Draw the Buddha Face and the Lotus Flower 

Join renowned painter of thangkas Carmen Mensink to be introduced to thangka painting, the art of traditional Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings.

The retreat starts on Friday evening with a lecture on the art of thangka where you learn about this tradition, how it came into existence, and the special place it holds within the Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.

On Saturday, after a short meditation, you experience the art of thangka hands-on by learning how to draw the face of the Buddha, helped by the grids and proportions that have been passed on for centuries. Also, the symbolism found within the Buddha face is explained.

On Sunday morning, drawing the lotus flower takes center stage. This powerful symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth represents the ability to rise above suffering and attachment. Drawing these images according to the Tibetan tradition is a truly enriching and meditative experience, and you return home with two beautiful, self-created artworks.

In addition to the group explanations, Carmen offers individual guidance, making this weekend suitable for everyone, including beginners with no drawing experience whatsoever.

Note: Students who sign up for the 7-day program learn how to draw/paint the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in the days after the weekend. Students who sign up for the 7-day retreat and who have already drawn the Buddha face with Carmen in a previous course are welcome to start immediately with their drawing of the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in order to complete as much of their artwork as possible.

Creating the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas

Join Carmen Mensink for this retreat to learn how to draw or paint the beautiful mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas (Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Vairocana), who are the manifestations of the enlightened mind.

In the Tibetan tradition, each of the Buddhas is associated with a specific color, element, direction, and wisdom that transforms a negative emotion into a positive one.

By connecting with these Buddhas in this retreat—not only through drawing them but also through lectures and short contemplation meditations—you invite their transformative energies into your own life.

Each day is focused on a different Buddha and the transformative energies that correspond to it. They can help us move away from our neuroses toward the wisdom aspects of our character—a tremendous help on our spiritual path.

In addition to the group explanations, Carmen offers individual guidance, making this retreat week suitable for everyone, including beginners with no drawing experience.

Depending on your preference and experience, you can choose to draw/paint this mandala with either the Buddhas or their symbols in it.

Note: Students who sign up for the 7-day workshop (June 19-26) may choose whether to start drawing the Buddha face and the lotus flower first, or immediately start creating the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.

Draw the Buddha Face and the Lotus Flower, and Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas

The 7-day retreat offers the most complete and in-depth experience, with a choice of all the aforementioned subjects, and in addition you learn about the traditional thangka painting techniques.

If it's your first time on retreat with Carmen, you learn to draw (or paint) the Buddha Face, the Lotus Flower, and the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.

You are also welcome (especially if you've already drawn the Buddha face with Carmen in a previous course) to start immediately with the drawing or painting of the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas, in order to complete as much of their artwork this week as possible.

The Five Wisdom Buddhas (Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Vairocana) are the manifestations of the enlightened mind. In the Tibetan tradition, each of the Buddhas is associated with a specific color, element, direction, and wisdom that transforms a negative emotion into a positive one. By connecting with these Buddhas in this retreat—not only through drawing them but also through lectures and short contemplation meditations—you invite their transformative energies into your own life. 

Each day is focused on a different Buddha and the transformative energies that correspond to it. They can help us move away from our neuroses toward the wisdom aspects of our character—a tremendous help on our spiritual path.

In addition to the group explanations, Carmen offers individual guidance, making this retreat week suitable for everyone, including beginners with no drawing experience. Depending on your preference and experience, you can choose to draw/paint this mandala with either the Buddhas or their symbols in it.

Note: Students who sign up for the 7-day workshop (June 19-26) may choose whether to start drawing the Buddha face and the lotus flower first, or immediately start creating the Mandala of the Five Wisdom Buddhas.