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She Thought Tanjore Painting Was Too Difficult - Then She Completed Three Online Courses

Swathi Katta

Written by

Swathi Katta

6 August 2026
Reviewed by Vibha Raj, Founder, Tanjore Collective

One decision led her to complete not one, but three online Tanjore painting courses with Tanjore Collective, creating a Lakshmi, Ganesha, and finally a magnificent Lord Balaji painting. More importantly, it completely changed the way she saw both Tanjore painting and her own abilities.

She Thought Tanjore Painting Was Too Difficult - Then She Completed Three Online Courses

She Thought Tanjore Painting Was Too Difficult—Then She Completed Three Online Courses

Apoorva Thought Tanjore Painting Was Beyond Her

Apoorva had always admired the beauty of Tanjore paintings, but there was one thing that held her back.

She genuinely believed Tanjore painting was one of the most difficult art forms to learn.

The intricate gold work, the detailed embellishments, and the precision involved made it seem like something only experienced artists could master. On top of that, she wondered whether learning such a traditional art form through online classes was even possible.

But instead of letting those doubts stop her, she decided to give it a chance.

That one decision led her to complete not one, but three online Tanjore painting courses with Tanjore Collective—creating a Lakshmi, Ganesha, and finally a magnificent Lord Balaji painting. More importantly, it completely changed the way she saw both Tanjore painting and her own abilities.


"I Considered Tanjore Art One of the Most Difficult Art Forms"

One of the biggest reasons many aspiring students hesitate to start is because Tanjore painting looks intimidating.

The intricate gold foil work, carefully placed stones, and traditional techniques can make it seem overwhelming, especially if you've never painted before.

That was exactly how Apoorva felt.

"I considered Tanjore art one of the difficult arts. Vibha made it easy to achieve that too through online."

What surprised her wasn't that the paintings became simpler.

It was that the learning process did.

Every lesson was broken down into manageable steps, every question was answered patiently, and every stage of the painting was guided live. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the final artwork, she only had to focus on one step at a time.


She Thought Tanjore Painting Was Too Difficult - Then She Completed Three Online Courses

One Course Turned Into Three

Many students join with the goal of completing a single painting.

Apoorva discovered that every finished painting made her excited to begin another.

She first joined the Lakshmi online course in April 2023.

A few months later, she enrolled for the Ganesha online course in September 2023.

By January 2024, she was ready to take on one of the most detailed paintings in the curriculum—the majestic Lord Balaji.

Looking back, she says the biggest reward wasn't just finishing beautiful paintings.

It was seeing herself improve after every course.

"I've completed three courses with Tanjore Collective, and every single time I've seen myself improve. The way Vibha and her team teach makes the entire learning process feel so simple and enjoyable."

Each painting challenged her in a new way, and with every course, her confidence grew alongside her skills.


From No Painting Experience to Paintings She Was Proud Of

Perhaps the most remarkable part of Apoorva's journey is that she didn't begin with any artistic background at all.

Like many beginners, she worried that everyone else would be more talented or more experienced.

Those fears slowly disappeared as she kept learning.

Today, when she looks at the paintings she's completed, she sees something very different from the doubts she started with.

"I had absolutely no background in painting, but today, looking at my Ganesha and Balaji paintings fills me with so much pride. Grateful for this beautiful journey of learning, growth, and creating something I never thought I could."

That sense of accomplishment didn't come from natural talent.

It came from consistent guidance, practice, and believing she could learn one step at a time.


Learning Online Never Felt Like a Limitation

Many people still wonder whether an art form as detailed as Tanjore painting can truly be learned online.

Apoorva's experience answers that question better than any advertisement ever could.

Across three different courses, she experienced live online sessions, step-by-step demonstrations, individual guidance, and continuous support whenever she needed help.

Instead of feeling distant, the classes made learning feel accessible and enjoyable.

Her experience is proof that with the right teacher and a structured learning process, online Tanjore painting classes can be every bit as effective as learning in person.


