Collection: DIY Tanjore Painting Classes

Each course guides you step by step—from the first preparation to the final details—making it easy to create a complete Tanjore painting, even if you’re starting for the first time.

  • Complete Course Access

    You get 90 day complete course access to every single module

  • Supported at Every Step

    Receive complete guidance from our teachers

  • Access Across Devices

    You can watch on desktop or mobile devices

  • Learn From Anywhere

    Complete the course from anywhere you please and at your leisure

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  • From Canvas to Finished Painting

    Each course guides you through the entire journey

  • Guided by your Guru, Every Step

    Every stage is taught with clear, structured guidance

  • Every Detail Thoughtfully Covered

    The courses capture every essential detail needed

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Sessions In Your Course

Here's a session-wise breakdown of skills and techniques taught in the Tanjore Painting course.

Introduction to Tanjore Painting

Introduction to Tanjore Painting

1 session
Introduction to Tanjore Painting

You'll learn how to set up your base for Tanjore painting. We’ll walk you through the essential materials like plywood, Fevicol, and Montval canvas sheets, and guide you step-by-step through the process of preparing a strong and even surface—laying the foundation for your artwork.

Preparing your canvas

Preparing your canvas

1 session
Preparing your canvas

You'll learn how to set up your base for Tanjore painting. We’ll walk you through the essential materials like plywood, Fevicol, and Montval canvas sheets, and guide you step-by-step through the process of preparing a strong and even surface—laying the foundation for your artwork.

Transferring your sketch

Transferring your sketch

1 session
Transferring your sketch

Discover how to accurately transfer your Tanjore sketch onto the prepared canvas—a crucial step that sets the tone for the entire painting. We’ll share practical tips and easy techniques to help you get it right every time, ensuring a clean and confident start to your artwork.

Preparing and working with embossing paste

Preparing and working with embossing paste

2-3 sessions
Preparing and working with embossing paste

Learn how to prepare high-quality embossing paste—an essential element for bringing depth and texture to your Tanjore painting. We'll take you through the delicate and detailed process of embossing in Tanjore painting. With guided practice on sample sheets, you’ll learn how to achieve the right height, smoothness, and definition in your embossing work.

Sticking Kundan Stones

Sticking Kundan Stones

2 sessions
Sticking Kundan Stones

Learn how to enhance your Tanjore painting with the sparkle of Kundan stones. We’ll introduce you to the different types of stones used in traditional work and guide you step-by-step through the process of placing them using fabric glue. With tips for precision and alignment, you’ll ensure each stone sits securely and beautifully.

By the end of this, you’ll be confident in adding shine and elegance to your artwork—elevating its richness and traditional appeal.

Working with 24K Gold foil

Working with 24K Gold foil

2-3 sessions
Working with 24K Gold foil

Learn how to bring a rich, regal finish to your Tanjore painting using 24-karat gold foil. From understanding the nature of the foil to measuring, cutting, and placing it with precision, each step will be clearly guided. You’ll also learn which gum works best and how to achieve a clean, flawless application that enhances the depth and brilliance of your embossed design.

Introduction to paints

Introduction to paints

1 session
Introduction to paints

Explore the fundamentals of using poster paints—understanding their shades, tones, and the role water plays in achieving the right consistency. You'll learn how to control dilution, layering, and blending techniques that are essential for smooth and vibrant finishes. These foundational skills will prepare you for the painting techniques used in upcoming modules.

Painting details of the deity

Painting details of the deity

2-3 sessions
Painting details of the deity

Learn how to paint the fine details that bring a Tanjore painting to life. The focus is on creating radiant effects, decorative elements, and traditional motifs that enhance the overall composition. You’ll be guided step by step, starting with base colours and moving on to shading and outlining techniques. This module is ideal for building confidence in detailed painting, floral designs, and luminous effects—whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your Tanjore painting skills.

Face painting

Face painting

1-2 sessions
Face painting

Learn how to paint serene and expressive faces in Tanjore painting. You’ll understand facial structure, proportions, and the use of contouring and shading techniques to add depth and softness to facial features. With an emphasis on symmetry, subtle detailing, and graceful expression, this module will help you capture the calm, divine quality that defines traditional Tanjore art.

