How to Draw Buddha Face Step by Step

Home> Courses > Than gka Art Course 'Drawing the Buddha Face!' – Online at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art

>>> REGISTRATION STARTS FRI JAN 28, 2022 <<<
Registration closes Mar 25, 2022, or earlier when course is full

Note: This course can be purchased as a stand-alone, or in a Learn More & Pay Less Bundle that includes the Colouring Techniques Course and/or a 1hr Zoom meeting with Carmen, click for more info & registration:

The Face of the Buddha
Learn to draw the Face of the Buddha according to the thangka tradition at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art, between Mar 25 and Apr 3, 2022. Perfect for those who want to start their journey in Tibetan Art, or for those who are just curious and interested in art and buddhism:

Suitable for people with and without drawing experience (actually quite a lot of students who have no drawing experience whatsoever join this course)
The average student takes 4hrs (b&w drawing) to 1-2 days (full color drawing) to complete this course
Suitable for all time zones as you schedule your own time for this course within its ten days availability
During the course Carmen will be fully available for personal guidance, advice and comments on your artwork
This course has a limited amount of students to ensure its high quality and Carmen's guidance, as she wants each student to succeed
This course is a requirementfor the follow-up courses such as The Buddha (Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha of our time), Medicine Buddha (the Buddha of Healing) or White Tara (The Buddha of Long Life)

Registration & all info:

Buddha Face

Buddha Face + Colouring Techniques

Esther

While drawing I felt a deep peace

Amstelveen - Nederland

While drawing I felt a deep peace

I am very happy that I found this thangka drawing course. Drawing is a kind of meditation for me and I only found out today that that is also one of the ideas behind this course. I want to delve more into Buddhism and meditation and how beautiful it is if I can do that through this course.
Today while drawing I felt a deep peace and almost a kind of coming home. I am very happy.
I have consciously chosen not to further elaborate my drawing with shadow or color. I plan to draw the face a few more times to make it more my own and to get a lot more meditative than today with this first drawing.

Esther

Amstelveen - Nederland

Savita Sahi

Appreciate how you treat this as a sacred experience

Hi Carmen, I am still finishing the coloring part but I wanted to submit to you before this session ends. I absolutely loved your course. I appreciate how you treat this as a sacred experience and I loved learning about the lineage and listening to the meditations. I am looking forward to the next c…

California

Appreciate how you treat this as a sacred experience

Hi Carmen,
I am still finishing the coloring part but I wanted to submit to you before this session ends. I absolutely loved your course. I appreciate how you treat this as a sacred experience and I loved learning about the lineage and listening to the meditations. I am looking forward to the next course! All MY Best,
Savita

Savita Sahi

California

Anne Vial

I had been wanting to learn about thangka, this was the perfect entry door!

Thank you for this course, which I feel follows tradition & is serious. I had been wanting to learn more about thangka for long, this was the perfect entry door! I feel inspired to practice drawing more Buddha Faces in the future and continue on this path… clear, neat structure and very ma…

Barcelona, Spain

I had been wanting to learn about thangka, this was the perfect entry door!

Anne Vial

Barcelona, Spain

Mirjam Wagenmans

Clear explanations and beautiful videos

I enjoyed the course. The clear explanations and the beautiful videos invited us to draw. The meditation at the beginning and at the end were very nice to do.

Ootmarsum, Netherlands

Clear explanations and beautiful videos

I enjoyed the course. The clear explanations and the beautiful videos invited us to draw. The meditation at the beginning and at the end were very nice to do.

Mirjam Wagenmans

Ootmarsum, Netherlands

Kanika Mehra

This course was very holistic, not only about drawing

Mumbai, India

This course was very holistic, not only about drawing

Dear Carmen,
I enjoyed the course a lot for various reasons..I like that you shared the history of Thangka painting with us. I like that you also spoke to us about your lineage and admire how you respect the master disciple tradition thus enabling us to respect the dharma material as well. This course was very holistic as you made us think of an intention before we started drawing. It was not only about drawing. but you took us through the main purpose of thangkas – To aspire to develop qualities within ourselves that the deity on the thangka represents.
I look forward to all then other courses and I am now starting the 8 auspicious symbols course.
Thank you so much!

