle overnachtingen en maaltijden
Nov 12-15 / Vienna, Austria / Green Tara (Active Compassion)
During this 4-day thangka course you will learn how to draw Green Tara -the most famous female Buddha- according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Through a combination of drawing, lectures and meditations this weekend, you will not only make a connection with the Buddha, it also gives you drawing so much more depth. In addition to experiencing the meditational way of thangka drawing, you will learn all about the backgrounds and symbolism of the subject. You will also learn the Mantra of the Buddha, learn its meaning how to work with it.