Explore a painting tradition that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. With the introduction course covering each stage of the painting process, the masterclass will focus on three main aspects that encompasses the composition. Students will concentrate on outlining the face, detailing the clothing and decorative elements, and invent the background. By focusing on these elements, students will have a deeper understanding of each component that creates the painting and build professional confidence when designing their own composition. This course offers a learning space where students will experience intense drawing practise and continual development in their Mughal miniature painting journey.
Students will have an opportunity to paint a design composed by Ajay Sharma and can complete in the classroom or in their own time. Due to the intensity of the course, there will be no provision for larger design and paper, and we ask students to not bring outside projects and their own paper to the class.
Ajay Sharma is an exceptional teacher and Master of Indian Miniature painting. He brings authentic materials, paper, paints, khariya, etc from India which is hard to learn about elsewhere. The skills you learn with him are transferable to other parts of your practice. He teaches in patient and well planned way.
Open Programme Student, May 2025
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
This course is for intermediate to advanced students. 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, 19 – 23 October 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
Students will be asked to provide their own:
- A selection of pointed round watercolour brushes.
- A palette with wells
- You may find it useful to bring a notebook or sketchbook for taking notes.
- An A4 folder to collate worksheets and protect their work at the end of the course
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
Ajay Sharma
Ajay Sharma is a traditional miniature painter from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Having been an apprentice to the master miniaturist Mehendra Sharma, he follows a rigorous traditional working practice and has been painting almost every day for 34 years. Ajay has an extensive knowledge of all the aspects of Indian painting, from the beginning stages of catching the squirrels needed to make brushes (no squirrels are killed) to the final stages of adding exquisite details and decoration. Ajay has taught around the world and every year teaches Fulbright scholars from his home studio in Rajasthan.
Vinita Sharma
Vinita Sharma, born in Jaipur, India, mastered the art of miniature painting under the tutelage of Ajay Sharma in 1993. Renowned for her expertise in pigments, brushes, and gold leaf, Vinita has conducted workshops worldwide, including at The Heenat Salma Farm in Doha, Qatar, and Les Beaux-Arts de Marseille-Paris. She has also taught at Virginia Commonwealth University in Doha.
Her art is featured in prestigious collections, including Kala Bhavana, Nandan Museum, and Buckingham Palace.
