Welcome to the Inspiration Gallery! Here displayed are the artworks that were created during the online The Buddha Thangka Art Course (Buddha Shakyamuni, the Historical Buddha of our time) with Carmen Mensink, Edition 2021, at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art.
These traditional Tibetan artworks are made by people from all over the world, and both with and without any drawing experience. Not only express these images the enlightened Buddha mind, they also convey the beauty, love and dedication of the maker. 🙏🏼
Isn’t each and every one of them amazing?
The teacher’s love of The Buddha is evident and inspirational
Loved the course because the teacher’s love of The Buddha is evident and inspirational. Tried a large acrylic (28″x22″) and will do a bit more work after...
The teacher’s love of The Buddha is evident and inspirational
Loved the course because the teacher’s love of The Buddha is evident and inspirational. Tried a large acrylic (28″x22″) and will do a bit more work after the course is just a memory. Carmen has a great gift for making this wonderful practice accessible to anyone, whether or not they are artists or just interested in Thangkas, these courses are for them.
Barry
Well created
The course was well created ❤️
My drawing skills have improved with each course
I love the weekly modules! I find it easier to complete my work over several weeks. My drawing skills have improved with each course. Thank you Carmen...
Loved learning to draw Buddha Shakyamuni
I loved learning to draw Buddha Shakyamuni & look forward to finishing the drawing with some shading and colouring. Thank you for yet another wonderful...
Really enjoyed the course
I really enjoyed the course and I am very happy that I can now combine two interests/hobbies (Buddhism and drawing).
I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot
It has been a new journey for me to take the course of Buddha Shakyamuni and the six perfections. For me this was a huge step to decide to start drawi...
I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot
It has been a new journey for me to take the course of Buddha Shakyamuni and the six perfections. For me this was a huge step to decide to start drawing the buddha with so much more details. I did several courses with Carmen, this was my 2nd online course, and it has been a wonderful experience. The lectures helped me to deepen my knowledge about Buddha Shakyamuni and seeing all the artwork of the other participants has been a great motivation for me to keep going. I didn‘t finish my drawing yet but one day it will. Carmen, thanks a lot for your support and your professional tips during this journey. I enjoyed it very much and learned a lot. Can‘t wait for the next course.
Sylvia
I loved the lessons. It is a journey.
I was so happy to be able to take another course from Carmen. These past 3 months have been very full so I didn’t have the time to do more. I did get t...
I loved the lessons. It is a journey.
I was so happy to be able to take another course from Carmen. These past 3 months have been very full so I didn’t have the time to do more. I did get the preliminary drawing done, and know I will keep working on it in the future. Thank you Carmen for the meditations (I love the meditations). I loved learning the Mantra, and I remember it and Chant on my walks with my dog, or quietly to myself among other people. I didn’t find space to continue with the color, I have some blocks… I loved the lessons, I loved seeing the other Thangkas. It is a journey. Thank you for supporting me and my fellow pilgrims along our paths. Peace and blessings until next time. Stay healthy.
Sharon McKenzie
I could do it in some concentrated days
Dear Carmen,
I am so happy to have done this course. I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to finish before I leave for my retreat, but you were right tha...
I could do it in some concentrated days
Dear Carmen,
I am so happy to have done this course. I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to finish before I leave for my retreat, but you were right that I could do it in some concentrated days. I took my time playing with the color pencils and looking at my thangkas on my altar. Thank you so much. I also have a photo of the Buddha without myself in it if you like.
Annie Bien
A wonderful experience
This was a wonderful experience drawing Buddha and learning more about his life and teachings. I enjoyed every module of the course and had a lot of i...
A wonderful experience
This was a wonderful experience drawing Buddha and learning more about his life and teachings. I enjoyed every module of the course and had a lot of inspiration. Though my Buddha is not finished yet, I’ve decided to take it slow and not to rush. So I have more meditative days ahead and will proceed carefully with mindfulness and dedication
Natalia Melnikova
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
I got to learn a lot more about Shakyamuni Buddha
I had a wonderful time, as always, drawing the thangka and going through the modules. I got to learn a lot more about Shakyamuni Buddha and the journe...
I got to learn a lot more about Shakyamuni Buddha
I had a wonderful time, as always, drawing the thangka and going through the modules. I got to learn a lot more about Shakyamuni Buddha and the journey was enhanced with the sessions, so beautifully presented by Carmen. Thank you Carmen, for creating such a serene space for all us students online; eagerly looking forward to the next course.
Anjana
The course was challenging, inspiring, and very informative
Here is my Buddha Shakyamuni. Still finishing it, with some touching up of the Buddha, robes, offerings, and the eyes. Will submit finished version la...
The course was challenging, inspiring, and very informative
Here is my Buddha Shakyamuni. Still finishing it, with some touching up of the Buddha, robes, offerings, and the eyes. Will submit finished version later.
The course was as I expected, challenging, inspiring, and very informative. I would definitely recommend it to anyone wishing to learn to draw Thangkas. A wonderful practise. Like drawing your own mind.
Chris Molloy
Mix between information about Tibetan Buddhism and drawing techniques
I really liked the mix between the information about Tibetan Buddhism and the drawing techniques. Carmen is very professional and supportive. It’s a g...
