Thangka art class by Monk Artist Yeshi Dorjee
Class schedule and description
Introduction to Thangka Art
An overview of Thanka art history, techniques, and materials. Participants will learn about the significance of thangka paintings in Tibetan culture and the spiritual symbolism behind the imagery.
Basic Sketching and Composition
Fundamentals of sketching and composition in Thangka art. This class will cover basic drawing techniques, proportion, and layout to create a strong foundation for your thangka paintings.
Color Theory and Pigment Preparation
Explore the world of color in thangka art. Participants will learn about traditional pigments, color mixing techniques, and the symbolic meaning behind different colors used in thangka paintings.
Gold Leaf Application
Discover the intricate process of applying gold leaf in thangka art. This class will cover preparation, application techniques, and the symbolic significance of gold in Tibetan Buddhist iconography.
Detailed Painting Techniques
Delve into the finer details of thangka painting. Participants will learn advanced painting techniques such as line work, shading, and highlighting to bring depth and dimension to their artwork.
Thanka Art Workshop
Put your skills to the test in this hands-on workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to work on their own thangka paintings under the guidance of the instructor, receiving personalized feedback and guidance.
Artists may sign up here for the three-day experience, which includes supplies, for $200.
Visitors may sit in on Yeshi's teachings and observe the thangkas being created for an admission fee of $15 per day. Sign up here.
Class schedule and description
Introduction to Thangka Art
An overview of Thanka art history, techniques, and materials. Participants will learn about the significance of thangka paintings in Tibetan culture and the spiritual symbolism behind the imagery.
Basic Sketching and Composition
Fundamentals of sketching and composition in Thangka art. This class will cover basic drawing techniques, proportion, and layout to create a strong foundation for your thangka paintings.
Color Theory and Pigment Preparation
Explore the world of color in thangka art. Participants will learn about traditional pigments, color mixing techniques, and the symbolic meaning behind different colors used in thangka paintings.
Gold Leaf Application
Discover the intricate process of applying gold leaf in thangka art. This class will cover preparation, application techniques, and the symbolic significance of gold in Tibetan Buddhist iconography.
Detailed Painting Techniques
Delve into the finer details of thangka painting. Participants will learn advanced painting techniques such as line work, shading, and highlighting to bring depth and dimension to their artwork.
Thanka Art Workshop
Put your skills to the test in this hands-on workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to work on their own thangka paintings under the guidance of the instructor, receiving personalized feedback and guidance.
Artists may sign up here for the three-day experience, which includes supplies, for $200.
Visitors may sit in on Yeshi's teachings and observe the thangkas being created for an admission fee of $15 per day. Sign up here.
Mandala-making with the Monks
A mandala is a geometric pattern characterized by a central point or motif, often symmetrical and radiating outward in a circular form. The mandala's intricate geometric design holds profound spiritual significance in Buddhism. Its geometry can be created with intentions for healing, compassion, and universal peace. Like a thangka, a mandala's symbolic representation is not merely a piece of art but also a powerful tool for meditation, spiritual growth, and understanding the cosmos.
In the church sanctuary in the afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., guests may help create a simple, colorful sand mandala with four visiting Drepung Loseling monks, who are scholars dedicated to the study of traditional Buddhist arts and sciences.
The church doors will be open each afternoon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the public to watch and help create a different colorful sand mandala – and then destroy it. Photography is welcome.
Participating in the sand mandala sessions is free, but donations to the monks are encouraged. Their visit is one of goodwill and cultural sharing that helps them support the 3,000 Tibetan monks at their home monastery in India. The suggested donation is $15.
A mandala is a geometric pattern characterized by a central point or motif, often symmetrical and radiating outward in a circular form. The mandala's intricate geometric design holds profound spiritual significance in Buddhism. Its geometry can be created with intentions for healing, compassion, and universal peace. Like a thangka, a mandala's symbolic representation is not merely a piece of art but also a powerful tool for meditation, spiritual growth, and understanding the cosmos.
In the church sanctuary in the afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., guests may help create a simple, colorful sand mandala with four visiting Drepung Loseling monks, who are scholars dedicated to the study of traditional Buddhist arts and sciences.
The church doors will be open each afternoon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the public to watch and help create a different colorful sand mandala – and then destroy it. Photography is welcome.
Participating in the sand mandala sessions is free, but donations to the monks are encouraged. Their visit is one of goodwill and cultural sharing that helps them support the 3,000 Tibetan monks at their home monastery in India. The suggested donation is $15.
House blessings and visits by the Monks
During their four-day visit, the Drepung Loseling monks will offer house blessings by appointment. The traditional monetary request for a home or office blessing is $108, the number of beads on a mala that keeps count of one's mantra repetitions, or Japa, during meditation. Inviting the monks to stay for a vegetarian meal after a blessing is a wonderful addition to deepen your experience and theirs. Information can be found here.
During their four-day visit, the Drepung Loseling monks will offer house blessings by appointment. The traditional monetary request for a home or office blessing is $108, the number of beads on a mala that keeps count of one's mantra repetitions, or Japa, during meditation. Inviting the monks to stay for a vegetarian meal after a blessing is a wonderful addition to deepen your experience and theirs. Information can be found here.
Sunday Church Service and Tibetan Lunch
The event concludes on Sunday, June 2 at the 10 a.m. church service. The monks will decorate NCC's sanctuary altar and chant a morning blessing. The thangka art created during the weekend classes will be displayed, and some students will speak about their experiences.
Yeshi Dorjee will talk about the background of NCC's prayer wheel, which he made with his own hands.
At noon, a Tibetan lunch will be served, prepared with the help of Tenpa Dorjee, owner of the Laguna Beach retail shop Tibet Handicrafts, 384 Forest Avenue. Lunch is $20.
The event concludes on Sunday, June 2 at the 10 a.m. church service. The monks will decorate NCC's sanctuary altar and chant a morning blessing. The thangka art created during the weekend classes will be displayed, and some students will speak about their experiences.
Yeshi Dorjee will talk about the background of NCC's prayer wheel, which he made with his own hands.
At noon, a Tibetan lunch will be served, prepared with the help of Tenpa Dorjee, owner of the Laguna Beach retail shop Tibet Handicrafts, 384 Forest Avenue. Lunch is $20.
Click here to read about the event in Stu News Laguna Beach.
