Tree Painting in Indian Miniature Art – Course

 Tree Painting in Indian Miniature Art – Course

Depictions of nature are a recurring element in Indian painting, with trees playing an essential aesthetic and narrative role in many works. This course explores two primary approaches to painting trees:

A highly decorative and abstract style, characteristic of the Basohli school within Pahari art.
A more naturalistic style, seen in later Guler and Kangra paintings.

Both approaches require precision in brushwork to capture fine details. The course begins with exercises on different leaf shapes, followed by applying base colors, shaping foliage, and creating visual depth through tonal gradation in the background. Participants will also be introduced to the preparation of natural pigments, mixing their own paints by hand during class. Painting will be done on handmade paper imported from Rajasthan, sourced from one of the last remaining family workshops still producing traditional paper. Students will also train with the squirrel-hair brush—a curved, fine-tipped tool essential for the delicate linework characteristic of Indian miniature painting. This course is a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of Indian miniature traditions, learning the same skills and techniques practiced since the 16th century and passed down through generations.

Learning Outcomes::

• Comprehensive understanding of the full process of painting trees in Indian miniature art.
• Improved drawing and coloring skills through hands-on instruction.
• Mastery of preparing natural pigments through practical training.
• Knowledge of the history and aesthetics of various miniature schools.
• Ability to paint trees in both early decorative Pahari and later naturalistic styles, completing a small artwork based on the techniques learned.
• Engagement with traditional art practices and reflection on their relevance in contemporary creativity.

Learning Objectives::

• Acquire a full understanding of the miniature painting process, from design selection to completion.
• Learn the properties of handmade paper and how to work with it.
• Gain familiarity with the unique materials and tools of Indian miniature painting.
• Learn how to prepare and apply natural pigments.
• Train with squirrel-hair brushes for fine, precise linework.
• Practice drawing leaf forms with brush and ink.
• Develop skills in
• Apply the traditional pardaz shading technique.
• Master color mixing to achieve desired tones.
• Learn how to correct mistakes and overcome artistic challenges.
• Execute a small tree (or group of trees) painting in one of the studied styles, focusing on process as much as outcome.

Course Language:: English

Age Group:: Adults (16 years and above)

Course Schedule::

Sundays, 28 September & 5 October 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Number of Days: 2 teaching 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.

She trained in India under renowned masters in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, including Padma Shri Vijay Sharma (Chamba) and (Chamba) andManish Soni (Bhilwara) (Bhilwara).
she uses natural pigments and handmade paper, adhering to traditional Indian techniques and materials.

Susana earned her PHD at the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in Londonwhere 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.
وقد عُرضت أعمالها في الولايات المتحدة وأوروبا وشبه القارة الهندية.

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 at the specified times and dates is mandatory.
• Please note that no make-up sessions are available