Anu Vallampati had been interested in learning Tanjore painting for a long time. Living in the United States and having no prior experience in art, she was unsure whether such a detailed traditional art form could be learned online.
After connecting with Vibha from Tanjore Collective and understanding how the online classes were structured, Anu decided to enroll in the Shiva Parivar – 2.5 Months Live Online Course. What followed was a carefully guided learning experience that helped her confidently complete a complex Tanjore painting entirely online.
Starting as a Complete Beginner from the US
Anu joined the live online course from the United States. This was her first experience with any form of art, and she initially had doubts about whether online instruction would be effective.
“I had not done any kind of art prior. I asked Vibha if it was really possible to learn this art online, and she assured me that I would get the full benefit from the class.”
With that reassurance, Anu enrolled in the course, not fully knowing what to expect.
Learning Through Live Online Classes
The Shiva Parivar course was conducted through live Zoom sessions, with two classes every week. Vibha demonstrated every technique in detail and painted along with the students during the sessions.
“It was not like she showed a finished painting and said this is how it should look. She actually painted along with us on her board.”
Each class focused on specific stages of the Tanjore painting process, helping Anu understand how the artwork is built step by step.
Clear Explanations and Recorded Sessions
One of the key advantages for Anu was the availability of class recordings.
“She patiently answered all questions and explained each technique. The recordings shared after class were very helpful.”
Due to the time zone difference, Anu was unable to attend a few live sessions. The recorded classes allowed her to catch up without missing any part of the process.
“The class recordings were perfect to catch up when I couldn’t attend.”
Learning to Correct Mistakes and Experiment with Colours
Throughout the course, Anu received constant encouragement and guidance.
“She was constantly encouraging and also explained how to correct mistakes.”
Students were also encouraged to explore colour choices instead of strictly following one combination.
“She encouraged us to experiment with different colour combinations as well.”
This approach helped Anu gain confidence and develop a better understanding of the painting process.
Support Beyond the Live Classes
In addition to the live sessions and recordings, Anu appreciated the accessibility of the teaching team.
“She would answer questions on WhatsApp whenever we were unclear about a technique.”
This continuous support helped her stay confident while working independently on her painting.
Completing the Shiva Parivar Tanjore Painting
By the end of the 2.5-month online course, Anu successfully completed her Shiva Parivar Tanjore painting. Despite being a beginner and learning from a different country, she was able to finish a complex traditional artwork through structured online guidance.
Her positive experience encouraged her to continue learning.
“Without any second thought, I enrolled in the next class for Saraswati. I also enrolled in a DIY Ganesha course.”
Reflection on the Learning Experience
Anu credits the teaching approach and support from the entire team for her progress.
“I truly appreciate the positive attitude, constant support, clear instructions, and the cheerful nature of all the instructors.”
Her journey shows that with the right structure, recordings, and ongoing support, Tanjore painting can be effectively learned online—even by complete beginners living abroad.