Kanika Mehra

Mumbai, India

David

This course is well worth every penny spent

Brilliant course, Carmen will feed you bite size, manageable, educational packages, gently bringing them together, skillfully building up to make a heart warming, intuitive picture of the Buddhist path to Enlightenment as a creative artist. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of these lessons, a…

Manchester, England

This course is well worth every penny spent

Don't be fooled by the simplicity of these lessons, as within a couple of viewings, the profundity of Carmen's decades of devotion practice helped me change my mind and heart and soon I was happily painting a Buddha's beautiful face.

I saw Carmen bring alive paper, pencil, rulers, grids, and artistic symmetrical drawings to invoke Enlightenment, all explained with a slow rich inner intelligence, which ignited my puppy dog enthusiasm's and I could not wait to start drawing.

This course is well worth every penny spent. I highly recommend Carmen as a teacher. Ask questions if you feel uncomfortable, she has years of experience to help you with.

Best Wishes David

David

Manchester, England

Christianna Kreiss

A really inspiring experience

I very much enjoyed this class! I have drawn with colored pencil before but have not picked them up in quite a few years and just discovered how much I love working with them. There is definitely a meditative aspect to this drawing. Creating the Buddha face was a really inspiring experience. Your in…

Pittsburgh , PA, United States

A really inspiring experience

Christianna Kreiss

Pittsburgh , PA, United States

Tansy Foster

History of your thangka lineage as well as buddhist iconography

Thank-you Carmen for another superb course! I enjoyed learning some the history of your thangka lineage as well as buddhist iconography. The materials were well presented and you inspired us with many great images and bonus materials. I am looking forward to more!

Hershey, PA, USA

History of your thangka lineage as well as buddhist iconography

Tansy Foster

Hershey, PA, USA

Zoe Greenbaum

Loved the whole experience from start to finish!

The course was so comprehensive and every detail thought out, so that it made it very accessible to know how to complete the drawing. I have been making art my entire life, and this course allowed me to express color and form in a very meaningful way! I loved the whole experience from start to finis…

Shohola, Pa. USA

Loved the whole experience from start to finish!

Zoe Greenbaum

Shohola, Pa. USA

Chris Molloy

I am not a drawer by nature and loved the experience

Loved the course. Very informative and helpful. I am not a drawer by nature and loved the experience. Looking forward to doing more courses.

United States

I am not a drawer by nature and loved the experience

Loved the course. Very informative and helpful. I am not a drawer by nature and loved the experience. Looking forward to doing more courses.

Chris Molloy

United States

Sharla

I had no drawing experience and doubted I could draw a Buddha face

I loved everything about the course. I had no drawing experience and doubted I could draw a Buddha face so was delighted with what I was able to achieve. Thank you Carmen – you are inspirational and a wonderful teacher.

I had no drawing experience and doubted I could draw a Buddha face

Sharla

Kanti Arani

It was overall a great experience

This was my first Thangka drawing with Carmen and a first hand experience of drawing Buddha face using Iconography and grid technique. The meditations and mantras taught in the course made me very relaxed and helped me enjoy learning the art technique. It was overall a great experience.

Canada

It was overall a great experience

Kanti Arani

Canada

Bryan

What a fabulous experience

THANK YOU for such a wonderful course. We've had a lot of snow in our area (Eastern Pennsylvania) the last week, so my kids (ages 8 & 10yrs) decided to join in. What a fabulous experience. We have so more practice to do, but for our 1st attempt, everyone is happy with the results!

Pennsylvania, USA

What a fabulous experience

THANK YOU for such a wonderful course. We've had a lot of snow in our area (Eastern Pennsylvania) the last week, so my kids (ages 8 & 10yrs) decided to join in. What a fabulous experience.

We have so more practice to do, but for our 1st attempt, everyone is happy with the results!