Working with Swarovski crystals

Working with Swarovski crystals

Duration
Working with Swarovski crystals

Learn how to enhance your Tanjore painting with the sparkle of Kundan stones and Swarovski crystals. Discover where and how to place each element to elevate the design’s beauty and intricacy. You'll also explore techniques for securely applying Swarovski crystals to add shimmering highlights and reflective depth.By the end of this module, you'll know how to transform your painting into a radiant, jewel-like masterpiece.

Add finishing touches

Add finishing touches

Duration
Add finishing touches

Finally, you’ll learn how to add refined finishing touches to your Tanjore painting. This includes optional decorative elements such as border patterns, fine accents, and subtle detailing that enhance the overall composition. These final enhancements are flexible and creativity-driven, allowing you to personalise your artwork and bring it to completion with balance and elegance.

Complete Material Kits Included

Every course includes a carefully curated material kit, so you don’t have to worry about sourcing supplies. Provided by Art Naavu, these kits use the same high-quality materials we trust and use for our own Tanjore paintings.

  • Canvas With Sketch

    The deity is sketched and prepared for your kit

  • 24 Karat Gold Sheets

    Purity of the gold is important for its shine

  • Arabic Gum Crystals

    We use this to prepare the jesso and for sticking the gold

  • Chalk powder

    This is the main ingredient used to create the jesso

  • 4 Sable Hair Brushes

    The best brushes are required to achieve finesse

  • Kundan Stones

    Gems are an integral part of your Tanjore Paintings

  • Original Swarowski Crystals

    The glitter a Swarowski crystal can be seen from miles

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Certificate of Completion

Every student who completes the course is awarded a certificate from Tanjore Collective, celebrating their commitment to learning and preserving this timeless art.

Students Works & Stories

Created by students at different stages of their learning, each piece tells a story of dedication, guidance, and growth — from the first brushstroke to a finished Tanjore painting.
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. Thank you, Vibha, for your support and guidance. I am truly grateful for this experience.

Sandhya D
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. Thank you, Vibha, for generously sharing your refined skills and knowledge with us. I look forward to beginning my second painting soon 🙏

Jenny K
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. I discovered their page on Instagram and was mesmerised by their work. Seeing how beautifully their students had completed their paintings motivated me to enrol. 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 was always just a phone call away whenever I had doubts and consistently suggested improvements to refine my work. She truly made the entire process feel approachable and achievable. I loved every part of the course and am extremely happy with the final outcome. I’m really looking forward to learning more through future courses with Tanjore Collective. 😊

Archana I
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
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 (my favourite part), the use of vibrant colours, and the application of gold foil — the hallmark of Tanjore painting. Adding Kundan and Swarovski stones gave the painting a life of its own. Each stage of the process was explained through specialised videos, from preparing the board to finishing with traditional embellishments. Vibha’s step-by-step guidance allowed me to practice patiently and improve my skills with confidence. Completing every stage brought a deep sense of accomplishment and strengthened my love for this beautiful Indian art form.

Tarun K
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. Thank you, Vibha, for your support and guidance. I am truly grateful for this experience.

Sandhya D
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. Thank you, Vibha, for generously sharing your refined skills and knowledge with us. I look forward to beginning my second painting soon 🙏

Jenny K
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. I discovered their page on Instagram and was mesmerised by their work. Seeing how beautifully their students had completed their paintings motivated me to enrol. 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 was always just a phone call away whenever I had doubts and consistently suggested improvements to refine my work. She truly made the entire process feel approachable and achievable. I loved every part of the course and am extremely happy with the final outcome. I’m really looking forward to learning more through future courses with Tanjore Collective. 😊

Archana I
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
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 (my favourite part), the use of vibrant colours, and the application of gold foil — the hallmark of Tanjore painting. Adding Kundan and Swarovski stones gave the painting a life of its own. Each stage of the process was explained through specialised videos, from preparing the board to finishing with traditional embellishments. Vibha’s step-by-step guidance allowed me to practice patiently and improve my skills with confidence. Completing every stage brought a deep sense of accomplishment and strengthened my love for this beautiful Indian art form.

Tarun K