Priya Chandé, Founder of Unwindldn & One Young World Ambassador
This week we met the talented Komal Madar who taught us the ancient Indian art form of Madhubani painting. A folkart hailing from North India, its often found in rural villages and practised by women who have passed the tradition down to their daughters through multiple generations. They usually use a variety of tools, including fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks as well as natural dyes/ pigments to create the paintings.
Renowned for its eye-catching geometric patterns, we began by creating border patterns on paper. Just practising this was super therapeutic, requiring focus and a steady hand, we entered a state of flow in no time at all!
Once we were confident with these, Komal talked us through themes often found in Madhubani paintings such as nature, mythology. We decided to draw a tree of life filled with magical birds.
khadi paper is the perfect material to use for this as it offers a really nice rustic and authentic look. After marking our borders, we began to sketch. Komal is a fantastic teacher and patiently guided us through the process. She brings lots of templates to help you #draw birds and floral patterns making it a lot less daunting or to help when you have a creative block!
We were supposed to have painted it by the end of our session but got so carried away with the intricate details, we only got to sketching it. The beauty of art is that it's a process and it can be all consuming- a perfect distraction from the outside world!
​
Alessandra Maggiora
I have been to a few of Komal's workshops…. And I could not recommend her enough! You’ll learn everything about Madhubani art, an Indian folk art, and she’ll provide you with all the materials for inspiration. You’ll then create your own painting, and Komal will help you and guide you, leaving you free and your creativity flow… but with support when needed! I always leave her workshops feeling relaxed and happy to have created something, thinking “this feels right”… No experience is needed, just curiosity and willingness to learn something new, but I think these workshops would also benefit experienced artists in search of inspiration and new techniques. One last word for the teacher: on top of being a great artist, Komal is a great person: she’ll put you at ease, in a cosy and friendly atmosphere, a true art therapy coach 😊 looking forward to coming back!
Evelyne Hagg
I met Komal Madar at her Stewkley House studio, Perivale, while visiting artists during the BEAT festival (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) in September 2021. I was immediately hooked to embark on the Madhubani art project and my experience was very positive. Komal is an excellent teacher who is passionate about her art and always willing to share her knowledge. I spent six enjoyable evenings at Komal’s studio where I was taught, always in a calm and perfect atmosphere, about this art. I would highly recommend this course with Komal if you are interested in Madhubani art.
Linda Smith
Workshops with Komal are super fun! Komal has a warm presence and takes the time to explain the task ahead as well as providing interesting background on the subject at hand. Komal's vision in abstract has inspired me to explore art using techniques & textures. I am certainly looking forward to attending future workshops, meeting new people and learning lots of cool art :) Thank you for your service Komal x
Melissa Hemsley, Chef, food columnist & best selling cookbook author
Bought myself a bundle of classes earlier this year & finally got a chance to enjoy them today with friends IRL at Masterpeace London. Swipe to see what Nelly thought of her portrait Loving painting and drawing as it helps me soften my perfectionism and expectations if anyone can relate to that!? Thanks for a great class Komal Madar
Zaynah Din, Digital Creator at Tik Tok, & Baker
Komal was my graphic design & art teacher at college and has now become my mentor and great friend. Myself and 5 friends attended one of her art classes at Masterpeace studio in London and it was such an amazing afternoon! We started with guided meditation which was lovely, then a couple of hours painting with lots of refreshments and snacks. Since leaving college Komal and I have stayed in touch, she's one of those teachers you will always remember, I can't wait to attend another Masterpeace painting session soon!
Poonam Sodha
Komal was amazing, it was my first time painting in years and the Madhubani painting workshop has really encouraged me to incorporate painting in my day to day. I learnt so much from the history of Madhubani, Komal's journey in the fine arts and also the differences in the various types of acrylics.
Lubna Ul- Hasan
I recently attended one of Komal Madar's Madhubani Painting Workshops in Cass Arts Islington, where I met this lovely, talented Artist. She gave us an introduction to Madhubani painting and supplied us with an array of pictures to choose from to make our designs.
I love Komal's use of colour. I can really relate to the vibrancy of her work and the colours that she loves to create with. I had a wonderful day, spent transferring my design onto beautiful khadi paper and just painting. Such a soothing and relaxing way to spend a day.
Thunicia Moodley
This is the first art workshop I have attended. It was in a convenient, comfortable & inspiring location, being surrounded by lots of art by talented artists. Komal was very well prepared with materials, and wonderfully calm and laid back, while still imparting relevant knowledge to us. She also followed up with resources for use in our own time. Her own work is truly impressive, and the session really motivated me to spend more time in my life on being creative.
Vivienne Caley
The Madhubani workshop was very enjoyable and informative. All the materials were provided and it included a talk on Madhubani Art and materials used and worksheets to work from. The atmosphere was relaxed but focused and all students came away with a piece of Art.
Sheela McLean
it's been a while since the class at Cass Art but just thought I'd send along the picture I finally finished. Got most of it done in London but added a few final touches back home in Vancouver. Thanks again for the class! Hope it is going well in your new studio. Thanks also for the listing of exhibits in London. I got to see the Lee Krasner show at the Barbican, it was excellent.
Catherine Smith
I have now completed 3 classes and enjoyed each one. Komal can teach people of different ability and experience while creating a lovely learning atmosphere. Komal’s introduction to, and explanation of Madhubani Art is clear and insightful, and the whole experience is positive and encouraging. I look forward to booking more classes.