Home > Courses > Thangka Art Retreat at the Omega Institute, Jun 29-Jul 6, 2025, Rhinebeck, NY
Join Arts Week at Omega Institute
Tibetan Art Retreat
Jun 29-Jul 6, 2025
Drawing and painting Buddhas of Compassion
In this retreat guided by Carmen Mensink, a renowned painter of thangkas; the traditional Tibetan scroll paintings of Buddhas and mandalas, you’ll learn how to traditionally draw (or paint) a Buddha, by using the ancient grid proportions of Carmen’s thangka lineage as a helpful tool.
In this retreat you’ll learn different colored pencil techniques and are also welcome to work with other materials such as watercolor, pastels, or paints. In addition to the art sessions you’ll discover the background, symbolism, and mantras of these Buddhas, and enjoy guided meditations.
When Buddhism traveled from India to other countries in Asia, its deities traveled along as well. This way, Avalokiteshvara (the Indian Bodhisattva of Compassion) became known in other countries under a different name, and through the centuries slowly changed form.
The two most famous manifestations of compassion became Guan Yin and Chenrezig, and in this retreat you can choose either one of them to draw (and maybe paint) as your subject:
Guan Yin
Guan Yin became famous in China, Korea and Japan, but is now famous all over the world. The name Guan Yin is the abbreviation of Guan Shi Yin, which means ‘The One Observing the Sounds of the World’, signifying her compassionate ability to listen to the pleas of anyone who needs her help. She is the symbol of compassion, not only to human beings but also towards animals.
Over the centuries this deity slowly changed from a male into a female form, a fascinating story that you’ll learn all about in this course. In this retreat we will draw the female Guan Yin in the most common forms; the standing and seated Guan Yin.
Chenrezig
Chenrezig is the most well-known Buddha of Compassion and is the patron saint of Tibet. His mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is recited by people all over the world.
Chenrezig reminds us that awakening is not about running away from personal problems, but rather about going outward and embracing the whole world with the love and compassion that is in our hearts. In this retreat you will learn to draw his most common form, the Four-Armed-Chenrezig.
For whom?
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.
Drawing experience is not necessary. New students will first learn the basics by drawing a Buddha Face before continuing with this week’s subject. The Buddha Face course can also be taken beforehand, online at Carmen’s School for Tibetan Buddhist Art (this will save you time at Arts Week so you can immediately start with Chenrezig or Guan Yin).
You will return home with your own beautiful artwork(s).
NOTE: more advanced thangka students who want to create Amoghapasha, the Eight-armed or Thousand-armed Chenrezig, or need the specific list of supplies to paint a traditional thangka can contact Carmen directly by sending an email.
Choose between a 6- and an 8-day Retreat
- In the 6-day retreat (June 29-July 4) you’ll be able to draw your subject, discover its symbolism and learn the coloring techniques
- The 8-day retreat (June 29-July 6) will in addition teach you the traditional painting techniques, the possibility to start painting your subject, and in general will give you an even more in-depth experience
If you want to create meaningful art in a meditative setting -and a joyful experience that lasts much longer than the course itself!- this is the retreat for you.
Some pics of previous thangka retreats at Omega Institute:
Learn more from renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink this year:
Jun 20, 2025 / Tibet House NYC / Introduction to the Art of Thangka + drawing Buddha Face
Jun 21+22, 2025 / Tibet House NYC / Milarepa, Tibet’s Famous Yogi and Mysticus