Bryan

Pennsylvania, USA

Annie Bien

There was something exciting, surprising, and comforting in drawing the Buddha's face

Brooklyn, NY USA

There was something exciting, surprising, and comforting in drawing the Buddha's face

I loved this class. I used to draw all the time, and then as I got older did it less and less, feeling I had plenty of time to draw between doing other things I wanted to do, particularly as a writer. But something always felt like it was missing. After I began practicing Buddhism in 1997, I started to translate the Kangyur into English with 84000, but continued to think of that something missing from my childhood. I made friends through drawing and writing.

Carmen's course tied in my Buddhist practice to my current state of mind, as well as how I was as a child, but in a new way, that all was well at whatever age I have reached. When I was drawing my first Buddha's face, there was something exciting, surprising, and comforting doing so, knowing that I was revealing my mind. Thank you so much for this class.

Annie Bien

Brooklyn, NY USA

Beth Jenkins

I loved everything about this course!

United States

I loved everything about this course!

I loved everything about this course! I loved the meditation and learning the history and symbolism of Thangka drawing.. Carmen is an excellent teacher. I loved the special videos that were interspersed throughout.. I have drawn since I was a child, but always fascinated by Buddhas and too intimidated to try them..I knew they were sacred. I was so pleased to see my drawing when it was finished, and see that my own drawing was sacred too. Thank you Carmen.

Beth Jenkins

United States

Anouk Martens

The response of my loved ones said enough

Truly loved doing it, it was very relaxing to do and I enjoyed the background information. I hope to use it more often while the response of my loved ones said enough – they loved the outcomes as well. The extra Colouring Course with background of the Dutch masters felt as a true 'gift to myse…

Valkenburg aan de Geul

The response of my loved ones said enough

Truly loved doing it, it was very relaxing to do and I enjoyed the background information.
I hope to use it more often while the response of my loved ones said enough – they loved the outcomes as well.
The extra Colouring Course with background of the Dutch masters felt as a true 'gift to myself'.

Anouk Martens

Valkenburg aan de Geul

Namita Pal

Felt so calm and balanced

It was a fantastic journey drawing the Buddha Felt so calm and balanced after finishing the drawing

Pune, India

Felt so calm and balanced

It was a fantastic journey drawing the Buddha
Felt so calm and balanced after finishing the drawing

Namita Pal

Pune, India

Carol

It affected my meditation the following day

Doing this mini-retreat affected my meditation the following day. I was surprised in that I saw myself as a light body, if that makes sense. When I sat, I experienced some flashing of light and it was as if some transference happened. The story is a little longer than that but this is the gist. Sinc…

It affected my meditation the following day

Carol

Kathleen Horne

Clear directions that led to a successful and satisfying experience and end product

I loved the clear directions that led to a successful and satisfying experience and end product. I found the whole experience to be contemplative and nourishing! I would like to take another course. Thank you!

United States

Clear directions that led to a successful and satisfying experience and end product

Kathleen Horne

United States

James Bleifus

This course is easy to follow

This course is easy to follow, and I'm excited by how quickly I was able to make a passable thangka. I had very little drawing experience, but a lot of passion.

Viet Nam

This course is easy to follow

This course is easy to follow, and I'm excited by how quickly I was able to make a passable thangka. I had very little drawing experience, but a lot of passion.

James Bleifus

Viet Nam

Jan PM Van den Broeck

A very profound healing experience

I have no previous drawing experience. I was like in a trance once I started drawing. The most wondrous and surprising sensation is when you look at the end result and your buddha nature is smiling at you. It really feels like that. It's a very profound healing experience. Many thanks for brin…

Valencia (Spain)

A very profound healing experience

Many thanks for bringing this to all of us!

Jan PM Van den Broeck

Valencia (Spain)

Sarah Margaret

…All I have wanted to do all week!

Montana, USA

…All I have wanted to do all week!

I LOVED the course Carmen. I am so looking forward to drawing more Buddha faces and especially trusting my hand to attempt a Thai Buddha face. I used to take art classes and drawing classes as a kid up through high school, but haven't done much since then. All of my expectations and more were met. I found it challenging and so much fun…to the point that is all I have wanted to do all week! The most interesting part was drawing my own imbalances of my face and using practice, concentration and trust to balance it out. Amazing really. I am really excited to go into the Medicine Buddha course next. Thank you so much for this offering!

