Welcome to the Buddha Face Inspiration Gallery! Here displayed are the artworks that were created during the online Drawing the Buddha Face! Thangka Art course with Carmen Mensink in May/June 2020 at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art. These traditional Buddha faces -made by people from all over the world and both with and without any drawing experience- not only express the enlightened mind, but also the beauty, love and dedication of the maker. 🙏🏼 Aren’t they all amazing? Enjoy!
Deborah Ireland
A good balance of instruction and practice
The course had a good flow and a good balance of instruction and practice
Anna
Being able to look back several times to the Iconography and the Colours
I already followed an onsite course of drawing the Buddha Face in Den Haag.
But now I had more time and being able to look back several times to the I...
Adda Hernandez
I am not a painter but the Buddha came out very much alive and beautiful
I just wanted to explore buddhism spirituality by learning to painting buddhism art. And in reality this is the second drawing I have done apart from ...
I am not a painter but the Buddha came out very much alive and beautiful
I just wanted to explore buddhism spirituality by learning to painting buddhism art. And in reality this is the second drawing I have done apart from my cat, so with this I just want to say that I am not a painter but the Buddha Carmen teach us how to draw came out very much alive and beautiful. And I am deeply thankful to Carmen for offering this class online.
Adda Hernandez
Ferne Parmenter
Very helpful to replay the videos
The First time I ever saw a Tibetan Thangka, I immediately wanted to learn more about it. My expectations were met with this course because it was muc...
Very helpful to replay the videos
The First time I ever saw a Tibetan Thangka, I immediately wanted to learn more about it. My expectations were met with this course because it was much harder than I thought it would be, it was such a fun challenge to draw a balanced face using the grid system.
I did like the combination of the different elements in this course. I really liked them and wasn’t expecting the mediations or the Tibetan mantras.
The lectures were very informative without being too much information at once. Good bite-size chinks of information. Then I was happily lost in time as I drew.
It was very helpful that I could replay the videos to see and hear the instructions multiple times so I could follow along and not feel lost or left behind. I could really find my own pace.
Ferne Parmenter
Boxia Wang
I enjoyed this course a lot!
I enjoyed this course a lot! I have been wanting to learn Thangka since 1 year ago, and was hesitate to draw the face of Buddha following the pictures...
I enjoyed this course a lot!
I enjoyed this course a lot! I have been wanting to learn Thangka since 1 year ago, and was hesitate to draw the face of Buddha following the pictures I found online. I’m so grateful that I waited for a year and this is exactly the course I am looking for.
It is very helpful to do the meditation before the class, because I got too excited about the class and my mind is so full that the meditation helped to calm me down and to set the right motivation.
Boxia Wang
David Ekins
The online medium worked really well
Really enjoyed this class.
I thought the online medium worked really well, as i travel alot its hard to get away at a certain time to do the onsite in...
Johnny
Not just a “drawing”course
I really enjoyed the course and the focus on Buddhist traditions particularly as they relate to thangkas, methods and lineage. Its not just a “drawing”c...
Metta
Opportunity to do this with such an excellent teacher, in a way that I could afford
I was so happy to find this course and this teacher especially at this moment. This is something I’ve wanted to study for most of my life. To have the ...
Opportunity to do this with such an excellent teacher, in a way that I could afford
I was so happy to find this course and this teacher especially at this moment. This is something I’ve wanted to study for most of my life. To have the opportunity to do this with such an excellent teacher, in a way that I could afford, and not have to travel made it all possible. I am currently unemployed and so the finances are difficult but this was a reasonable cost, so I am grateful.
I loved learning the history and the context and the symbolism, and how to meditate with the thangka. I loved seeing other’s creations.
Metta
Melissa
I knew this course would be awesome, however you far exceeded that expectation
I had a little peek at your free medicine buddha lecture.. So in my heart i knew this course would be awesome.. However you far exceeded that expectat...
I knew this course would be awesome, however you far exceeded that expectation
I had a little peek at your free medicine buddha lecture.. So in my heart i knew this course would be awesome.. However you far exceeded that expectation..
i love the combination of story meditation, pictures, and bonus materials.. and yay i get to sing the mantra with you…
loved your approach beginning with meditation, your through explanations of words meanings, and story.. and wow even you can pray in tibetan language. the language is art in itself, the art,language, prayer, meditation, story, all In one.. so beautiful yet you are bringing this to a wider audience. Our world needs so much healing.. big gratitude for your heart…
beautifully done…hope to see more courses in the future, I’m already signed up for medicine buddha thangka course so excited…
Melissa
Javier
Well structured and detailed explanations available for each step
My expectations going into the course where to get more in touch with the aspects of buddhism regarding the drawing of the Buddha.
