Indian Miniature painting

Description

Painting the Mughal Princess: Miniature Art Masterclass. Artist/Facilitator: Saima Rasheed. --- Course outline: This 3 week (2 hour per week) course invites participants into the exquisite world of South Asian miniature painting, learning techniques drawn from sixteenth century Mughal manuscripts. Using the iconic painting of a Mughal princess from Eastern Encounters as our guide, participants will explore the traditional processes that shaped one of the most refined art forms in history. The session teaches: 1. Drawing the Mughal Figure with squirrel hair brush • Understanding the language of miniature proportions. • Drawing the idealised profile face, characteristic of Mughal portraiture. • Mapping body structure, posture and gesture. • Sketching flowing garments, jewellery and embroidered floral motifs. 2. Preparing Opaque Gouache Washes Participants learn how to use traditional opaque watercolour (gouache) to create smooth, flawless layers. Instruction includes: • Formulating Mughal skin tones (wheat, rose and warm undertones). • Layering colour without streaks. • Using pardakht (fine directional strokes) for shading. • Building soft shadows and highlights. 3. Fine Detail Techniques Using fine and single-hair brushes, participants practise: • Controlled linework. • Miniature dotting. • Pattern design. • Hair, fabric folds and jewellery detailing. 4. Gold Leaf Demonstration Participants learn how gold was traditionally used in Mughal manuscripts: • Applying gold leaf. • Understanding placement and symbolic function. 5. Burnishing with Agate Stone To complete the miniature, participants see how a smooth agate burnisher is used to gently polish the painting, revealing the soft, luminous finish unique to classical manuscripts. Each participant leaves with their own guided miniature of a Mughal princess on specialist paper. --- Format & audience: Better to book 2 hour sessions, due to the skill level and concentrated time required. Suitable for: • Adults --- Previous experience: Saima Rasheed was trained in miniature painting at the National College of Arts, Lahore, with over a decade of experience delivering workshops for schools, community organisations, galleries and festivals. Her workshops are known for being warm, attentive and deeply engaging, guiding participants of all ages through detailed, heritage-based practices with confidence and care.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Saima Rasheed studio

with Craft Courses since 2023

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