Sarah Margaret

Montana, USA

Michael Raboy

I highly recommend this class

I loved how organized the class was and how I was helped, step by step, in purchasing the necessary supplies and drawing the image. I have no drawing experience but with a little patience I was able to do much better than I thought possible. I also appreciate the background in Buddhism and meditatio…

United States

I highly recommend this class

Michael Raboy

United States

Wendy Insinger, New York, USA

I really thought it would be impossible for me to draw at all

This course was amazing! I really thought it would be impossible for me to draw at all. Carmen's videos are incredible, as it all the detail, information, and compassion she puts into teaching!!!

I really thought it would be impossible for me to draw at all

This course was amazing! I really thought it would be impossible for me to draw at all. Carmen's videos are incredible, as it all the detail, information, and compassion she puts into teaching!!!

Wendy Insinger, New York, USA

Karla, Chile

I never thought I could do a Buddha face!

Thanks for the teachings, I never thought I could do a Buddha face! An amazing journey… Thank you Carmen!

I never thought I could do a Buddha face!

Thanks for the teachings, I never thought I could do a Buddha face!
An amazing journey… Thank you Carmen!

Karla, Chile

Tenzin Nyidron, Vietnam

For all sentient beings to be happy and free of suffering

I'm so happy to attend this class and thanks for the teacher, Carmen, who is so kind and experience. I'm not good in drawing but realised what I dream. When I draw Buddha face, I think of all Buddha's quality, visualise Buddha, then the grid then draw it. I read sometimes the mantra of Buddha Shakya Muni. When coloring, I can see better the independent origination, all the draw, color, one by one to make his appearance. Just relax the mind, think of Buddha's quality, continue to color. The most dificult is how to show via the drawing Budha's compassion and wisdom. Compassion I try to make his eyes, look upon beings with loving, kindness "I show you the path, it's your choice to follow". Then the wisdom, I try to make via the hallow, blue circle by making the following one zen tradition of painting circle, just draw circle, visualise of his wisdom raise. And Buddha has the 3 kayas, then the Nirmakaya, his appearance, Sambogakaya, his smile and the light, Dharmakaya in his wisdom appeare.
That is my way to complete the Buddha's face.
Thank you for Carmen to guide me and explain clearly.
I dedicate for Carmen's work to help more people can draw their dream, for all sentient beings be happy and free of suffering.

Tenzin Nyidron, Vietnam

Charlene, USA

I had this belief that I could not draw prior to this course

I had no drawing experience, so I started the class with an open mind. I must say the 10-day schedule was quite challenging due to my work schedule and I could not spend much time during the first weekend due to prior commitments. So, I spent the second weekend working around the clock to finish the course. What I like about the course is: 1) the instruction of how to draw a Buddha head is lay out as a step by step process. The instructions are clearly explained with the support of visual representations; 2) Carmen is supportive and answering questions and comments in a timely manner. I struggled for drawing eyes even after watching videos multiple times and practicing them multiple times. I enjoyed the different elements of the course (e.g., the history, the meditation, the actual drawing, the dedication prayer, etc.). This course has been transformative for me. I had this belief that I could not draw prior taking this course. It feels very freeing to be able to draw a Buddha head. And I absolutely love the Buddha I drew.

Charlene, USA

Carole Martin, Canada

Easy to follow, a joy to do!

Thank you Carmen – your Buddha Face Course was so informative, easy to follow, a joy to do! I loved that in the Colouring Techniques Course you made a connection with the Dutch Masters – this was an unexpected surprise! I will continue to look at paintings of Old Masters to get inspired as I practice these colouring/shading techniques. I finished my Buddha Face before I learned about blending so look forward to drawing a Buddha face in blended colours. Thanks again for creating this wonderful course.

Carole Martin, Canada

Kim Meijer living in NY, via Helmond and Amsterdam, The Netherlands

So meditative and fulfilling

I totally loved the experience. It was so meditative and fulfilling. It was beyond my expectations. Thank you so much.

