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Thangka Course
Uncover the Sacred Tibetan Tradition of Thangka Art
Course Description
Learn Thangka art with a course that's curated to make you understand and love this beautiful artform from Sikkim, India. With its roots in Tibet, Thangka painting is a traditional Buddhist art form that exudes serenity. In the form of scrolls typically made on cotton and silk fabrics, these paintings depict mandalas, deities, or scenes from Buddhist scriptures and teachings. This course on Thangka art teaches you to paint the beautiful motifs, but will also have you mystified with this highly detailed Buddhist art form.
Thangka paintings are usually made with the purpose of being used in rituals or for visual storytelling. Our master artist Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia, a Padma Shree Awardee, shares his insightful journey with Thangka art in this detailed art course. So come indulge your creativity with this meditative experience and sacred tradition that has been passed down through generations. Whether you're an art lover, a spiritual seeker, or someone looking for a mindful creative pursuit, you will surely benefit from this online art course by Rooftop.
Course Curriculum
Artist Introduction - Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia
Know the Artist's Journey
Renowned Thangka painting virtuoso, Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia, unfurls the story of his formative years in West Sikkim. Travel alongside him as he shares his artistic odyssey – from humble beginnings to mastering the art form in Nepal, leading to the illustrious National Award.
Thangka paintings: Origin and Basics
Learn about the captivating world of Thangka art with profound insights from our maestro. Discover the rich variety of Thangka paintings, each echoing themes of peace, harmony, and unity with nature. You will learn the meanings behind the unique elements that breathe life into these extraordinary works of art.
Buddhism and Thangka
In this section, Bhutia ji explores his international painting journey. He expresses the sanctity of the Thangka painting under Buddhism while explaining the various types of Buddhist Thangka paintings.
Technical Details of Thangka
Explore the intricacies of Thangka paintings as Bhutia Ji walks you through the process of preparing the canvas. He explains how traditional techniques have evolved over time, and how meticulous canvas crafting plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of the final artwork.
Artist's Aspirations
Join Bhutia Ji as he reveals his heartfelt dream of creating an art haven in Sikkim. He shares how he plans to use his earnings to reignite the creative spirit fueling a community art revival.
Religious Understanding and Culture
In this section, hear Bhutia ji explain the art form's roots in the Buddhist dhamma. Get a glimpse of the artist’s efforts to battle the tradition's decline.
Thangka Canvas Making
Basic Course
Intermediate Course
Advance
Course Curriculum
Artist Introduction - Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia
Know the Artist's Journey
Renowned Thangka painting virtuoso, Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia, unfurls the story of his formative years in West Sikkim. Travel alongside him as he shares his artistic odyssey – from humble beginnings to mastering the art form in Nepal, leading to the illustrious National Award.
Thangka paintings: Origin and Basics
Learn about the captivating world of Thangka art with profound insights from our maestro. Discover the rich variety of Thangka paintings, each echoing themes of peace, harmony, and unity with nature. You will learn the meanings behind the unique elements that breathe life into these extraordinary works of art.
Buddhism and Thangka
In this section, Bhutia ji explores his international painting journey. He expresses the sanctity of the Thangka painting under Buddhism while explaining the various types of Buddhist Thangka paintings.
Technical Details of Thangka
Explore the intricacies of Thangka paintings as Bhutia Ji walks you through the process of preparing the canvas. He explains how traditional techniques have evolved over time, and how meticulous canvas crafting plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of the final artwork.
Artist's Aspirations
Join Bhutia Ji as he reveals his heartfelt dream of creating an art haven in Sikkim. He shares how he plans to use his earnings to reignite the creative spirit fueling a community art revival.
Religious Understanding and Culture
In this section, hear Bhutia ji explain the art form's roots in the Buddhist dhamma. Get a glimpse of the artist’s efforts to battle the tradition's decline.
Thangka Canvas Making
Basic Course
Intermediate Course
Advance
Meet the Maestro
Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia
Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia doesn't just teach painting—he shares the cultural wisdom, discipline, and humility that define this ancient practice. Born in Sikkim, Khandu Wangchuk Bhutia is one of India’s leading Thangka artists, known for his masterful precision and deep spiritual grounding. Trained under esteemed Buddhist monks and artists in the traditional style, Khandu ji has spent decades honing his skills and keeping the lineage of Thangka painting alive. His works, deeply reflective of Buddhist philosophy, have been exhibited across India and internationally. Beyond his intricate brushwork, what distinguishes Khandu ji is his commitment to preserving the spiritual sanctity of the art form. He has received numerous accolades for his work and continues to mentor students, sharing not only technique but the mindfulness that is at the heart of Thangka painting.
Awards & Recognitions: Padma Shri (2022) National Award (1981), Ministry of Textiles Kala Nidhi Award (2006) Bharat Excellence Award (2001)