About
The School of Traditional Arts is pleased to announce our first Miniature Masterclass, a week-long immersive course. Following a pattern established in our annual Geometry Summer Schools, this Miniature Masterclass brings together multiple expert tutors with diverse areas of expertise to provide an intense, multi-faceted engagement with an ancient tradition. In addition to daily sessions on focused topics, the week includes evening sessions, a panel discussion on contemporary exploration of traditional miniature painting, and behind-the-scenes access to selected treasures at the Victorian and Albert Museum.
Using finely-ground, semi-precious pigments and delicately-pointed squirrel hair brushes, master painters in the Indian miniature tradition have, for centuries, brought sacred scenes and historical events to life, evoking a sense of wonder and awe at their skill. In this week, we hope to expand participants’ awareness of skills and techniques that underpin a beautiful painting. From paper preparation, to drawing with the brush, to working with khariya and preparing shell gold, participants will be introduced to details of the miniature tradition that typically lie beyond the scope of a standard painting course. The team of tutors will also provide feedback and troubleshooting solutions to those who wish to bring any unfinished painting projects to one of the dedicated morning sessions.
The Miniature Masterclass supplements the daytime courses with additional evening activities and excursions. Participants will receive behind-the-scenes access to a selection of beautiful miniature paintings and drawings from the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum that are not on display to the general public. An evening panel discussion will explore the future of this tradition and how elements of the craft are sustained in modern practises.
This immersive week-long programme is ideal for those seeking to elevate their understanding of Indian Miniature painting techniques and tools. It is a unique opportunity to join a community of experts with diverse experience and insights. We welcome experienced painters as well as curious beginners who wish to dip their toes into this beautiful world.
Key Information
Who is this masterclass for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What dates/times do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 19 – 23 May 2025, 10:00 – 20:00
Materials
Students will be notified of the materials to bring for the week.
Timetable
Please note that these sessions and timings may change as we get closer to the Miniature Masterclass.
Location
This event will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
Tutor Biographies
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.
Samantha Buckley
Samantha Buckley is an Indian miniature painter who has designed work for The Highgrove Shop in Tetbury, and Traditional Arts in London. In 2010 Samantha contributed two painted elephant sculptures to Elephant Parade, an event in London raising money for the Asian Elephant. In 2011 she was invited by the renowned artist Dr Desmond Lazaro to undertake a one-year apprenticeship in India to extend her knowledge and technique of miniature painting, developing work for an exhibition in London at The Ben Brown Gallery. She completed her MA at The School in 2006, receiving a distinction for her studies in miniature painting.
Susana Marin
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.
Desmond Lazaro
Dr Desmond Lazaro, born in 1968 in Leeds, is a British citizen presently based in Pondicherry. Captivated by the historic painting traditions of Rajasthan, he studied for twelve years under Jaipur Master Bannu Ved Pal Sharma, to master miniature painting techniques. His PhD thesis on the Pichhwai painting tradition was submitted to the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London. He has not only learnt the painting techniques but also researched and written on pigments, papers and cloth that he uses in his creative process. He follows the ancient tradition of creating pigments by hand from semi-precious mineral stone, organic, alchemical, and earth derivations, that are classified not by their color, but from where the pigment is derived. Desmond’s work, as well as his personal history, spans East and West, and his paintings have been exhibited extensively in India, the UK, and Germany.
Hira Kamil
Hira Kamil has pursued her passion for art and excelled in her field, and she obtained her Professional diploma in Fine Arts, with a major in Indo-Persian miniature paintings, from the Karachi School of Arts in Karachi, Pakistan. Additionally, she completed a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of Karachi and an MA from the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in 2023. Currently, Hira is undertaking an apprenticeship with Ayten Teryaki, one of the Turkish masters. This opportunity allows her to learn from an experienced artist and refine her skills further. This collaboration may expose Hira to new techniques, styles, and perspectives, enriching her artistic abilities.
Simran Panesar
Simran Kaur Panesar is a miniature painter based in London, raised in Kenya in a family of third-generation Kenyan Sikhs. She holds a BA in Fine Art from the University of the Arts London and an MA in Traditional Arts from the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for full-time students and Seniors/60+. 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.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