So meditative and fulfilling

I totally loved the experience. It was so meditative and fulfilling. It was beyond my expectations. Thank you so much.

Kim Meijer living in NY, via Helmond and Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Karin Meijer, Haarlem, the Netherlands

Step for step explanation

The background information and the step by step drawing guide were very helpfull. It was an opportunity to do this e-course and it was very joyfull. I loved the information about the Buddhism and the step for step explanation for drawing the Buddhaface. Also very good was if you asked a question, th…

Step for step explanation

Karin Meijer, Haarlem, the Netherlands

Lili, México city

Interaction with the teacher

Yes i loved the workshop. It is very well organized and i like the interaction with the teacher (Carmen). My experience in drawing is little but i enjoyed it. It's been a long time since i wanted to find a THANGKA workshop so i'm grateful!!!

Interaction with the teacher

Lili, México city

Alison Graham, Ontario, Canada

If I didn't have the timeframe I would have procrastinated

Everything was presented in a way that was clear and easy to understand. Thangka is something I had an interest in pursuing a few years ago but I ended up taking western art classes as that was much more accessible to me. I am very happy for this opportunity and I can see myself doing more. I was a…

If I didn't have the timeframe I would have procrastinated

I was a little stressed out about the time frame to complete it but I am glad for the deadline. If I didn't have it, I would have procrastinated.

I'm looking forward to doing another Buddha face (this time with room for halo and robes) and colouring it properly, as this one seems to have been mostly an experiment. (I'm still not sure if I should do more in the background or just keep it simple…)

Alison Graham, Ontario, Canada

Sabine, Germany

So much more than a drawing course

Dear Carmen, thank you very much for this wonderful course. For me it really was set up in such a comprehensive way, this is so much more than a drawing course rather a meditation, an experience and a journey to meet my inside buddha 🙂 Even though I have drawing experience I was a bit concerned about the precise way to draw (which is not my strength) but I really enjoyed it and found great joy in the patience. An indeed fulfilling experience or shall I rather say journey.
PS: I cannot wait to shade my Buddha in black and white

Sabine, Germany

Natalia Melnikova. Spain

I couldn't believe that I am capable of drawing a Buddha

This course was a Devine gift for me. I couldn't believe that I am capable of drawing Buddha face by myself. Especially in Tibetan Thangka Tradition. I have zero of experience and didn't draw since school. In the end I have a beautiful Buddha Face in front of me and I'm a little bit sad it's over. But I am planning on doing another bigger one! I am staying at school to develop my skills on coloring techniques. I am so grateful for this opportunity to discover my new creative side.

Natalia Melnikova. Spain

Robin, USA

Enjoyed the background talks!

I enjoyed the drawing and especially the background talks!

Enjoyed the background talks!

I enjoyed the drawing and especially the background talks!

Robin, USA

Bill, USA

Had fun!

Had fun drawing and coloring the Buddha Face!

Had fun!

Had fun drawing and coloring the Buddha Face!

Bill, USA

Ellen Green, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Rich and meaningful experience

This course was perfect in every way for me. The teaching of the dharma, the mantra chanting, the meditation, the history and the clear, concise instruction all combined to create this rich and meaningful experience. Thank you.

Rich and meaningful experience

Ellen Green, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Kate Denmark, Western Australia

Very clear instructions and supporting info

It was great, and I learned a lot, Thank you Carmen! The most difficult part was seeing/ understanding how the Buddha's eyes are not as open as depicted, so more practice Needed! Very clear instructions and the supporting info very helpful.

Very clear instructions and supporting info

Kate Denmark, Western Australia

Carmen's teaching is clear, concise and VERY helpful

I liked everything! Would love to join an actual class sometime in the future. Carmen's teaching is clear concise and VERY helpful. Thankyou.

Carmen's teaching is clear, concise and VERY helpful

I liked everything! Would love to join an actual class sometime in the future. Carmen's teaching is clear concise and VERY helpful. Thankyou.

