Fundamentals of Indian Miniature Painting – Weekly Option – October to November 2026

Course Description

An intensive seven-week interconnected programme in the art of Indian miniatures, introducing participants to the materials, methods, and painting techniques historically used in Mughal and Pahari painting. The programme progresses from training in ink drawing and line quality, to preparing Wasli paper and natural pigments, applying colours, and shading using the pardaz technique, culminating in the execution of fine details and the completion of a fully realised miniature painting.

Each week focuses on an independent topic, including ink drawing, material and colour preparation, floral designs, trees, birds, and faces, culminating in the design and execution of a miniature painting by the participant. Registration is available for a single week independently, while those enrolled in the full programme benefit from a progressive pathway combining techniques and skills to develop an integrated artwork under the instructor's supervision.

Schedule and Registration Options

Monday to Thursday, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.

• Week 1 | 12–15 October: Miniature ink drawing – planning and shading.
• Week 2 | 19–22 October: Materials and methods – Preparation of sizing paper and natural dyes, and painting of micro-elements.
• Week 3 | 26–29 October: Floral designs in Indian miniatures.
• Week 4 | 2–5 November: Tree painting in the Pahari tradition.
• Week 5 | 9–12 November: Painting birds in Indian miniatures.
• Week 6 | 16–19 November: Face painting in Pahari miniatures.
• Week 7 | 23–26 November: Design and creation of an Indian miniature painting.
• The complete program From 12th October to 26th November 2026.
• Weekly Schedule: 4 sessions | 12 training hours.
• The program’s duration 28 sessions | 84 training hours.
• Course Language: English.

Prices

• One week: 240 dirhams.
• The complete program AED 1,680.
• The early-bird price for the entire program is: 1,260 dirhams.

The early bird booking price applies only when registering for the full programme, and ends on 17 September 2026; it does not include registration for a single week.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding the basic stages for creating an Indian miniature painting.
• Practising ink drawing and line control using fine brushes.
• Preparation of wasli paper and colours from natural dyes and gum arabic.
• Learn design transfer, the application of primary colours, refinement, and layout.
• Application of the Bardaz technique to build shadows and subtle colour gradations.
• Drawing floral elements, trees, birds, and faces in styles inspired by Indian and Pahari painting schools.
• Developing a special artistic composition and transforming the initial idea into a complete miniature painting.

Learning outcomes

Each week, participants complete studies and practical elements related to its theme, while developing their skills in brush control, line quality, colour application, shading, and executing fine details. As for those in the full programme, they gradually apply what they have learned to design and create their own miniature painting, receiving individual guidance and continuous feedback from the instructor, and showcasing the work and discussing its creative journey in the final session.

About the Teacher

Dr Susana Marin is an artist, researcher and educator specialising in Pahari painting and Indian miniatures. She trained in India under a number of traditional artists, including Padma Shri Vijay Sharma and Manish Soni. She holds a PhD from the Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, and works as a teacher of Indian painting and a PhD supervisor. She also delivers international workshops, and her work has been exhibited in the United States, Europe and the Indian subcontinent.

Location:

In person in Fujairah – School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Refund Policy

All fees are non-refundable upon completion of registration.