The Best Compliment? Recommending It to Friends

One of the strongest signs of a memorable learning experience is when students confidently recommend it to others.

That's exactly what Apoorva did.

"I've recommended Tanjore Collective to many of my friends, and they've all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and their painting journey."

For her, recommending the classes wasn't simply about the paintings.

It was about sharing the confidence, encouragement, and joy that she had experienced throughout her own journey.


Thinking of Learning Tanjore Painting Online?

Apoorva didn't stop after her first painting because she discovered something unexpected.

With every course, she became more confident.

With every painting, she challenged herself a little more.

What began as a simple decision to try learning Tanjore painting online turned into a journey of continuous growth—one that took her from a complete beginner to someone who now proudly looks back at three paintings she created with her own hands.

As Apoorva puts it:

"I highly recommend Tanjore Collective to anyone who wants to learn Tanjore painting. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your skills, Vibha and her team make the process enjoyable, easy to follow, and incredibly rewarding."

If you've been waiting for the "right time" to begin, perhaps all you need is the confidence to take that very first step.

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What our students say

Hear from students who've learned the art of Tanjore painting with us.

Asha R

They have a beautiful studio, filled with their lovely Tanjore collections, which are outstanding. I never thought I would learn the art so quickly n easily. Vibha n team were very warm n patient in teaching me the art n painting. They actually instill so much confidence in you n make it look so easy for beginners, that it actually helps anyone learn it quickly. Their method of teaching, materials provided, training and facilities provided to learn are top notch.

Asha R

Lord Balaji

Sandhya D

Creating my first Tanjore painting of Goddess Lakshmi Devi through Tanjore Collective's DIY course was a truly fulfilling experience. The course was very well structured, which made learning Tanjore painting much easier, even as a beginner. Vibha did a wonderful job explaining every intricate detail with clarity and patience. The step-by-step guidance helped me feel confident throughout the process, and seeing the final painting brought me immense happiness.

Sandhya D

Goddess Lakshmi

Apoorva Y

I consider Tanjore art is one of the difficult arts vibha made it easy to achieve that too through online. Her techniques are good and we were able to follow her on live sessions. I want to learn more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore collective.

Apoorva Y

Goddess Lakshmi

Raveen B

Vibha taught us very well, asking us to try repeatedly until we got it right. Always having a smile on her face and clearing all our doubts. Had a great time learning from her and making new friends of like minded interest in art.

Raveen B

Lord Balaji

Anupama

It was a wonderful experience to learn tanjore art from Tanjore collective. The whole journey was very inspiring, relaxing and interesting. Thank you Vibha and Yashaswini for being so patience in teaching each and every step of the process and making us so confident in completing the art with perfection.

Anupama

Lord Ganesha

Jenny K

I had a wonderful time completing my Goddess Lakshmi painting. From preparing the Arabic gum and embossing, to applying the gold sheets, painting, and refining the details, Vibha provided clear and detailed guidance throughout the online course. This was my first experience with Tanjore art, and completing the painting over two months gave me a deep sense of accomplishment. The process brought me clarity and calm, and I now love seeing the finished artwork — it adds colour and vibrancy to my home.

Jenny K

Goddess Lakshmi

Sushma S

Tanjore painting is a beautiful and intricate art form, known for its rich colors, compact composition and surface richness, which makes it truly special. Creating my first Tanjore Painting of Lord Hanuman with Tanjore Collective Art Studio through their online classes was incredible.

Sushma S

Lord Hanuman

Kavitha S

Tanjore collective is an experience. I enrolled for the Gajalakshmi studio course and this was my first ever attempt at Tanjore painting. Vibha, her mom and the entire team is amazing. They are very patient and make sure you learn at your pace. The studio environment is also so beautiful and makes the learning a meditative experience.

Kavitha S

Goddess Gajalakshmi

Archana I

I joined Tanjore Collective's online DIY course this April. I had always wanted to learn this intricate art form but felt apprehensive, unsure if I could do it without proper guidance. The DIY course allows you to access the videos at your own pace, and the structure of the course is excellent. Vibha ji explains every step with great clarity, making it especially beginner-friendly. She truly made the entire process feel approachable and achievable.

