Create meaningful art in a meditative setting in this retreat guided by Carmen Mensink, a renowned painter of thangkas, the traditional Tibetan scroll paintings of Buddhas and mandalas.

Choose either the Four-Armed Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) or his female manifestation Guanyin as your subject. Learn how to draw it by using the ancient grid proportions of Carmen's lineage as a helpful tool. Her personal approach and guidance makes this retreat suitable for students of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.

Chenrezig is the most well-known Buddha of Compassion and is the patron saint of Tibet. His mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, is recited by people all over the world. His manifestation Guan Yin became famous in China, Korea, and Japan and over the centuries, slowly changed from a male into a female form, a fascinating story that you learn all about in this course.

You learn different colored pencil techniques and are also welcome to work with other materials such as watercolor, pastels, or paints. New students will first learn the basics by drawing a Buddha face before continuing with this week's subject.

In addition to the art sessions, you discover the background, symbolism, and mantras of these Buddhas, and enjoy guided meditations.

Through her inspired approach, Carmen helps to bring out the best in each student. Return home with your own beautiful artwork—a joyful experience that lasts longer than the course itself.

Please note: This workshop is offered as a 6-day and 8-day retreat.

In the 6-day retreat, you draw your subject, discover its symbolism, and learn the coloring techniques.

The 8-day retreat in addition teaches the traditional painting techniques, the possibility to start painting your subject, and in general gives you even more depth to your work.

Workshops begin Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

For this course you need to bring a few basic drawing materials, as well as colored pencils or paints (you can bring what you already have at home). Please note that the easiest way to transport your artwork is in a tube (that may even fit your suitcase). You also may want to bring slippers or thick socks for the meditation.

Basic drawing materials:

• Paper: 2 pieces of thick paper (pref. 90 pounds/200 grams), size 18"x24" or larger
• Pencil: regular HB or mechanical pencil
• Ruler (the larger the better)
• Eraser(s)

Working out your drawing: If you finish your complete black-and-white drawing this week, you could start coloring it. Bring whatever materials you already have at home and like to work with, such as colored pencils (like Prismacolor Premier), watercolor pencils, pastels, watercolor paint, ink, tempera, gouache, or acrylics.

Please note: When working with a water-based product please bring suitable paper for this, as well as brushes, etc.

Advanced thangka students who (instead of the subject offered) prefer to either create Amoghapasha, or the eight-armed or thousand-armed Chenrezig, or need a specific list of supplies to paint a traditional thangka, can contact Carmen directly by sending an email to info@carmenmensink.com