About
Discover the Chaurapanchasika style, a distinctive form of early Rajput painting that flourished in India in the late 15th and mid-16th centuries. The term comes from a series of paintings illustrating the Chaurapanchasika (Fifty Verses of the Thief), an 11th century Sanskrit love lyric by the poet Bilhana. Jayadeva’s famous 12th century love poem, the Gita Govinda, was also illustrated in this style.
While learning traditional miniature painting methods and techniques, we will explore the main features of this unique style: bold compositions, vibrant colours, strong outlines, striking decorative patterns, and stylised figures that convey emotions through hand gestures and facial expressions. We will work with natural pigments and handmade paper from India. Join us to explore this fascinating and lesser-known style of Indian painting.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 10 – 14 May 2027, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
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.
What should I bring to class?
All students will need:
- A paint palette with wells
- 2 x clean glass jars
- Pointed, round watercolour brushes in sizes 0, 2, 4, and 6
All other materials, including paper, pigment, and an Indian miniature squirrel-hair brush will be provided.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing: Baggy clothing (especially sleeves); Loose jewellery; Short sleeve t-shirts (when there is a chance of contact with hazardous materials); High heels or open-toed shoes.
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.
