Thangka Drawing 3-day workshop - Buddha Shakyamuni

Learn to draw the historical Buddha with renowned Thangka painter Carmen Mensink

“The Tibetan Thangka is a Mirror of the mind. “ - Happinez Magazine

What is a Thangka?

Thangkas are Buddhist scroll paintings of such things as Buddhas and Mandalas, painted according to an ancient Tibetan tradition.

Why are Tibetan Thangkas drawn & painted?

A thangka is more than just art; it opens a window to spirituality by combining craftsmanship with deep symbolism, clarifying the path to enlightenment. Every detail on a thangka tells a story, inviting people to reflect and grow.

Carmen about the process of painting a thangka (in Happinez Magazine): De Tibetaanse Thangka – Spiegel van de geest

What can I expect during this three-day workshop?

During this three-day course, you will learn to draw the Buddha according to the ancient Tibetan tradition of thangka. The Buddha’s official name is “Buddha Shakyamuni,” and Buddhism as we know it today is based on his teachings.

In addition to the drawing sessions, this course will also help you learn more about the Buddha’s background and symbolism through short meditations, slide presentations, and explanations of the Buddha’s mantra. This adds so much more depth to your drawing of the Buddha.

Drawing the Buddha in the way it has been done for centuries—using the grids from Carmen’s thangka transmission lineage, which contain the correct proportions—is a meditative experience. If you are a Buddhist practitioner, drawing a Buddha is also a wonderful aid for your visualization meditation.

Who is this weekend for?

• For anyone interested in the symbolism of the Buddha 
• For those who want to deepen their (Buddhist) practice. It helps you, among other things, to visualize better in your meditation
• For those who want to start a fascinating journey in Tibetan art 
• And for anyone who is just curious and interested in art in general and/or Buddhism in particular!

Additional Information

This weekend is suitable for people with or without drawing experience. We’ve found that most people who start drawing thangkas have no prior drawing experience. 

NOTE: This workshop is offered in Dutch, but if you need translation in English (or another language) we are happy to provide this for you upon request. Please let us know well in advance if you're non-Dutch speaking.

What do others say about the workshop?

"Drawing a thangka is a meditation for me."

"Your great wealth of knowledge and skill is evident in the fact of what you offer and show us all. It's not just any class you teach, but everything you say, you stand behind it. I thank you for your commitment, your encouragement and your enthusiasm.” 

Who is Carmen Mensink?

Carmen lives and works in Amsterdam and paints and teaches Tibetan Buddhist art & philosophy. She has been teaching and lecturing at museums, universities and centers around the world for over twenty years. She also restores thangkas and gilds and paints Buddha statues. In addition, she can be found in dozens of publications.

The enthusiasm and dedication Carmen expresses in her teachings have already guided and inspired thousands of people on the path of Buddhist art.

Carmen is also in demand for related forms of Tibetan art, including the meter-long floor paintings of the "Eight Lucky Symbols" she created to welcome the Dalai Lama to the Netherlands. For more information: www.tibetanbuddhistart.com

Practical information

• Day: July 10-12
• Time:
  • Fri, July 10, 1:00- 6:00 p.m. Workshop Face of the Buddha
  • Fri, July 10, 7:30–9:00 p.m. Slide lecture: “Buddha Shakyamuni, the Historical Buddha of Our Time”
  • Sat, July 11, 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thangka Drawing Weekend: Buddha Shakyamuni (with a one-hour lunch break)
  • Sun, July 12, 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thangka Drawing Weekend: Buddha Shakyamuni (with a one-hour lunch break)

• Language: Dutch (with possibility for English translation and guidance)
• Location: Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam, Tilanusstraat 8A
• Materials: All necessary materials will be provided, incl. coffee and tea
• Advice: Bring some thick socks and possibly a notebook
• Minimum number of participants: 8 (max. 16)
• Last minute registration: Please also email amsterdam@maitreya.nl to confirm your spot.

Donations

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. Your donation will keep our Dharma center, which is run entirely by volunteers, going. The recommended donation for this workshop is 185 euros, including drawing materials. For people with a narrow budget, we suggest 120 euros. Should you wish to make use of this option, please do not hesitate to email us at amsterdam@maitreya.nl.

Go back