PAINTING RETREAT
Bookings open for 2025
April
- 11-16
- 18-23
May
- 2-7
- 16-21
June
- 6-11
- 20-25
This art / painting retreat is perfect to explore creativity, relax, and find inspiration in a peaceful, scenic setting. Curated by a group of retreat experts and facilitators, this 5 days programme provides a break from daily routines, offering guided workshops to learn or enhance artistic skills while connecting with like-minded individuals. Blending art, nature, and community to rejuvenate both the mind and spirit, this retreat is also an opportunity for personal growth, mindfulness, and self-expression.
Each day of the retreat features a 2-3 hours art workshops led by different artists, focusing on unique art mediums such as Thangka drawing, Kangra painting, acrylic pouring, charcoal sketching and paint on pottery. In these workshops, you’ll learn the basics of each style while creating your own art piece.
Apart from the art sessions, other experiences include local tour, nature walk, meditation and sound bath.
Starting on Friday afternoon and lasting until Wednesday morning, we have room for 8 participants in each batch.
Day 1 (Friday) – Arrive for check-in before 2 PM, allowing yourself to acclimatise. Explore your surroundings, connect with fellow participants and commence your artistic journey with the first art session from 4 PM to 6:30 PM.
Days 2 to 5 – Every day there will be different art workshops with different artists/facilitators, between the breaks there will be local tour, nature walk, meditation and sound bath sessions. It’s an all-encompassing retreat that promises not only artistic exploration but also a harmonious fusion of creativity, nature, community and self-discovery.
Day 6 (Wednesday) – Check-out is at 11 AM. Art pieces created during the workshop can be conveniently carried out after the retreat at no additional cost.
Workshops
All workshops are conducted by professional artists who have achieved mastery in their respective fields. They have been practicing and teaching for years and we believe that you’ll have a fine experience engaging and learning with them.
Charcoal Sketching
The session starts with a warm-up, fine tuning hand movements and aligning your sitting posture for extended session. You explore fundamentals of charcoal dry brush technique. During your session you learn mindfulness, eye-to-hand coordination, emotional regulation, mental clarity, and self-belief. It’s an exploration that extends beyond the realm of artistry, becoming a transformative experience for those who engage in its deliberate strokes. In the dance of lines and shades, individuals discover not only the power to create art but also a pathway to resilience, empowerment, and a newfound belief in their own capabilities.
Facilitator– Mr. Rohit Kishan
About the Facilitator– Rohit is an extremely talented artist with an experience of almost a decade. His methods are precise, helping the beginners get a good understanding of charcoal techniques.
Place– Science of Sketching Studio
Thangka Drawing
Thangka is a traditional form of Tibetan Buddhist art. Every element in a Thangka holds specific symbolic meanings, and the proportions are based on precise geometric guidelines. This is why the art form is deeply meditative and instructive, serving as a tool for spiritual practice. Led by skilled artist, the workshop will teach you the drawing of Thangka. Participants delve into spiritual themes, learning the sacred significance of each element. These workshops preserve and pass on this rich cultural tradition.
Facilitator– Mr. Sonam Tsering
About the Facilitator– Mr. Sonam Tsering is a skilled traditional Tibetan artist with over three decades of experience. His travels and large-scale projects showcase Tibetan culture, blending traditional methods with modern creativity.
Place– Dharamkot Studio- 1
Kangra Painting
A Kangra Painting workshop offers insights into the traditional art form originating from the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh in India. Participants learn techniques like delicate brushwork and vibrant colors sourced from natural sources used to depict themes like love, nature, and mythology. Under the guidance of master artist you’ll learn to paint the side profiles of deities such as Radha or Krishna. This workshop preserves and promote the rich cultural heritage of Kangra paintings. After the workshop is over a framed painting will be made available.
Facilitator– Mr. Monu Sharma
About the Facilitator– Mr. Monu is a well-known traditional Kangra painter in the area. With over 17 years of experience in this field he has undertaken many projects in this area and throughout India. His keen eye for detail, his soft approach towards teaching makes learning a delightful experience.
Place– Dharamkot Studio- 1
Acrylic Pouring
Acrylic pouring is a technique where paints are poured onto a surface to create interesting patterns and designs. Artists mix paints to a desired consistency using fluid mediums, then tilting guides the paint flow and one may manipulate it as desired later. This is a vibrant workshop allowing the particpants to work with lots of colours, employ techniques like the dirty pour, flip cup, and swipe. Finished pieces can be varnished for protection and vibrancy.
Facilitator– Ms. Pragya Dadhwal
About the Facilitator- Ms. Pragya is a multidisciplinary artist from Dharamshala and currently leads retreat programs at Dharamkot Studio. She has been painting since she was a child and her work is inspired by the elements of nature, beauty of the Himalayas and abstract beauty of artists inner world.
Place– Dharamkot Studio- 2
Paint on Pottery
Painting on pottery is a method of painting your design on a piece of pottery before firing it in a kiln. You will make a piece of pottery using hand-building method and then use various techniques like brushwork or sponging for surface designing on that particular piece. In this workshop your clay is your canvas. Once fired, the paint bonds to the surface, creating durable designs on functional dish ware or decorative sculptures, showcasing unique creativity.
Facilitator– Mr. Dishank
About the Facilitator– Dishank is passionate ceramic artist with a major in ceramic design with five years of experience, specializing in functional creations and crafting unique glazes. His works are a blend of traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics exploring forms and texture.
