Course Description

The Miniature Painting course extends the vocabulary of painting by drawing from a very traditional genre that has been reinterpreted to become part of the contemporary art vocabulary. The course places emphasis on traditional skills and techniques of miniature painting by studying and practicing the styles and conventions of masters from different stylistic schools. To understand the Modern Mughal style in its pure form, students initially reproduce miniatures especially from the Mughal traditions, which focus on understanding line, form, colour and rendering (Purdakht). As part of the traditional training methods, students are taught to prepare their own tools and materials under the guidance of their instructors. The preparation of pigments and surfaces (Wasli, the paper used for miniature painting) is integral to the course. Students are initiated to traditional techniques such as Gudrung as a means to understand the full range of the genre and its vocabulary. The course also integrates the appreciation of contemporary art practices within Miniature Painting through gallery and studio visits, workshops and artists’ talks. Critical evaluations are conducted on a regular basis to help develop an independent body of work in the final term.

Learning Outcomes:Acquired a foundational knowledge of the basic miniature painting techniques. Been exposed to a variety of different paper preparation and tracing and transferring techniques. Developed confidence in brushwork techniques including different ways of brush handling.

Course Contents:       

1. Introduction
   1. History of miniature painting
   2. Traditional Techniques of Miniature
   3. Method of Wasli making
2. Method of wasli making

    1. Material 

    2. Process

1. Miniature in pencil shading
   1. How to draw on Wasli?
   2. Drawing and Rendering
2. Traditional Miniature
   1. Miniature in siah qalam
   2. Miniature in gadrang
   3. Persian miniature Portrait painting
   4. Indian miniature painting
   5. Mughal Portrait miniature painting

Recommended Books:

1. S. Rawson, Philip. Indian painting, Pierre Tisne / NY: Universe Books, 1961
2. Stronger, Susan. Painting for the mughal emperor: The Art of the Book 1560-1660, Victoria & Albert Museum; First edition, 2002

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

• Sessional: 20   (PowerPoint Presentations, Practical Assignments and Homework)
• Mid exam: 30
• Final exam: 50

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• 75% Attendance will me must.
• Cell Phones should be silent during class.
• Students will bring their laptops in computer lab