I was surprised on ...
Well structured and detailed explanations available for each step
My expectations going into the course where to get more in touch with the aspects of buddhism regarding the drawing of the Buddha.
I was surprised on how well structured and detailed explanations were available for each step.
The history before the drawing classes i believe add so much value because it brings the attention of the importance and significance of this tradition. On top of that, meditation was key to focus and be able to concentrate on the class.
Javier
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
Sophia Procofieff
Very well structured
I liked very much the path and combination of lectures, meditations and sessions. I have been interested in taking this kind of course for a long time...
Teresa McDowell
Pleasantly surprised – I’m glad that I got to participate
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I liked how the art lessons were broken down so that I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I also enj...
Pleasantly surprised – I’m glad that I got to participate
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I liked how the art lessons were broken down so that I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I also enjoyed learning about the history of the Thangka, and participating in the meditations. I feel that it was an all around great course, and I’m glad that I got to participate.
I feel that the drawing video was the most useful to me. I liked how the individual lines were shown step by step on the video.
Teresa McDowell
Kim Meijer living in NY, via Helmond and Amsterdam, The Netherlands
So meditative and fulfilling
I totally loved the experience. It was so meditative and fulfilling. It was beyond my expectations. Thank you so much.
Kanti Arani
It was overall a great experience
This was my first Thangka drawing with Carmen and a first hand experience of drawing Buddha face using Iconography and grid technique. The meditations...
It was overall a great experience
This was my first Thangka drawing with Carmen and a first hand experience of drawing Buddha face using Iconography and grid technique. The meditations and mantras taught in the course made me very relaxed and helped me enjoy learning the art technique. It was overall a great experience.
Kanti Arani
Bill, USA
Had fun!
Had fun drawing and coloring the Buddha Face!
Peter Prommel, The Netherlands
It put me in a concentrated and restful mood
I really liked the meditations and background stories. They put me so well in a concentrated and restful mood. It made it easier to remember all the t...
It put me in a concentrated and restful mood
I really liked the meditations and background stories. They put me so well in a concentrated and restful mood. It made it easier to remember all the tips and tricks also! My mind worked better! I enjoyed the pencil drawing, and precision, but had some troubles with the paint and size. Eveness of this paint (cobra, oil/watermixable) was not so easy.. I really liked being able to keep editing the final, with the same paint as well as with acryl and acrylic ink (liquitex). I also liked staying long with the basic colors green, red, yellow and blue, which resemble for me Maitri, Karuna, Mudita and Upekkha.
I noticed it is challenging to make all the lines symetrical and positioned so that I liked the expression of the smile. Also the painting was challenging, to get an even, or shaded layer. I felt good about learning to concentrate on smaller brushstrokes, and keep the rest in breathing as well. I notice when I stop breathing at particular difficult lines. It was a lot of fun touching up at the end, small lines, small corrections. polishing.
Peter Prommel, The Netherlands
Alison Graham, Ontario, Canada
If I didn’t have the timeframe I would have procrastinated
Everything was presented in a way that was clear and easy to understand. Thangka is something I had an interest in pursuing a few years ago but I ende...
If I didn’t have the timeframe I would have procrastinated
Everything was presented in a way that was clear and easy to understand. Thangka is something I had an interest in pursuing a few years ago but I ended up taking western art classes as that was much more accessible to me. I am very happy for this opportunity and I can see myself doing more.
I was a little stressed out about the time frame to complete it but I am glad for the deadline. If I didn’t have it, I would have procrastinated.
I’m looking forward to doing another Buddha face (this time with room for halo and robes) and colouring it properly, as this one seems to have been mostly an experiment. (I’m still not sure if I should do more in the background or just keep it simple…)
Alison Graham, Ontario, Canada
Mitra, Australia
The course made me feel calm and centred
I have been through some sort of crisis but this course was extremely useful! It helped me to ground myself.. made me feel calm and centred which was ...
