About
This course will take you through the visual language and technique of early Rajput painting practised in the courts of Rajput rules or Rajasthan and Hill kingdoms in the 16th and 17th centuries. Originating in Western India without influence of Persian or Mughal painting, this style eventually made its way into other workshops of Northern India. Famous examples of early Rajput painting are the Chaurapanchasika group, which includes paintings illustrating the Sanskrit love-poem Chaurapanchasika, Palam Bhagavatam, Devi Mahatmya, Aranyaka Parva of the Mahabharata, Laud Ragamala and a Ragini Bhairava from the Bhagavata Purana series.
Distinctive features of this style are vibrant colours, strong outlines, decorated patterns, poetic symbolism and highly stylized figures using hand gestures and facial expressions to portray emotions.
Our main references for the course will be an image from the Chaurapanchasika series and the Ragini Bhairava from the Bhagavata Purana series at the Victoria & Albert Museum reserve collection. We will be working on handmade paper using squirrel-hair brushes and natural pigments prepared in the class. Join us in exploring this fascinating and less-known early style of Indian miniature painting.
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
All levels of ability and experience welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
How many people can attend?
14 people
What days/times do I attend?
Mon – Fri, 18 – 22 May 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
Students should bring the following to class:
- A selection of good quality round pointed sable brushes from sizes 00, 0, 1, 2, 4, 6. Suggested brands: Winsor & Newton Series 7, Da Vinci Maestro, Rosemary & Co, but others might also be fine. (At least a small and a medium size brush)
- A palette with wells to take home any colours you might have mixed.
All other materials will be provided.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Dr Susana Marín is a practicing artist and researcher of Indian Pahari painting. A painter and musician since childhood, Susana first learned drawing and painting with her father and later at the Fine Arts University of Madrid. She also completed professional training in Western classical and early music, holding degrees from prestigious Schools of Music in Madrid, Warsaw, London, and Bloomington IN. She studied traditional geometry at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London where she also earned a PhD for her research into the living tradition of Pahari painting. Susana learned the art of miniature painting in India with masters of Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
