This 3-day workshop offers an in-depth exploration of portraiture and figure painting in the style of Indian, Mughal, and Safavid-Persian era miniature painting.

 

Working in small groups of 4-6, students will learn how to paint portraits and figures using traditional techniques, choosing from a selection of provided reference images or bringing their own; this could be a self-portrait, a family member, or any subject of your choice.

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Students can choose to work in one of three traditional techniques:

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• Gauch rung (gouache pigments) — for a fully coloured portrait

• Neem rung (ink and colour wash) — for a softer, semi-coloured effect

• Siyah-qalam (lamp-black or walnut ink and brush) — for fine monochrome linework

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This workshop is designed for students at an advanced level, or those with equivalent experience.

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By the end of the course, you will learn how to:

• Professionally render a portrait and figure in the miniature style, from as small as a wristwatch dial to A5 size, using very fine line and brush work

• Use a fine squirrel-tail hair brush

• Use your wrist and the 360° movement of your wrist/brush

• Work with tea, coffee, saffron, and various spices

• Prepare a skin tone colour palette using high-end natural pigments and artist-quality watercolours

• Use a finishing technique called Pardakht (stippling)

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All materials, including artist-quality pigments and paints, are provided within the course fee.