Introduction to Buddhism through Painting

Students complete one 16 x 20 painting.  They also take home a handbook on Buddhism foundations and drawing practices in traditional foliage design.

Students learn about the foundations of Buddhism through study of the Five Buddhas.  Students choose one of the Buddhas for their final composition.  For more information on the course and this form of art, students can go to himalayanartschool.com.  Students must register for this course at the MAC.

The classes are on Saturdays from 1PM to 4PM.  There are 16 classess.Feess are due on a monthly basis.  Everyone paints at their own pace, generally it takes four months of class to finish the painting.  We will continue class until it is finished on a month to month basis.

Classes are paid month by month.  We will schedule time to make up absences at the students’ discretion.

Each Saturday Session cost is:
MAC members: $25
Non members: $30

With a one time material fee paid at the first day of class: $13

Materials fee covers cost of paint, canvas, palettes, rulers and tape.  Students must purchase their own paint brushes sketch book and pencils.

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At Manitou Springs Art Center (MAC) artist Chelsea Beach will be introducing the public to Paubha art (traditional Buddhist art of Nepal). Chelsea studied under master artist Lok Chitrakar for three and a half years and taught for two and half years at Chitrakar’s school in Patan, Nepal, known as Simrik Atelier. Chelsea also taught traditional painting at Kathmandu University for two years.

Chelsea will begin her demonstration with background information on Paubha art history, her study in Nepal, and her teacher Lok Chitrakar. Then she will teach a sample lesson on drawing as well as demonstrate the process of traditional painting. The word Paubha means, "divine in flat form." Through the study of Paubha art, an observer versed in the symbols, images, and philosophy can read the paintings like a text. Furthermore, the images in the paintings are used as visual aids for visualization meditations. The paintings are not only beautiful on the surface but provide the deepest insights into our own conscious experience. In the Chitrakar tradition courses emphasize the philosophy of Buddhism and do not teach religious practice.