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Italy – Artworks and Testimonials
by the students of Carmen Mensink
An overview of the drawings and paintings created by Carmen’s students during the classes, courses and retreats in Italy. Courses are offered in Italy several times each year, in Tuscany (usually in April, May or June) and in Venice (usually in October or November). During her stay in Italy, Carmen can also offer private thangka teachings, when booked in advance. Sign up for the Newsletter to stay posted on all classes, lectures and events in the Italy.
A few testimonials from people who have joined the thangka courses in Italy:
“The impossible became possible.
I feel gratitude to the great harmony en serenity that I experienced in the classroom and throughout the stay; gratitude to the kindness and great professionalism of Carmen; gratitude to the wonderful nature around us… the hours flew by, and step by step, despite my initial fears en insecurities (I can’t draw!), on my paper something amazing materialized, as well as in my heart.
I hope I can soon relive the experience, and like all things that are true and deep there’s not much to understand but simply to try!!”
Elena A., Genova, Italy
Weekend Courses in Venice & the Thangka Painting Retreat Weeks in Northern Italy
“Hello everybody, I’m not a drawer and I don’t have previous drawing experiences, but working with Carmen is more involved with meditation than drawing. The result is something unexpected and beautiful, in its deepest meaning.”
Giorgio Cotto, Bologna, Italy
Weekend courses in Venice and Bologna, and the Thangka Painting Retreats in Northern Italy
“I feel this work as a very complete and clear meditation where we can observe the mind, the sight (seeing) and our hand (as expression). And the connection between them.
It was a very good experience, that I recommend very much.”
Maria José Moura, Porto, Portugal
Annual Thangka Painting Retreat in Northern Italy
My expectations were exceeded in every way
My only drawing experience was the online course “draw a Buddha head” by Carmen and that was already a very good experience. The only thing I expected f...
Read More My expectations were exceeded in every way
My only drawing experience was the online course “draw a Buddha head” by Carmen and that was already a very good experience. The only thing I expected from the Guan Yin drawing course was time to work on a drawing of “a strong woman” in a meditative way. My expectations were exceeded in every way. With great admiration I have seen Carmen working with a large group of different people. Her professional, calm and dedicated way of transferring knowledge is fantastic. Her empathic being turns a heterogeneous group into a harmonious whole. It was a wonderful experience that tastes like “more”. Thank you very much!
Ellen Küppers
Netherlands
Join a course in Italy
Overview of upcoming thangka classes, workshops and retreats in Italy. Sign up for the Newsletter to stay posted on all future courses.
Thangka Painting Retreats A short video about the annual thangka painting retreat in Italy, where people from all over the world come...
8-Day Thangka Drawing & Painting Retreat in Tuscany, Italy, including lodging and all meals. Learn to draw and paint Buddhas...
Learn to draw Buddhas in the most beautiful city in the world!
Join a course Online
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. The videos can have subtitles in Italian, or in any other language.
Can’t wait to start your thangka journey? Join the Buddha Face Thangka Art Course today!
Types of Classes in Italy:
Overview of the different kinds of Buddhist Art Courses that are offered in Italy.
(Extended) Weekend Courses

In a
weekend course (starting Fri evening) we will start to draw a Buddha or Mandala, but 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.
All weekend courses are given in English and translated in Italian, therefore attracting people from different countries.
Coloring or painting your drawing can be done at home or during a thangka painting retreat.
Painting Retreats
The long courses and
Thangka Painting Retreats, such as the annual Thangka Painting Retreat in Northern Italy (near Arco and the Garda Lake), are suitable for both drawing painting and usually last one week to 10 days.
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.
All retreats are given in English and, if a lot of Italians join that don’t speak English, translated in Italian.
The retreats attract people from all over the world, and are a great way to combine them with vacation and sightseeing in Italy.
Private Teachings

In the days before or after a course, Carmen can be hired to offer individual thangka teachings.
For people who want to treat themself to the luxury of a private course, just for themselves or with a few friends.
More on Private Thangka Classes can be find here
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.
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