The course made me feel calm and centred
I have been through some sort of crisis but this course was extremely useful! It helped me to ground myself.. made me feel calm and centred which was very needed indeed! The course structure was very clear and was beyond my expectations! I got so much out of it. I loved the combination of all the elements you put in. I really appreciate that you decided to have online course! I live in Australia so far away to attend these classes in person. I didn’t have any drawing experience. I only draw Buddha face once but would like to draw more Buddha face before even starting on colouring (bought the Colouring bundle). Many thanks again for all the effort you put in to create this amazing course for us!
Mitra, Australia
Sherry, Washington, USA
I fell into the process like a playful otter into a river
My expectations were more than met, Carmen! The information you provided was inspirational and your teaching steps were well-paced. I fell into the pr...
I fell into the process like a playful otter into a river
My expectations were more than met, Carmen! The information you provided was inspirational and your teaching steps were well-paced. I fell into the process like a playful otter into a river. Thank you!
I can see what I need to work on – symmetry for you and also the ears; I also need to pay attention to the overall placement of the face on the paper. The flame got crunched by the halo!
However, I am really pleased. I’ve never done this type of drawing before. It was wonderful to combine my practice with this amazing art form. Again, I can’t thank you enough.
With folded hands!
Sherry, Washington, USA
Kate Denmark, Western Australia
Carmen’s teaching is clear, concise and VERY helpful
I liked everything! Would love to join an actual class sometime in the future. Carmen’s teaching is clear concise and VERY helpful. Thankyou.
Judy, Turkey
Totally immersed during the process
I felt totally immersed during the process of drawing the Buddha’s face and enjoyed that. The experience also served to underscore my streak of perfect...
Totally immersed during the process
I felt totally immersed during the process of drawing the Buddha’s face and enjoyed that. The experience also served to underscore my streak of perfectionism and the negative patterns that go along with it. I wasn’t happy with the eyes of my Buddha, but decided not to make any corrections before submitting my artwork. Letting go of perfection here felt right.
I had some drawing experience from many years ago, but had not cultivated the skill.
Loved the space that opened in my mind while drawing and the insight gleaned from the process. Thank you Carmen!
Judy, Turkey
Karin, The Netherlands
Very enjoyable with a good mix of information
The online workshop was very enjoyable with a good mix of information on the thangka painting tradition, how to draw as well as making your own drawin...
Kate Denmark, Western Australia
Very clear instructions and supporting info
It was great, and I learned a lot, Thank you Carmen! The most difficult part was seeing/ understanding how the Buddha’s eyes are not as open as depicte...
Very clear instructions and supporting info
It was great, and I learned a lot, Thank you Carmen! The most difficult part was seeing/ understanding how the Buddha’s eyes are not as open as depicted, so more practice Needed! Very clear instructions and the supporting info very helpful.
Kate Denmark, Western Australia
Carole Martin, Canada
Easy to follow, a joy to do!
Thank you Carmen – your Buddha Face Course was so informative, easy to follow, a joy to do! I loved that in the Colouring Techniques Course you made a ...
Easy to follow, a joy to do!
Thank you Carmen – your Buddha Face Course was so informative, easy to follow, a joy to do! I loved that in the Colouring Techniques Course you made a connection with the Dutch Masters – this was an unexpected surprise! I will continue to look at paintings of Old Masters to get inspired as I practice these colouring/shading techniques. I finished my Buddha Face before I learned about blending so look forward to drawing a Buddha face in blended colours. Thanks again for creating this wonderful course.
Carole Martin, Canada
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
Robin, New Jersey, USA
I enjoyed the class
I enjoyed the class, learning to draw and then color the Buddha Face. Thank you, Carmen!
Anne Montano, California, USA
Helping me get through this difficult time
This was (is) a beautiful, meditative experience which is helping me get through this difficult time. I look forward to taking another class in the fu...
Deb, Toronto, Canada
A wonderful way to spend the day!
Thanks for this course. The step by step approach allowed me to relax into the drawing practice. I enjoyed the additional learning through the lecture...
A wonderful way to spend the day!
Thanks for this course. The step by step approach allowed me to relax into the drawing practice. I enjoyed the additional learning through the lectures and now know more about the Buddha iconography as a result. Looking forward to the colouring course next to finish my piece. I haven’t drawn for years and this was a wonderful way to spend the day!
Deb, Toronto, Canada
Shashi Rekha, India
Liked the meditation
I liked the course and the meditation before starting the course.
Charlene, USA
I had this belief that I could not draw prior to this course
I had no drawing experience, so I started the class with an open mind. I must say the 10-day schedule was quite challenging due to my work schedule an...