Kate Denmark, Western Australia

Mindy Newman, USA

I didn't expect to learn so much

My expectations for the course were exceeded! I hoped to experience the meditative aspect of drawing sacred art, which I certainly did. I didn't expect to learn so much about the history and use of thangkas, which I loved, and definitely didn't expect to be so happy with my drawing, whic…

I didn't expect to learn so much

Mindy Newman, USA

Metta

Opportunity to do this with such an excellent teacher, in a way that I could afford

I was so happy to find this course and this teacher especially at this moment. This is something I've wanted to study for most of my life. To have the opportunity to do this with such an excellent teacher, in a way that I could afford, and not have to travel made it all possible. I am currently unemployed and so the finances are difficult but this was a reasonable cost, so I am grateful.
I loved learning the history and the context and the symbolism, and how to meditate with the thangka. I loved seeing other's creations.

Metta

Melissa

I knew this course would be awesome, however you far exceeded that expectation

I had a little peek at your free medicine buddha lecture.. So in my heart i knew this course would be awesome.. However you far exceeded that expectation.. i love the combination of story meditation, pictures, and bonus materials.. and yay i get to sing the mantra with you… loved your approach…

I knew this course would be awesome, however you far exceeded that expectation

I had a little peek at your free medicine buddha lecture.. So in my heart i knew this course would be awesome.. However you far exceeded that expectation..
i love the combination of story meditation, pictures, and bonus materials.. and yay i get to sing the mantra with you…

loved your approach beginning with meditation, your through explanations of words meanings, and story.. and wow even you can pray in tibetan language. the language is art in itself, the art,language, prayer, meditation, story, all In one.. so beautiful yet you are bringing this to a wider audience. Our world needs so much healing.. big gratitude for your heart…

beautifully done…hope to see more courses in the future, I'm already signed up for medicine buddha thangka course so excited…

Melissa

Javier

Well structured and detailed explanations available for each step

My expectations going into the course where to get more in touch with the aspects of buddhism regarding the drawing of the Buddha.
I was surprised on how well structured and detailed explanations were available for each step.
The history before the drawing classes i believe add so much value because it brings the attention of the importance and significance of this tradition. On top of that, meditation was key to focus and be able to concentrate on the class.

Javier

Amy Bryan

So much more than 'just' an art class

"I had the extreme pleasure of taking three classes with Carmen Mensink this spring in NYC. I am the veteran of many fine art classes over the years, but this is the first time that I have felt compelled to write a testimonial about one. From the minute I met her, I knew Carmen was a woman from whom I could learn something truly special and different, which is not something I say lightly. I am not easily impressed. 🙂 After taking her amulet making class, I was sufficiently curious to see what else she had on offer, and after just one lecture, I could tell that my ability to learn from her was virtually unlimited.

Carmen's classes are so much more than "just" an art class. Her knowledge, love and reverence for the highly-symbolic, traditional Tibetan devotional art called thangka is apparent in everything she does. Along with high-level, professional instruction in traditional drawing, painting and crafting methods, students learn about the history and cultural background of the deity they are depicting, including the mantras, prayers and attributes attributed to these religious figures. Rather than creating these images in a vacuum, our work is grounded in an understanding of their significance within Tibetan Buddhism. Carmen creates a spiritual space to work in that can only be described as magical. The meditative nature of art is a focus, as is the thought that creation be rooted in intention. The art produced in such an environment feels sacred.

The amount of effort, preparation, skill and planning involved in this approach to instruction is apparent, and it's clear that teaching is an avocation for Carmen. It is done thoughtfully, with spirit, purpose and a sincerity that stands out.

No matter the level of skill and experience a student has, everyone is made to feel welcome and special, and is treated with complete respect. At the same time, Carmen is warm, friendly, unpretentious (despite having real bona fides as a recognized expert in her field) and intelligent, and has a sense of humor, so the class is relaxed and fun. Carmen has many students who have studied with her for years, and some have artwork that they only work on while she is visiting the city. It's a testament to the value of Carmen's presence and technical expertise that she has such a strong following."

Amy Bryan

How to Draw Buddha Face Step by Step

Source: https://www.tibetan-buddhist-art.com/how-to-draw-the-face-of-the-buddha/