Old Masters, Modern Techniques: South Asian Miniature Painting With Tara Panesar (Cambridge)

In this workshop, we will be exploring the techniques of 17th-18th Century South Asian Miniature painters from the Bikaner School to recreate our own miniature-styled portraits. Tara, who has a degree in the History of Art from the University of Cambridge will introduce participants to lesser-known archival miniatures that flourished in Mughal, Bikaneri and Deccani social spheres in the 17th- 18th centuries. The class will begin with a short-form lecture on the history and techniques of the Bikaner School of miniature painting, covering important historical and religious developments, and the techniques of sketching, colouring and finishing. This is followed by guided experiments in using gouache, our primary medium for the session. Finally, participants will be encouraged to conceptualise and begin their own A5 gouache miniature inspired by the Bikaneri examples. Hot chai and mithai (Indian sweets) will be provided!