Archana I

DIY Course

Raksha P

I had a wonderful experience being a part of the Saraswati Devi Tanjavur painting course. Vibha was extremely encouraging and gave detailed instructions at every stage of the painting, for each intricate pattern the painting required. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and painting in the classes and the outcome is beautiful!

Raksha P

Goddess Saraswati

Priya S

I enrolled for online ganesha tanjore painting course with vibha. This is my first attempt at any form of painting so I was naturally doubtful if I could do this, but the way Vibha taught the process step by step without even realising i was able to see the Tanjore painting come to life by following the steps.

Priya S

Lord Ganesha

Apoorva Y

I consider Tanjore art to be one of the more challenging art forms, but Vibha made it easy to learn — even through online classes. Her techniques are clear and effective, and we were able to follow along comfortably during the live sessions. I look forward to learning many more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore Collective.

Apoorva Y

DIY Course

Tarun K

Enrolling in the online Tanjore painting classes was a truly transformative experience for me. The course struck a wonderful balance between traditional techniques and thoughtful modern teaching. I especially enjoyed learning the intricate designs, embossed muck work, the use of vibrant colours, and the application of gold foil — the hallmark of Tanjore painting. Vibha's step-by-step guidance allowed me to practice patiently and improve my skills with confidence.

Tarun K

DIY Course

Sahana H

I took up the Gaja lakshmi course online. Initially I was quite sceptical as to how the online classes would be, as this art form is quite detailed and needs a lot of focus and attention. But at Tanjore Collective, Vibha and team have made it possible for everyone out there to easily learn and master the art form.

Sahana H

Lord Balaji

Padma K

The Tanjore painting course, which I recently completed at Tanjore Collective, was a truly enriching experience. The course delved into the intricate techniques of this traditional art form, from preparing the canvas with gesso to mastering the delicate gold leaf application. The instructors were highly skilled, guiding us through each step with patience and expertise.

Padma K

Goddess Saraswathi

Manasa C

Learning from Vibha was truly inspiring. Her patience and attention to detail made the entire process feel approachable.

Manasa C

Tanjore Painting

Apoorva YM

The way Vibha breaks down complex techniques into simple steps is remarkable. I never thought I could create something this beautiful.

Apoorva YM

Tanjore Painting

Pulimivijayalakshmi R

Vibha's teaching style is incredibly clear and supportive. She made sure every student felt confident at every stage.

Pulimivijayalakshmi R

Tanjore Painting

Vani R

Every class with Vibha felt like a meditative experience. Her calm guidance and expertise made the journey truly special.

Vani R

Tanjore Painting

Vani P

Vibha's encouragement and detailed feedback helped me grow so much as an artist. I'm grateful for the experience.

Vani P

Tanjore Painting

Meghana

Spurthy's warmth and patience made the learning experience truly enjoyable. She has a way of making complex techniques feel simple.

Meghana

Tanjore Painting

Akshatha

I loved how Spurthy encouraged us to explore and experiment while maintaining the traditional techniques. She's a wonderful teacher.

Akshatha

Tanjore Painting

Revathi

Spurthy's calm and encouraging teaching style helped me overcome my initial hesitation and truly enjoy the art of Tanjore painting.

Revathi

Tanjore Painting

Sunitha

Learning from Spurthy was a delightful experience. Her attention to detail and friendly approach made every session something to look forward to.

Sunitha

Tanjore Painting

Ritu

Spurthy's guidance was invaluable. She has an incredible ability to spot areas for improvement and offer constructive feedback with a smile.

Ritu

Tanjore Painting

Nithya

Yashaswini's clarity in teaching complex techniques made my learning journey smooth and enjoyable. Her step-by-step approach gave me confidence.

Nithya

Tanjore Painting

Sushma

I appreciated Yashaswini's patience and attention to detail. She ensured each student understood every step before moving forward.

