Nepal
Stupas, thangkas & Buddha Eyes in Nepal
Countries
May 2-9 / Umbria, Italy / Thangka Drawing and Painting Retreat
Fantastic Thangka Drawing & Painting Retreat in Italy, including lodging and all meals. Learn to draw and paint Buddhas at this special art course!
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.
June 12 / NYC, USA / Introduction to Thangka Art + Drawing Buddha Face
Learn to draw the Face of the Buddha according to the Tibetan tradition. No drawing experience needed. 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 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.
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.
USA, UPCOMING 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 19-26, 2026 / NY, USA / Week Retreat at Omega Institute: The In-Depth Experience
This in-depth retreat is suitable for everyone, from beginner to advanced. In addition to the offered subjects, Carmen teaches this week about the special thangka painting techniques. Those who have already drawn the Buddha Face with Carmen previous course are welcome to use this week to the fullest and can start immediately with their drawing of painting of the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas and may even finish it this week.
Jul 10 / Amsterdam, Nederland / Boeddha Gezicht
Deze workshop biedt een geweldige introductie tot Tibetaanse thangka-schilderkunst (boeddhistische rolschilderingen).
Tijdens de lezing leer je over de traditie van thangka, hoe het is ontstaan en de speciale plek die het inneemt binnen de Tibetaans-boeddhistische filosofie. Daarna ga je zelf aan de slag, door te leren hoe je het gezicht van de Boeddha tekent volgens de Tibetaans-boeddhistische traditie.
Het tekenen van het gezicht van de Boeddha op de manier waarop het al eeuwenlang wordt gedaan, is een meditatieve ervaring. De symboliek in het Boeddhagezicht wordt ook uitgelegd.
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.
Jul 26 – Aug 2 / Veluwe, Nederland / Thangka Zomerretraite 2026
Met verschillende onderwerpen om uit te kiezen, oa. De Boeddha, MedicijnBoeddha, Mandala van Vijf Elementen. Deze 8-daagse Zomerretraite is geschikt voor cursisten op alle niveaus. Het onderscheid zich door de persoonlijke benadering en begeleiding (Carmen neemt vantevoren contact met je op om te bespreken wat het beste onderwerp en aanpak voor jou is) waardoor de retraite geschikt is voor beginners (ook mensen zonder enige tekenervaring), half-gevorderden, en gevorderde thangkaschilders.
Portugal, UPCOMING COURSES
October 2026? / Portugal / Tibetan Thangka Art & Meditation Intensive Retreat
Learn to draw Buddhas in the most beautiful city in the world!
Nov 5-8 / Venice, Italy / Thangka Drawing Course
Creating buddhist art in the most beautiful city in the world! Learn to draw a Buddha in a traditional ‘Venetian Palazzo’, on one of the canals in the heart of Venice (with amazing views!). Creating art in the city where you are surrounded by art is such a great combination.
Nov 11 / Vienna, Austria / Introduction to Thangka + Drawing Buddha Face
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.
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.
Online / Buddha Face Thangka Art Course / Start after purchase
Start your Journey in Thangka Art Here: Learn in a clear step by step process how to draw the Face of the Buddha according to the Tibetan tradition of thangka. Also for people without drawing experience. Personal guidance by Carmen is offered during the course.
Colouring Techniques Course / Online
Become a Pencil Pro! In this in-depth course on colour theory, colouring techniques, shading techniques and blending techniques you will learn step by step how create the most beautiful artworks with coloured pencils. Check out our course bundles with this course included!