NEW: TRANSLATIONS - All videos in this course now offer subtitles in English, Dutch, German, Italian, Spanish and French.
For any other language, just contact us.
NEW: GIFT THIS COURSE - Check the 'Send as gift' box on your checkout page
Happy Losar (Tibetan New Year) Offer:
Get 15% off with code 15-PERCENT-OFF
To be filled in at the order summary on your checkout page
Get 20% discount on a Two-Course Bundle and 25% discount on a Three-Course Bundle
May 9 - July 6, 2025
The Buddha Thangka Art Course
During this in-depth course, you will learn how to draw The Buddha according to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Thangka, in a step by step process.
Buddha Shakyamuni is the historical Buddha of our time, generally referred to as The Buddha. Besides the clear drawing instructions you will be taken to ancient India 2500yrs ago, learn about his life (and the previous ones!), his path, his meditation, mantra (and the meaning of it), as well as about the impact his teachings had and that caused a stir in India at the time.
Before the course starts a package with the traditional grid proportions for drawing this Buddha will be shipped to you and during the course Carmen is fully available to guide and support you on your drawing, bringing each student from where they are to a higher level.
You can start this course anytime within the above time frame and come back to it as much as you like in between these dates. The course is laid out in a way that even if you just do 1 module a week you will finish your Buddha in time. The last week and module is for catching up if needed.
The average thangka student will take up to 2-3 days to complete this course and draw The Buddha in black & white. If preferred, your drawing can be further worked out using shading or colour (check out the bundle with the Colouring Techniques Course included!), that can take up to 4-7 days. More questions? Check the FAQ.
This course is for you when:
- You have previously drawn the Buddha Face with Carmen Mensink, either onsite or online
- You want to learn how to draw The Buddha as well as knowing all about his background and symbolism
- You want to experience the meditative aspect of thangka drawing
After this course:
- You have drawn your own beautiful Buddha, and learned about his deep symbolism
- You have experienced inner peace and joy through the drawing process, and working with the meditation & mantra
- You have created a connection with Buddha Shakyamuni and with an ancient tradition, and have gained an experience that lasts way longer than the duration of this course
Requirements: Buddha Face Course
The School for Tibetan Buddhist Art stays true to the Tibetan Thangka Tradition. Therefore, in order to join this bundle, you need to have taken the base course 'Buddha Face' with Carmen Mensink (online or onsite) before you can register.
If you haven't taken the Buddha Face Course yet, please choose from the following bundles instead (and save money):
Yes!
Sign me up for The Buddha
But before we continue:
Are you sure you don't want to add the Colouring Techniques Course to deepen your art practice? If you do click here:
Sign me up for The Buddha course only
Secure your course space for The Buddha Thangka Art Course (dates on top of this page). Limited amount of students.
Optionally an extra 1hr Private Zoom Meeting with Carmen can be added on your next page (checkout).
Payments can be done in USD or EUR. Prices shown include the VAT (if applicable, depending on your country). Payments with Paypal can only be done when choosing USD.
Important: Please check 'I agree to receive instructional and promotional emails' on the next page, otherwise Carmen won't be able send you info on this course. Also please leave your address on the last page so she can ship you the course grids.
You have to experience it yourself!
"I really enjoy the courses of Carmen.
Can't describe how peaceful and fulfilling it is, you have to experience it yourself!"
Yvonne van Vliet, The Netherlands
Feeds my soul, enhances and supports my creativity
"I love the combination of art, meditation and lectures. It feeds my soul, enhances and supports my creativity and it is always a wonderful learning experience.
I like the way Carmen teaches. She is very encouraging for both beginners and advanced. She is firm when it comes to preserving this traditional art form but also flexible in that she understands everyone sees the world differently and that is reflected in their art."
Maria Elmazi, USA
Not only a drawing class
"Drawing is still new to me but under Carmen’s guidance I’ve gained confidence and enjoyment.
The class is not only a drawing class but an exciting journey into learning a great deal about Tibetan Buddhism."
Bill, USA
- 1-1 Welcome to this Course 🙏🏼 (2:11)
- 1-2 Say Hi! (1:06)
- 1-3 Meditation on Buddha Shakyamuni
- 1-4 Lecture: Before the Buddha (7:54)
- 1-5 Your Grids and how to treat them (0:49)
- 1-6 Choosing the Proportions for your drawing (7:29)
- 1-7 Drawing: Setting up the Grid (7:38)
- 1-8 Need extra help?
- BONUS: Glossary for this course
- BONUS: Images of the Heart Shrine Relic Tour
- 5-1 Intro & Meditation, Mantra or Stillness
- 5-2 Lecture: Mantra of Buddha Shakyamuni (10:32)
- 5-3 Drawing the Robes of the Buddha (5:32)
- 5-4 Erasing your Grid! (0:25)
- 5-5 Drawing the Haloes, Sun and Moon (3:53)
- BONUS: 108 Recitations of the Shakyamuni Mantra
- BONUS: Teachings by Ven. Thubten Chodron (85:21)