Floral Painting in Indian Miniature Art – Course

 Botanical Ornamentation in Indian Miniature Painting

Botanical ornamentation has always been a central element in both painting and architecture across India’s diverse artistic traditions—from Mughal to Rajput and Pahari art. In this course, botanical motifs will serve as the entry point for learning the drawing and painting techniques historically used in both Mughal and regional Indian styles.

The course will draw inspiration from rare designs preserved in leading museums such asVictoria & Albert Museum,andthe British Museum,andCleveland Museum of Art.Participants will go through the full process of creating a miniature painting: transferring the design onto paper, outlining, applying base colors, burnishing , shading using the traditional pardaz  technique (a method for building tonal gradation), and finally, adding intricate details.

Students will also learn how to use natural pigments and prepare their own colors by hand in class. The paintings will be executed on handmade paper imported from Rajasthan, sourced from one of the last remaining family workshops producing traditional paper in India.

Additionally, participants will be introduced to the squirrel-hair brush—a curved, fine-tipped tool that is indispensable for the precise linework that defines Indian miniature painting.

This course offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in this exquisite art form and to learn the very same skills and techniques passed down since the 16th century.

Learning Outcomes::

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the full process of creating a traditional Indian miniature painting.
• Improve their drawing and painting skills through guided practice.
• Master the preparation of colors using natural pigments.
• Acquire knowledge of the aesthetic and historical dimensions of various miniature styles.
• Complete a small botanical miniature painting that reflects the skills learned.
• Develop awareness of the value of traditional art and its relevance to contemporary practice.

Learning Objectives::

• Gain an integrated understanding of the miniature painting process, from design selection to final artwork.
• Learn the properties of handmade paper and how to work with it.
• Become familiar with the materials and tools specific to Indian miniature art.
• Learn how to prepare and apply natural pigments.
• Train in the use of squirrel-hair brushes for fine and precise linework.
• Practice colour blocking techniques.
• Learn pardaz shading for tonal gradation , shading using the traditional pardaz.
• Master color mixing to achieve specific hues.
• Understand how to correct artistic mistakes and address technical challenges.
• Produce a small botanical painting using the skills learned, with an emphasis on process rather than outcome.

Course Language:: English

Age Group::

Adults (16 years and above)

Course Schedule::

Dates: Monday to Thursday, 22 – 25 September 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Duration: 4 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 OrnamentationMaintain a minimum attendance of 90% of the total course hours

School Address:

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

Instructor Biography: Susana Marin

Suzana 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 (من شامبا) وManish Soni (Bhilwara) (Bhilwara). In her practice, she uses natural pigments and handmade paper, remaining committed to the authentic techniques and materials of Indian miniature art.

Susana earned her PhD 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.
Her works have been exhibited in the United States, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent.

Terms and Conditions:

• Fees include all instructional hours and materials provided in class.
• 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