I had this belief that I could not draw prior to this course
I had no drawing experience, so I started the class with an open mind. I must say the 10-day schedule was quite challenging due to my work schedule and I could not spend much time during the first weekend due to prior commitments. So, I spent the second weekend working around the clock to finish the course. What I like about the course is: 1) the instruction of how to draw a Buddha head is lay out as a step by step process. The instructions are clearly explained with the support of visual representations; 2) Carmen is supportive and answering questions and comments in a timely manner. I struggled for drawing eyes even after watching videos multiple times and practicing them multiple times. I enjoyed the different elements of the course (e.g., the history, the meditation, the actual drawing, the dedication prayer, etc.). This course has been transformative for me. I had this belief that I could not draw prior taking this course. It feels very freeing to be able to draw a Buddha head. And I absolutely love the Buddha I drew.
Charlene, USA
Betty van Vorselen, The Netherlands
I found the course inspiring
I found the course inspiring. The background information very good.
Esther
While drawing I felt a deep peace
I am very happy that I found this thangka drawing course. Drawing is a kind of meditation for me and I only found out today that that is also one of t...
While drawing I felt a deep peace
I am very happy that I found this thangka drawing course. Drawing is a kind of meditation for me and I only found out today that that is also one of the ideas behind this course. I want to delve more into Buddhism and meditation and how beautiful it is if I can do that through this course.
Today while drawing I felt a deep peace and almost a kind of coming home. I am very happy.
I have consciously chosen not to further elaborate my drawing with shadow or color. I plan to draw the face a few more times to make it more my own and to get a lot more meditative than today with this first drawing.
Esther
Marco, The Netherlands
Great experience
Really enjoyed drawing the Buddha face. Great experience to take time to meditate and draw with attention.
Selina from the beautiful Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada
Perfect way for me to get motivated again
Hello! I have some drawing experience however have not done any drawing for many years. This course was the perfect way for me to get motivated again....
Perfect way for me to get motivated again
Hello! I have some drawing experience however have not done any drawing for many years. This course was the perfect way for me to get motivated again. Very challenging at some points (misalignment of grids for one…yikes) however very satisfying in many ways!! So grateful for this opportunity.
Selina from the beautiful Rocky Mountains in British Columbia, Canada
Wendy Insinger, New York, USA
I really thought it would be impossible for me to draw at all
This course was amazing! I really thought it would be impossible for me to draw at all. Carmen’s videos are incredible, as it all the detail, informati...
Camila Prete, Maui, Hawaii
It’s been a very great process
Hi Carmen.
I’m still working on finishing of my Buddha face but wanted to send to you ,so you can see where I am at.
I haven’t worked with color penci...
It’s been a very great process
Hi Carmen.
I’m still working on finishing of my Buddha face but wanted to send to you ,so you can see where I am at.
I haven’t worked with color pencil in a while. 🙂 I’ve been having fun tho!
Here is what I got so far:
I am Doing the background in acrylics.
I want to bring up that it has been a very meditative work and a lots of thought keep coming in to my mind. I have been notice how it interfere on my painting. Even when I have thought that are not so pleasant, I notice I get more sloppy. And I have practice coming back to my relaxed enjoyable state of mind.
Also looking at Buddha face have been feeling like Buddha is looking at me, and I apologize at times for thinking or judging people or Situations. Like asking for forgiveness. And then I remember that You said that is a reflection of ourselves, so I change it to apologize to myself and forgive myself for those human feelings.
It’s been a very great process.
To connect to my art , creativity, myself and the Divinity of all of it.
Also my cat have been jumping on my Thangka drawing and I get a little nervous so it’s also another exercise, i remember that you teach about the animals. So I replace my nervous acting with put him on my lap and start to pet him.
Practice, practice, practice 🙂
I really appreciate learning with you.
And I am very grateful!
Thank you so much for your patience.
Much love
Aloha🌺
Camila
Camila Prete, Maui, Hawaii
Pastor, Mexico
Great moments while studying and drawing
Thank you very much dear Carmen, for guide us, for great moments while studying and drawing, for meditations and support inner learning.
Om Mani Padme...
Karin Meijer, Haarlem, the Netherlands
Step for step explanation
The background information and the step by step drawing guide were very helpfull. It was an opportunity to do this e-course and it was very joyfull. I...