Mix between information about Tibetan Buddhism and drawing techniques
I really liked the mix between the information about Tibetan Buddhism and the drawing techniques. Carmen is very professional and supportive. It’s a great experience and I hope to do many other courses. I didn’t have time to finish because I had some work commitments that got in the way but I hope to finish my Buddha Sakyamuni soon. Thank you Carmen.
Pascale
Reactivating the passion for drawing …immense amount of joy!!!
Wat a wonderful journey was this: reactivating the passion for drawing from my childhood days after longer than 40 years: standing still from astonish...
Reactivating the passion for drawing …immense amount of joy!!!
Wat a wonderful journey was this: reactivating the passion for drawing from my childhood days after longer than 40 years: standing still from astonishing that I can do this: drawing a Buddha – only with a piece of plain white paper and a pencil! Working myself through so many emotions, the urge and pleasure to draw again .. the happiness to be a creator!.. the modesty and respect of seeing an enlightened person appearing on my paper in front of me.. the struggle of not being able to draw a single lotus leave easily out if my hand … the mindfulness to take two hours for drawing one single line… the dispair to realize how much time I needed to invest in this.. the inner fight to find a balance between the wish for perfection and being confronted with the imperfection of my abilities to handle the techniques.. the immense amount of joy!!! .. .the gratefulness to the Buddha himself that this was brought on my path – and to Carmen, my wonderful, encouraging, talented and wise teacher!! – THANK YOU SO MUCH to everybody: to the Buddha, to my teacher and to my fellow students! Just magical it was! 🙏
Sabine Schwarz
I’m already looking forward to the next new class
Carmen’s course exceeded my expectations. How the drawing tutorials are broken down it makes it easier to follow. I’m already looking forward to the n...
I’m already looking forward to the next new class
Carmen’s course exceeded my expectations. How the drawing tutorials are broken down it makes it easier to follow. I’m already looking forward to the next new class.
I was unable to totally finish my drawing this time. I plan on getting it finished and colored after the holidays.
Teresa McDowell
The history, the Mantra chanting, the meditations and the symbolism
I Loved all of it. The history, the Mantra chanting, the meditations and the symbolism..There is so much in this course!
The drawing lessons and the teachings were a gift
Hé Carmen
Thank you again for this wonderful Shakyamuni Buddha drawing lessons and all the teachings. They were a gift. And again i had some special d...
The drawing lessons and the teachings were a gift
Hé Carmen
Thank you again for this wonderful Shakyamuni Buddha drawing lessons and all the teachings. They were a gift. And again i had some special dreams about it. That gives a feeling of connection with Tibet.
I have a black and white version for now. The coloring of Shakyamuni is growing on me. When i finish it i will show you his colours. Love Gé
Gé Van Lieshout-Klarenaar
I was challenged in all of the right ways
Thank you Carmen! This was an amazing class and I was challenged in all of the right ways. I learned so much and this is by far the most complex work ...
Thank you for yet another wonderful, rich class!
I loved learning to draw Buddha Shakyamuni & look forward to finishing the drawing with some shading and colouring. Thank you for yet another wonderful...
Drawing the Buddha Shakyamuni was special
I love all of the courses I’ve taken with Carmen, but drawing the Buddha Shakyamuni was special. I learned so much about Buddha and his history, and i...
Drawing the Buddha Shakyamuni was special
I love all of the courses I’ve taken with Carmen, but drawing the Buddha Shakyamuni was special. I learned so much about Buddha and his history, and it made the course have a deeper meaning for me. The meditations were wonderful and supported an immersive experience. Plus Carmen is a wonderful teacher and is makes the learning experience fun as well as instructive! Thanks Carmen – see you in the spring for White Tara!
Kathy Bennett
I have grown a lot through the workshops with Carmen
This was a great next step for me. By going larger (20×30 inches) and painting the final drawing it was a new challenge! It still needs tweaking-more d...
I have grown a lot through the workshops with Carmen
This was a great next step for me. By going larger (20×30 inches) and painting the final drawing it was a new challenge! It still needs tweaking-more definition of the hands and feet, more details, etc.
I have grown a lot through the workshops with Carmen.
This was a beautiful course Carmen! Thank you! And thank you for all your courses. They have brought peace, joy, and focus during this time of uncertainty.
Joyce Isabelle
I loved this drawing course
I loved this drawing course on Shakyamuni as much as the Medicine Buddha and White Tara courses, I am so grateful for all the extra learning on the to...
I loved this drawing course
I loved this drawing course on Shakyamuni as much as the Medicine Buddha and White Tara courses, I am so grateful for all the extra learning on the topic that Carmen offers. I am especially delighted with the meditations she provides…they always center me and take me deeper.
Val
Carmen makes the learning experience fun as well as instructive!
I love all of the courses I’ve taken with Carmen, but drawing the Buddha Shakyamuni was special. I learned so much about Buddha and his history, and i...
Carmen makes the learning experience fun as well as instructive!
I love all of the courses I’ve taken with Carmen, but drawing the Buddha Shakyamuni was special. I learned so much about Buddha and his history, and it made the course have a deeper meaning for me. The meditations were wonderful and supported an immersive experience. Plus Carmen is a wonderful teacher and is makes the learning experience fun as well as instructive! Thanks Carmen – see you in the spring for White Tara!