Tibetan Thangka Painting: Methods & Materials [Paperback]

Janice Jackson (Author), David Jackson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1559392576 | ISBN-13: 978-1559392570 | Publication Date: August 14, 2006

Finally back in print -- the only book available that gives detailed descriptions of the techniques and principles of the art of Tibetan scroll painting. Explores in detail the background, themes, methods, and materials used to create these wonderful symbolic works.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...wonderful...So much in one book that every aspiring artist will want. -- Mandala Magazine

Absolutely incredible book. Highly recommended. -- Circle of Light

From the Back Cover

The only book available that gives detailed descriptions of the techniques and principles of the art of Tibetan scroll painting, Tibetan Thangka Painting is the distillation of research carried out over a period of ten years, collected during five journeys to Nepal and India, and compiled from some twenty traditional painters.

This book presents, step-by-step, the techniques used to make a thangka, from the preparation of the canvas to the final application of the sacred syllables behind each completed figure. Separate chapters introduce the reader to the basic principles of composition, color, and figure proportions. Included are descriptions of the pigments and how they are mixed and applied. A wealth of drawings and photographs illustrates each step, and the many line drawings of symbols and motifs will greatly aid artists and serve as a unique resource for designers.

This extraordinary handbook also includes a section of valuable guidelines for those who wish to paint thangkas using modern techniques and materials.

"An indispensable reference manual for anyone interested in Tibetan Art."-- Parabola

"Absolutely incredible book. Highly recommended."-- Circle of Light

"This book contains a wealth of fascinating information about thangkas and the artistic culture of Tibet and affords a rare glimpse into the way of life of the artists themselves. . . . It comes as close as is reasonably possible to providing art students with accurate guidelines to gain at least some skill in the techniques. A work as well researched, clearly presented and fascinating as this will certainly be enjoyed not only by artists, but also by anyone with an interest in Tibetan cultural traditions."-- The Tibet Journal

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (August 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559392576
• ISBN-13: 978-1559392570
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #591,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book would be even better with color illustations, November 6, 2007

By 

D. Eadie (Tifton, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tibetan Thangka Painting: Methods & Materials (Paperback)

This book starts with a survey of Tibet's artistic wealth, then immediately begins with the detailed methods needed to paint a thangka, from the canvas, to the brushes, to the pigments. In-depth discussion of proportions is included, and how they were established from varying traditions. Techniques for applying traditional pigments and the methods are covered, as well as how precious metals are applied. The book concludes with how a thangka is finished and framed in brocade. Four appendices cover differences in thangka traditions, where to get traditional tools, a selection of traditional symbols, and how to use modern materials for thangka painting.

I had only two disappointments with the book: That there are no color illustrations, which would have been very nice for the photographs of thangkas and for shading techniques. In some places Tibetan words and names are presented only in Wylie transliteration, which is almost unreadable for most people. It is somewhat understandable, though, since there's no real standard way of phonetically transcribing Tibetan words.

Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to the art of painting Tibetan thangkas.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Preserving the fine art of Thangka Painting, September 6, 2008

By 

R. Delong "artist & educator" (Lehigh Valley, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tibetan Thangka Painting: Methods & Materials (Paperback)

If you are interested in learning how to create traditional Thangka paintings then this book is for you. I discussed Thangka painting methods and materials with Bhutan Thangka painters at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this past summer and after purchasing this book I discovered that the methods and materials outlined in this text are aligned and equal to what I learned from my discussion with those who practice this art and create Thangka paintings. I was excited to find the methods and materials in writing. I had wished that the volume would be available in hardcover and wanted it to include an abundance of color plates because this book is a keeper for all serious painters. I recommend this volume for any artist whose has a goal to learn about and preserve a traditional painting art form.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Get Discouraged By The Know-It-Alls, August 3, 2010

By 

RabbitHorn (Erie, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tibetan Thangka Painting: Methods & Materials (Paperback)

I hope nobody pays any attention to the know-it-all who set about telling the "beginner" all the reasons why they shouldn't just set about trying to paint a thangka. I mean, isn't there always somebody out there telling us why we can't do something, attempting to kill the seed of inspiration before it even has a chance to germinate? There are many, many, many paths one may take in approaching the dharma and if yours is to purchase a book on Tibetan Thangka painting and try your hand at replicating some sacred images, I say go for it. I certainly can't tell what initiations and training you many have undertaken in a previous life and I highly doubt Mr. Know-It-ALL is able to either.