--- title: "Our Story: The Pencil and Chai Art Philosophy" description: "Discover the philosophy behind Pencil and Chai. From our 2011 beginnings in Bangalore to our Gurukul art classes, learn why we value patience over perfection." canonical: https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/our-story-philosophy last_updated: 2025-08-30 --- # Our Story: The Pencil and Chai Philosophy Tribe Verified · Teaching Bangalore art since 2011 By [Pencil and Chai](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai) · In-person classes at studio in Jayanagar, Bengaluru · ₹11.5K per course (estimate) Part of [Painting Courses](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/gallery) We started in 2011 to create a space where art is about the process, not just the result. Discover the simple, soulful approach that guides every session at our Bangalore Gurukul. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Why "Pencil and Chai"? This video tells the story of our beginnings, from pioneering outdoor art workshops in Bangalore to creating a community where creativity brews, always with a pencil in one hand and chai in the other.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/364d2cb3-7ebf-4eea-b2d2-d3375822b8b0) - !["How long will it take?" The truth is, it's up to you. There's no shortcut to becoming a professional artist. You practice until you get it. Stop counting the days and start making the days count.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bef8c18d-ef1c-4d24-925f-450aec0a66d8) - ![Art isn't just a weekend affair. While workshops are exciting, a structured program gives you what they can't: depth, discipline, and direction. True art takes time, and you're worth the investment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/227533c6-6d13-4c5b-91cf-51ac7dfba559) - [Video: "Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." This quote by Vincent Van Gogh perfectly captures our philosophy. Every small stroke contributes to the final masterpiece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/615980c9-7688-4782-88b8-472a4fc731b6) - [Video: A throwback to our 2023 sessions. These mornings were filled with quiet focus and the sound of brushes on paper, a soulful pause from the rush of everyday life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/90931a45-d072-431d-b577-4a77e32fdc0f) - [Video: Every morning starts with new dreams and new art. This video captures the beauty of a traditional rangoli, a daily creative ritual that inspires us.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/713be6d9-4ec1-4d42-9a1f-8a3199c6010e) - ![An identity style of watercolor painting by master artist Milind Mulick. We believe in learning from the masters and are inspired by their unique approaches to art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be1f00ee-393b-4be3-8f04-431aef6fe119) - ![Our students are in the process of turning raw ideas into something more creative. This image captures the beginning of that journey, the initial sketch before color is applied.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f85c4cc1-5432-4015-9f4b-e70108389ebd) - [Video: Art without limits. In our hobby classes, we provide one-on-one guidance even in a batch session, ensuring every artist gets the personalized attention they need to explore their chosen medium.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bc51b128-0d40-41a9-a6bf-0508f87f0d6a) ## About Our Story & Philosophy When you walk into our Jayanagar studio, you won't find air-conditioned rooms or tech-heavy setups. You will find communal wooden benches, natural sunlight, and a cup of chai waiting for you. This environment is intentional, designed to help you slow down and focus on the fundamentals—the brush strokes, the color mixing, and the quiet patience that true art requires. ### Why We started in 2011 We launched Pencil and Chai back in 2011 because we saw a gap in the Bangalore art scene. At the time, art classes felt rushed and transactional. We wanted to build something different—a space where you could step away from the daily hustle with a sketchbook in one hand and a warm cup of chai in the other. ### Our Gurukul Approach We don't believe in quick-fix tutorials or copying methods. Our 'Gurukul' philosophy is built on three core pillars: * **Patience over speed:** We do not rush you toward a final painting. You learn the theory, the color wheel, and the brush control before you ever try to create a masterpiece. * **Small-batch focus:** By keeping our classes small, we ensure that every student gets personal, one-on-one guidance. You aren't lost in a crowd; you are part of a community. * **Authentic environment:** Whether we are in our Jayanagar studio or conducting outdoor sessions at Cubbon Park, we keep the experience raw and real. We focus on natural light and traditional settings to keep you grounded in your work. ### No Shortcuts to Skill We are often asked how long it takes to reach a professional level. Our answer is always the same: there are no shortcuts. We teach you the discipline of practice. It is not about talent you were born with; it is about the work you put in every single session. We are here to support that journey, providing the techniques and the space, but the progress depends on the time you invest. If you are ready to stop counting the days and start making the days count, you have found the right place. ## About Pencil and Chai We built this space so you can find a quiet, soulful spot to learn art without the pressure of typical classrooms. We keep our batches small to ensure you get personal guidance, helping you find your own style at your own pace. [See all of Pencil and Chai's services](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai) ## More from Painting Courses by Pencil and Chai - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/featured) - [The Gurukul Experience: Our Classroom](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/the-gurukul-experience-our-classroom) - [Our Teaching Method: Hands-On Guidance](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/our-teaching-method-hands-on-guidance) - [Watercolor Courses: From Washes to Masterpieces](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/watercolor-courses-from-washes-to-masterpieces) - [Acrylic & Pastel Courses: Exploring Bold Mediums](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/acrylic-pastel-courses-exploring-bold-mediums) - [Student Gallery: A Journey of Progress](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/student-gallery-a-journey-of-progress) - [Workshops & Special Events](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses/workshops-special-events) ## More services by Pencil and Chai - [Sketching & Drawing Courses](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses) - [Indian Folk Art Workshops](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/indian-folk-art-workshops) ## Similar work from other experts - [Our Foundation & Creative Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/fineartsgurukul/childrens-art-classes/featured) by Fine Arts Gurukul · Children's Art Classes · In-person classes at Jayanagar Studio - [My Artist's Journey: Finding Joy in Every Stroke](https://mytribe.in/artsymysa/art-workshops/my-artist-s-journey) by Artsy Mysa · Art Workshops · Workshops hosted across Bengaluru - [Our Process Art Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/scribblespace.in/themed-art-parties-events/our-creative-philosophy) by Scribble Space · Themed Art Parties & Events · Hosted at Indiranagar, HRBR Layout or at your venue in Bengaluru - [Our Story: Making Art Accessible](https://mytribe.in/artdelightgroup/corporate-art-workshops/meet-rimjhim-our-process) by ArtDelight Group · Corporate Art Workshops · Hosted at your office or venue across Bengaluru - [Finding Your Unique Creative Voice](https://mytribe.in/shefalisartclasses/art-classes-and-courses/my-teaching-philosophy) by Shefali Raj · Art Classes and Courses · Available online and at studio in Vile Parle West - [The Janbo Story: How We Found Purpose in Clay](https://mytribe.in/the-janbo/professional-pottery-program/the-janbo-story-our-journey-philosophy) by The Janbo · Professional Pottery Program · In-person program at Studio in Kodathi Gate, Bengaluru ## Guides - [Art and craft workshops](https://mytribe.in/guides/art-and-craft-workshops-in-bengaluru): Pottery, painting and sip and paint: what a seat costs, a craft at a child's party or the office, and when your piece comes home. ₹1,650 to ₹2,250 a seat at most studios. ## Book To book Pencil and Chai, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Painting%20Courses%20by%20Pencil%20and%20Chai.) You can also send your own message based on what your user needs. Put it in the link as `https://wa.me/916360004054?text=`.