Step for step explanation
The background information and the step by step drawing guide were very helpfull. It was an opportunity to do this e-course and it was very joyfull. I loved the information about the Buddhism and the step for step explanation for drawing the Buddhaface. Also very good was if you asked a question, the answer became very quick. I am very satisfied about this course.
Karin Meijer, Haarlem, the Netherlands
Robin, USA
Enjoyed the background talks!
I enjoyed the drawing and especially the background talks!
Ellen Green, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Rich and meaningful experience
This course was perfect in every way for me. The teaching of the dharma, the mantra chanting, the meditation, the history and the clear, concise instr...
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
Karla, Chile
I never thought I could do a Buddha face!
Thanks for the teachings, I never thought I could do a Buddha face!
An amazing journey… Thank you Carmen!
Lili, México city
Interaction with the teacher
Yes i loved the workshop. It is very well organized and i like the interaction with the teacher (Carmen). My experience in drawing is little but i enj...
Mindy Newman, USA
I didn’t expect to learn so much
My expectations for the course were exceeded! I hoped to experience the meditative aspect of drawing sacred art, which I certainly did. I didn’t expect...
I didn’t expect to learn so much
My expectations for the course were exceeded! I hoped to experience the meditative aspect of drawing sacred art, which I certainly did. I didn’t expect to learn so much about the history and use of thangkas, which I loved, and definitely didn’t expect to be so happy with my drawing, which I am!
Mindy Newman, USA
Amanda West, California, USA
History of Thang Ka paintings and buddhist philosophy
I loved taking this course so much! I particularly enjoyed the explanation of the history of Thang Ka paintings and buddhist philosophy. Carmen, thank...
History of Thang Ka paintings and buddhist philosophy
I loved taking this course so much! I particularly enjoyed the explanation of the history of Thang Ka paintings and buddhist philosophy. Carmen, thank you for your detailed and easy to understand explanations. This has been an incredible experience.
Amanda West, California, USA
Heidi de Mare, Leiden, The Netherlands
I’ve learned a lot!
Carmen, thank you so much for your inspiring lectures! I’ve learned a lot! I will continue with the colour-workshop, and will use that knowledge to col...
I’ve learned a lot!
Carmen, thank you so much for your inspiring lectures! I’ve learned a lot! I will continue with the colour-workshop, and will use that knowledge to colour my Buddha-face. It was not easy to draw the Buddha face, but it made me realise more the differences in drawing both sides in balance. I will continue my training! Thank you very much! best wishes, Heidi
Heidi de Mare, Leiden, The Netherlands
Sabine, Germany
So much more than a drawing course
Dear Carmen, thank you very much for this wonderful course. For me it really was set up in such a comprehensive way, this is so much more than a drawi...
So much more than a drawing course
Dear Carmen, thank you very much for this wonderful course. For me it really was set up in such a comprehensive way, this is so much more than a drawing course rather a meditation, an experience and a journey to meet my inside buddha 🙂 Even though I have drawing experience I was a bit concerned about the precise way to draw (which is not my strength) but I really enjoyed it and found great joy in the patience. An indeed fulfilling experience or shall I rather say journey.
PS: I cannot wait to shade my Buddha in black and white
Sabine, Germany
Natalia Melnikova. Spain
I couldn’t believe that I am capable of drawing a Buddha
This course was a Devine gift for me. I couldn’t believe that I am capable of drawing Buddha face by myself. Especially in Tibetan Thangka Tradition. ...
I couldn’t believe that I am capable of drawing a Buddha
This course was a Devine gift for me. I couldn’t believe that I am capable of drawing Buddha face by myself. Especially in Tibetan Thangka Tradition. I have zero of experience and didn’t draw since school. In the end I have a beautiful Buddha Face in front of me and I’m a little bit sad it’s over. But I am planning on doing another bigger one! I am staying at school to develop my skills on coloring techniques. I am so grateful for this opportunity to discover my new creative side.
Natalia Melnikova. Spain
Lorraine Aguila, USA
Loved learning the thangka techniques
I loved this course. I loved the blend of lecture, instruction and meditation and Buddhist practices. I loved that the segments were short yet full of...
Loved learning the thangka techniques
I loved this course. I loved the blend of lecture, instruction and meditation and Buddhist practices. I loved that the segments were short yet full of wonderful information. I loved seeing all the examples of the Buddha Faces in the Inspirational Gallery. It really was inspirational. What beautiful work you and your students have done. I loved learning the thangka techniques drawing my Buddha Face . Overall ..FANTASTIC! Thank you. Blessings