CHITRA SHASTRA Atelier

Overarching Philosophy at Chitra Shastra Atelier(CSA)

 A valuable sentence that guides us or as we say the ‘Mantra’ at CSA is quite simply

“KNOW THY ART- KNOW THY SELF”

As every artist knows, Art is both therapeutic and meditative. The oneness that an artist experiences with their work is unparalleled, and the piece of work becomes an extension of the artist. Oneness is possible when the Mind, the Intent and the Skill is Pure. In the stillness of oneness, we discover who WE are or what the SELF is. Hence, our philosophy embraces purity of age-old classical techniques of art and the discovery of the individual.

 We shall enable our students to:

(a) Have a valuable lifelong engagement with art.

(b) Be informed, be reflective and be critical practitioners of art.

(c) Be aware of the dynamic nature of art, and the need to emphasise purity of technique.

(d) Apply rigour in perfecting classical techniques.

(e) Express their imagination with confidence and competence

(f) Be sensitive to personal and cultural contexts.

(g) Be receptive to authentic classical art education.

 We at CSA, strive to do this based on our rigorous 4 year syllabus that can be accessed here.(https://chitrashastra.com/programmes/portrait-drawing/). This includes Portrait Drawing (1 year), Portrait Painting (1 year), Figure Drawing ( 1 year) and Figure Painting (1 year).  Additionally, we also offer Still Life (1 year) and Construction Design (1 year) as short courses. Monthly sessions for 'brushing-up', 'practice sessions' and 'hobby sessions' for art enthusiasts are held on weekends for working professionals.  Every Sunday is dedicated to providing the ambience, space and models for  figurative nude and semi-nude drawing, to fulfill the needs for professional artists and students alike. Demonstration and interaction with experts in fine arts is held from time to time, to provide an aesthitic and diverse exposure to realistic art created by different artists.

Hence, our belief enshrines the classical drawing and painting techniques, and centres on the pursuit of truth, beauty and order. This is done through a disciplined observation of nature, and emphasises harmony, balance and proportion. Finally, we say that, at CSA, we believe that  Art reflects the Universal principles of aesthetics.