The ancient wood painting technique of Tibet is called Kyumbur. It is a traditional type of relief painting usually used on temple frescoes but was also adapted to decorate wooden furniture and accessories. In Tibet, painting (thangkas) was a sacred activity due to its inseparability with the tenets and precepts of Tibetan Buddhism. Similarly the decoration of furniture and houses incorporated auspicious symbols and animals thought to bring good luck and prosperity.
The first step is to trace a drawing on a piece of wood. In the old days a tube was used to make the relief from a mixture of chalk and glue. Nowadays a mixture of paint and wood glue is used to apply an even relief. Once the relief outline is dried the design is painted with colors.
The course is opened for everybody interested in this unique form of art and no drawing experience is needed. The courses are based on the time and interest of the individuals or groups. Students can choose to make an existing drawing or a design of their choice.
The dates and the locations of the Wood Painting courses will be available in due course.