Sushma

Tanjore Painting

Anupama

Yashaswini's gentle corrections and encouraging words helped me improve tremendously. She has a real gift for teaching.

Anupama

Tanjore Painting

Meghana

Learning from Yashaswini was a wonderful experience. Her calm demeanor and thorough explanations made the art form accessible.

Meghana

Tanjore Painting

Radha

Yashaswini's dedicated approach to teaching and her eye for detail made every class enriching. I'm grateful for her guidance.

Radha

Tanjore Painting

Asha R

They have a beautiful studio, filled with their lovely Tanjore collections, which are outstanding. I never thought I would learn the art so quickly n easily. Vibha n team were very warm n patient in teaching me the art n painting. They actually instill so much confidence in you n make it look so easy for beginners, that it actually helps anyone learn it quickly. Their method of teaching, materials provided, training and facilities provided to learn are top notch.

Asha R

Lord Balaji

Sandhya D

Creating my first Tanjore painting of Goddess Lakshmi Devi through Tanjore Collective's DIY course was a truly fulfilling experience. The course was very well structured, which made learning Tanjore painting much easier, even as a beginner. Vibha did a wonderful job explaining every intricate detail with clarity and patience. The step-by-step guidance helped me feel confident throughout the process, and seeing the final painting brought me immense happiness.

Sandhya D

Goddess Lakshmi

Apoorva Y

I consider Tanjore art is one of the difficult arts vibha made it easy to achieve that too through online. Her techniques are good and we were able to follow her on live sessions. I want to learn more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore collective.

Apoorva Y

Goddess Lakshmi

Raveen B

Vibha taught us very well, asking us to try repeatedly until we got it right. Always having a smile on her face and clearing all our doubts. Had a great time learning from her and making new friends of like minded interest in art.

Raveen B

Lord Balaji

Anupama

It was a wonderful experience to learn tanjore art from Tanjore collective. The whole journey was very inspiring, relaxing and interesting. Thank you Vibha and Yashaswini for being so patience in teaching each and every step of the process and making us so confident in completing the art with perfection.

Anupama

Lord Ganesha

Jenny K

I had a wonderful time completing my Goddess Lakshmi painting. From preparing the Arabic gum and embossing, to applying the gold sheets, painting, and refining the details, Vibha provided clear and detailed guidance throughout the online course. This was my first experience with Tanjore art, and completing the painting over two months gave me a deep sense of accomplishment. The process brought me clarity and calm, and I now love seeing the finished artwork — it adds colour and vibrancy to my home.

Jenny K

Goddess Lakshmi

Sushma S

Tanjore painting is a beautiful and intricate art form, known for its rich colors, compact composition and surface richness, which makes it truly special. Creating my first Tanjore Painting of Lord Hanuman with Tanjore Collective Art Studio through their online classes was incredible.

Sushma S

Lord Hanuman

Kavitha S

Tanjore collective is an experience. I enrolled for the Gajalakshmi studio course and this was my first ever attempt at Tanjore painting. Vibha, her mom and the entire team is amazing. They are very patient and make sure you learn at your pace. The studio environment is also so beautiful and makes the learning a meditative experience.

Kavitha S

Goddess Gajalakshmi

Archana I

I joined Tanjore Collective's online DIY course this April. I had always wanted to learn this intricate art form but felt apprehensive, unsure if I could do it without proper guidance. The DIY course allows you to access the videos at your own pace, and the structure of the course is excellent. Vibha ji explains every step with great clarity, making it especially beginner-friendly. She truly made the entire process feel approachable and achievable.

Archana I

DIY Course

Raksha P

I had a wonderful experience being a part of the Saraswati Devi Tanjavur painting course. Vibha was extremely encouraging and gave detailed instructions at every stage of the painting, for each intricate pattern the painting required. I thoroughly enjoyed learning and painting in the classes and the outcome is beautiful!

