An introductory hands-on course for enthusiasts with mixed abilities during which you will be introduced to the beautiful art of Indian, Mughal and Persian miniature painting schools and styles. This workshop is for those who appreciate and admire this art form, and who are inquisitive and curious to learn more about its execution.

There will be a collection of prints of some of the famous miniature paintings from all three schools with a variety of subjects. There will be flowers, birds, animals, trees and figures to choose from and will cater for all levels of ability.

You will have access to some of the finest painting materials, including a special ground for painting on which is organic and prepared from sustainable sources. There will be soot (lamp black) and walnut ink. The tutor will bring along some of the natural pigments, including Lapis, Malachite, Madder, Cochineal and Terre Verte for you to try.

The paper is hand-treated Wasli paper. Wasli comes from the word ‘Wasl’ in Arabic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Urdu and it means ‘to unite’. The paper is further treated with tea stain and then the drawing is transferred using tracing paper. Once it is transferred, it is then drawn with soot and a fine brush. You will then learn how to lay the ground colours, followed by the finishing techniques synonymous with miniature painting.

At the end of the course, you will be able to show a reasonably good understanding of a miniature painting and all about its execution from preparation to its finishing. The immersive nature of this art form has excellent meditative attributes and strongly recommended for those who want to paint mindfully and are keen to develop cognitive abilities. You will leave with one painting that you will aim to complete.

Included

A sheet of hand treated paper called ‘Wasli’ will be provided per student and some Zinc White watercolour paint, tea, masking tape, tracing paper, black soot and walnut ink to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• Favourite watercolour set
• HB pencil, 2B pencil and an eraser
• Round soft watercolour brushes: no. 00000 (or 000), no. 2 (or 3), no. 5 (or 6)
• One-inch soft flat watercolour brush

Optional: You can do your own visual research into the subject and select two to three images for reference which you like the most. It is important that you select classical paintings that are simple in composition (Please see the link for reference: https://uk.pinterest.com/fzhagha/school-of-miniature-painting/).

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). The materials for the course are non-toxic and are suitable for all.

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions