Indian Miniature Art Course: Portraiture and Architectural Elements

Indian Miniature Art Course: Portraiture and Architectural Elements

In this course, students will have the option of working on either a human portrait or an architectural design. Portrait painting has long been a central element in Indian miniature art, and participants will study facial representations drawn from the traditions of Mughal and Pahari painting. The ability to depict the human face is an excellent exercise for developing drawing and coloring skills. Indian miniatures also feature numerous architectural elements—royal pavilions, palaces, rooftops, and rural houses—which often serve as backdrops for the visual narrative. A hallmark of early Basohli Pahari painting is the depiction of architectural wings in vivid colors, richly decorated with geometric and floral patterns using gold and silver. In this course, participants will explore both themes—portraiture and architecture—by going through the entire process of creating a miniature painting: transferring the design to paper, outlining, applying base colors, burnishing, shading using the traditional pardaz technique (gradual tonal layering), and adding final details. , shading using the traditional pardaz Students will also learn how to prepare natural pigments by hand, working on handmade paper imported from Rajasthan, produced in one of the last surviving traditional paper-making workshops. They will also train with the squirrel-hair brush—a fine, curved tool essential for the delicate lines that characterise Indian miniature art. This course provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the aesthetics of Indian miniature painting and to learn the same techniques practised by Indian artists since the 16th century and transmitted through generations.

Learning Outcomes::

• Gain a complete understanding of all stages involved in creating a traditional Indian miniature painting.
• Improve their drawing and painting skills through guided practice.
• Master pigment preparation using natural dyes.
• Acquire knowledge of the historical and aesthetic aspects of Indian miniature styles.
• Complete a small painting (portrait or architectural element) based on skills and effort.
• Reflect on how traditional art can be reinterpreted in contemporary practice and explore the dialogue between heritage and creativity.

Learning Objectives::

• Attain a comprehensive understanding of the miniature painting process, from design selection to completion.
• Learn the properties of handmade paper and how to work with it.
• Become familiar with the materials and tools of Indian miniature painting.
• Practice preparing and applying natural pigments.
• Train with squirrel-hair brushes for fine, precise linework.
• Practice colour blocking techniques.
• Apply shading methods to achieve depth and tonal layering.
• Learn how to mix colors effectively for nuanced hues.
• Develop the ability to correct mistakes and solve technical challenges.
• Complete a small painting, with emphasis on process and understanding rather than outcome alone.

Age Group:: Adults (16 years and above)
Course Language:: English

Course Schedule::

Dates: Monday to Thursday, 6 – 9 October 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 4 days Total Hours: 8 instructional hours
20 Fee: AED 20 per hour – Total AED 160

Certificate:

Participants will receive a the School of Calligraphy and OrnamentationRequirement: Attendance of at least 90% of the total course hours.

School Address:

Al Taif Mall Business Center – 17th Floor – Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Instructor Biography: Susana Marin

Susana Marin is an artist, teacher, and researcher specialising in Pahari Indian miniature painting. Her work is inspired by early Pahari and Rajput traditions, as well as Islamic geometric and sacred Indian patterns. including Padma Shri Vijay Sharma (Chamba) and (Chamba) andManish Soni (Bhilwara) (Bhilwara).

تعمل في ورشتها باستخدام الأصباغ الطبيعية والورق اليدوي، وتستخدم تقنيات الرسم الهندي التقليدي. حصلت على درجة الدكتوراه من at the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London where her thesis and collection of paintings explored the teaching and practice of Pahari art and its significance in the 21st century.

She currently serves as a PhD supervisor and visiting lecturer in Indian miniature painting at the same institution, regularly conducting international workshops. Her works have been exhibited in the United States, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent.

Terms and Conditions:

• Fees include all learning hours and the materials provided within the in-person course.
• Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Attendance on the dates and times specified on this page is mandatory.
• Please note that no make-up sessions are available