Raksha P

Goddess Saraswati

Priya S

I enrolled for online ganesha tanjore painting course with vibha. This is my first attempt at any form of painting so I was naturally doubtful if I could do this, but the way Vibha taught the process step by step without even realising i was able to see the Tanjore painting come to life by following the steps.

Priya S

Lord Ganesha

Apoorva Y

I consider Tanjore art to be one of the more challenging art forms, but Vibha made it easy to learn — even through online classes. Her techniques are clear and effective, and we were able to follow along comfortably during the live sessions. I look forward to learning many more Tanjore paintings with Tanjore Collective.

Apoorva Y

DIY Course

Tarun K

Enrolling in the online Tanjore painting classes was a truly transformative experience for me. The course struck a wonderful balance between traditional techniques and thoughtful modern teaching. I especially enjoyed learning the intricate designs, embossed muck work, the use of vibrant colours, and the application of gold foil — the hallmark of Tanjore painting. Vibha's step-by-step guidance allowed me to practice patiently and improve my skills with confidence.

Tarun K

DIY Course

Sahana H

I took up the Gaja lakshmi course online. Initially I was quite sceptical as to how the online classes would be, as this art form is quite detailed and needs a lot of focus and attention. But at Tanjore Collective, Vibha and team have made it possible for everyone out there to easily learn and master the art form.

Sahana H

Lord Balaji

Padma K

The Tanjore painting course, which I recently completed at Tanjore Collective, was a truly enriching experience. The course delved into the intricate techniques of this traditional art form, from preparing the canvas with gesso to mastering the delicate gold leaf application. The instructors were highly skilled, guiding us through each step with patience and expertise.

Padma K

Goddess Saraswathi

Manasa C

Learning from Vibha was truly inspiring. Her patience and attention to detail made the entire process feel approachable.

Manasa C

Tanjore Painting

Apoorva YM

The way Vibha breaks down complex techniques into simple steps is remarkable. I never thought I could create something this beautiful.

Apoorva YM

Tanjore Painting

Pulimivijayalakshmi R

Vibha's teaching style is incredibly clear and supportive. She made sure every student felt confident at every stage.

Pulimivijayalakshmi R

Tanjore Painting

Vani R

Every class with Vibha felt like a meditative experience. Her calm guidance and expertise made the journey truly special.

Vani R

Tanjore Painting

Vani P

Vibha's encouragement and detailed feedback helped me grow so much as an artist. I'm grateful for the experience.

Vani P

Tanjore Painting

Meghana

Spurthy's warmth and patience made the learning experience truly enjoyable. She has a way of making complex techniques feel simple.

Meghana

Tanjore Painting

Akshatha

I loved how Spurthy encouraged us to explore and experiment while maintaining the traditional techniques. She's a wonderful teacher.

Akshatha

Tanjore Painting

Revathi

Spurthy's calm and encouraging teaching style helped me overcome my initial hesitation and truly enjoy the art of Tanjore painting.

Revathi

Tanjore Painting

Sunitha

Learning from Spurthy was a delightful experience. Her attention to detail and friendly approach made every session something to look forward to.

Sunitha

Tanjore Painting

Ritu

Spurthy's guidance was invaluable. She has an incredible ability to spot areas for improvement and offer constructive feedback with a smile.

Ritu

Tanjore Painting

Nithya

Yashaswini's clarity in teaching complex techniques made my learning journey smooth and enjoyable. Her step-by-step approach gave me confidence.

Nithya

Tanjore Painting

Sushma

I appreciated Yashaswini's patience and attention to detail. She ensured each student understood every step before moving forward.

Sushma

Tanjore Painting

Anupama

Yashaswini's gentle corrections and encouraging words helped me improve tremendously. She has a real gift for teaching.

Anupama

Tanjore Painting

Meghana

Learning from Yashaswini was a wonderful experience. Her calm demeanor and thorough explanations made the art form accessible.

Meghana

Tanjore Painting

Radha

Yashaswini's dedicated approach to teaching and her eye for detail made every class enriching. I'm grateful for her guidance.

Radha

Tanjore Painting