An overview of the drawings and paintings created by Carmen Mensink’s students during the classes, courses and retreats in Italy. Use the Google Translate Button in the headerif you need translation.
Four-day courses are annually offered in Venice, and week-long retreats are offered in Tuscany or Umbria. They are not only joined by Italians (who can get translations of the lectures, meditations etc. on request), but often by people from abroad as well. Sign up for the Newsletter to stay posted on all classes, lectures and events in Italy.
Ana Tagliaferro
Your teaching not only honed my artistic skills but also guided me into the spiritual depths of Thangka art
A Heartfelt Thank You for an Inspirational Thangka Art Course
Dear Carmen Menssik,
I want to express my deepest gratitude for your Thangka Art Course....
Your teaching not only honed my artistic skills but also guided me into the spiritual depths of Thangka art
A Heartfelt Thank You for an Inspirational Thangka Art Course
Dear Carmen Menssik,
I want to express my deepest gratitude for your Thangka Art Course. Your dedication to preserving tradition while infusing contemporary insights has created a transformative and enriching experience. Your teaching not only honed my artistic skills but also guided me into the spiritual depths of Thangka art. Each lesson was a journey, and your unwavering support fostered a beautiful sense of community. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion, making this course an unforgettable exploration into timeless beauty.
Sincerely,
Ana Tagliaferro
Ana Tagliaferro
Natasha
This was the first time I had ever painted
This is the third course I have done with Carmen and I have really enjoyed it. I was able to relax more knowing more about the techniques of grids and...
This was the first time I had ever painted
This is the third course I have done with Carmen and I have really enjoyed it. I was able to relax more knowing more about the techniques of grids and of drawing the Buddha. I found the whole experience very soothing and meditative. I applied the colouring techniques from the Colour course and this time instead of using pencils, I used acrylic paints which was very different yet it was easy to apply the teaching from the Colour Techniques Course to both pencils and paint. As this was the first time I had ever painted anything it was good to have that guidance. Thank you Carmen, for the whole course, the lectures, meditations and of course the actual drawing teaching.
Natasha
Tansy
I am so inspired by your talks and the examples you share
Thank-you Carmen for another wonderful class. I am so inspired by your talks and the examples you share. I feel grateful to have a beautiful Buddha dr...
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.
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.
Can’t wait to start your thangka journey? Join the Buddha Face Thangka Art Course today!
Types of Classes
Overview of the different kinds of Buddhist Art Courses that are offered in The Netherlands:
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 Retreat Week at 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.
Sign up for the Newsletter and stay updated on all upcoming Tibetan art classes, lectures and events in The Netherlands
