We are being taught mainly by the senior graduate disciples of our painting master and school principal, Konchog Lhadrepa, from a particular lineage of thangka painting from eastern Tibet, called Karma Gadri, or Karshoma. The full course is six years, and we are examined on our drawings at the end of each year. However, due to their visa restrictions and other logistical difficulties, the foreign students do not need to commit themselves to the full course of study and are able to be examined for their “yearly study” after only a few months of study each year if necessary (this also depends on their skill of course). However, we greatly prefer to accept students who would like to commit themselves to at least a few months study a year for a few years. Once any student experiences study here, they will understand the necessity of this, as to learn this art form takes time. We recommend a minimum study period of 3 months a year for 3 years.
Every student must go through the same sequence of study, regardless of their previous experience, and we train to draw deities by sight, rather than relying on the grids (although we do learn these lines also). Our teachers speak English well enough to be able to teach effectively. A series of classes on Tibetan Buddhist art history and theory that are taught by Konchog, have been introduced into the curriculum.
