In Eastern art,
Buddhist figures are not merely subjects for painting, but also a form of practice.
Every stroke of the line requires focus;
Every layer of colour requires patience;
Even waiting for the pigments to dry is an exercise in slowing down.
Buddhist teachings emphasise compassion, wisdom, and awareness.
Painting Buddhist figures is not about pursuing perfection,
but about practising presence and remaining grounded in the present moment through the creative process.
Three-Day Course Curriculum:
The history and development of mineral pigment painting
Paper preparation, including crumpling, priming, and mounting
Understanding and preparing animal glue
Differences between traditional water-dry mineral pigments, modern mineral pigments, and natural mineral pigments
Characteristics and applications of mineral pigments
Transferring Buddhist figure designs and outlining
Layered colouring and tonal blending
Painting the facial features of Bodhisattvas
Painting Themes：
① Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva — Beginner Level
Suitable for students who are experiencing mineral pigment painting for the first time. The course covers:
Paper preparation and mounting
Transferring the design and outlining
Application of mineral pigments
Layered colouring and tonal blending
Painting the facial features of the Bodhisattva
② Willow-Holding Guanyin — Intermediate Level
Suitable for students with some prior experience who wish to further develop their skills. The course covers:
Layered colouring and tonal blending
Raised-powder technique, an important technique in contemporary mineral pigment painting
Colour layering and the relationship between colour and composition
Painting Guanyin’s facial features and refining the details
Course Outcome:
✓ Complete one framed hemp-paper artwork measuring 35 × 75 cm for Guanyin, or 45 × 65 cm for Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
🌟 Dunhuang Guanyin Mineral Pigment Mural | 3-Day Intensive Course 🌟
👩🎨 Instructor: Cayla Deng
📆 28 – 30 August 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🏫 Small group (maximum 8 participants)
📍 Yan Art Centre
💰 RM1680 (materials included)