Place– Dharamkot Studio- 1
Stay
The accommodation lies amidst the pine and cedar forest, secluded from the hustle-bustle of the town yet easily approachable by road. We don’t put up strangers together- so you will either have the whole room or share it with someone you bring along.
All the rooms have attached washrooms, high–speed WiFi, power backup, hot water, electric kettle, heaters/fans, balconies and modern aesthetics. You will have a view of the mountain range and Kangra Valley from your room!
Restaurant, room service, laundry and taxi services are available at the property.
Note- There will be 30-50 stairs to reach the rooms and this program includes walks so It is recommended that one has moderate physical fitness to be a part of this retreat.
Meals
We have purposefully not included meals in the retreat package, to keep the food choices flexible. There is a wonderful restaurant at your stay serving delicious and hygienic veg / non-veg / vegan food. Apart from that, there are highly rated restaurants and cafes around Dharamkot and Mcleodganj serving Indian, Tibetan, Italian, Israeli, Continental, Mediterranean and other cuisines that will delight your taste buds.
Location
This retreat program is being hosted in Dharamkot village, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. At an elevation of 2100 m, Dharamkot is a small village in Kangra district. Famous for yoga, meditation and hippies since the 1970s, it is also known as a second home for Israeli tourists coming to India.
This village is 2 km above McLeodGanj, which is home to the Dalai lama and famous for Tibetan culture, monasteries and nature. Dharamkot offers wide views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. It has the world–famous Vipassana meditation centers– Dhamma Sikhara and Tushita Meditation Centre.
Weather
April– Jun: The summer season in the mountains can be an absolutely stunning time of year. With the snow melted away and the sun shining, the mountains come alive with an array of colors, scents, and sounds. The temperature during the day can range from pleasantly cool to warm, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The air is crisp and fresh, with a sweet scent of pine and other mountain flora. Temperature ranges between 17°C- 28°C.
Bring- Sunglasses, light jacket and hiking shoes.
How to reach
By Air – Dharamshala Airport (DHM) is the nearest airport which is around 20 km (50 minutes) from the studio, direct taxi (1500/-) will be available.
By Bus – Overnight journey from Delhi by semi-sleeper bus. The nearest bus station is Dharamshala (8 km), and from the bus station, you can take a taxi (Rs. 700/-).
By Train – Pathankot (85km) is the nearest railway station, from Pathankot you can take public transport to Dharamshala and then a taxi to Dharamkot.
Prices
INR 49500 +18%GST = INR 58410 for 1 person
INR 91500+18%GST =INR 107970 for 2 people
Including- A private room, all workshops with materials, tours and internal transfers, meditation, sound healing sessions and Guide charges.
How to book-
All the dates mentioned on the website are available to book. Choose your preferred dates, contact us on WhatsApp (+91 98160 96575) or email (retreat@Dharamkotstudio.com) to pay the booking amount of INR 17500/person through Gpay/Paytm/bank account. After the payment, you will get a booking confirmation and signup form on WhatsApp. The remaining amount is to be paid on arrival.
Cancellation/Refund/Rescheduling–
The booking amount (INR 17500/person) is non-refundable. The retreat can be rescheduled only till 1 week before arrival. After that, it cannot be rescheduled and the booking amount will not be refunded.
Please Note:
We have designed this plan with care and will try our best to keep things as mentioned above. But, if there are any changes in the activities schedule or workshop timing / style / medium / facilitator due to any reason, we request your cooperation.
AS SEEN ON:
FAQs
Q- Are there any other art retreat programs offered by Dharamkot Studio?
A- Yes we are also hosting 5 days Pottery Retreats between Mar-Jun 2025.
Please check the details here- https://www.dharamkotstudio.com/pottery-retreat/
Q- Can someone who has no experience of painting attend this retreat?
A- Yes, anyone can join it. All the workshops in the retreat are beginner-friendly.
Q- Can I come a day early or extend one day after the retreat?
A- Yes, you can come early and stay back after the retreat but there will be no workshops during this time. Charges will be applicable for extra nights. Single occupancy: 3500 + taxes and Double occupancy: 4000 + taxes.
Q- What do I need to bring with me?
A- You need to bring nothing in particular for workshops. We will provide all the materials. You just need to carry sports shoes with good grip, a jacket or hoodie, sunglasses, a cap or hat, and sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50).
Q- Will the Pottery Retreat and Painting Retreat happen at the same location?
A- Both, Pottery Retreat and Painting Retreat are different programs. They are happening in the same village but different workshops are happening at different studios. Also, the stay locations are not the same.
Q- Does Dharamkot have interesting cafes and happening places?
A- Yes, Dharamkot and the neighbouring villages are buzzing with activities. We’ll share with you the list of interesting and happening cafes/places where you can spend your evenings.
Q- What kind of people join this retreat?
A- Mostly, we have people between 25 to 45 years old joining the retreat. We have people from diverse backgrounds such as- tech professionals, artists, entrepreneurs, influencers, homemakers, designers, architects, doctors, lawyers, creatives and people from other fields. But, everyone shares one thing in common which is a love for art, nature and community.
Q-Why to join this retreat?
A- Join this retreat for a creative mindful break in the mountains while practicing art and learning skills. You’ll be among the community of like minded people who value art and nature. You’ll learn traditional and modern artforms while indulging in wellness activities and short explorations.
Testimonials
