Unique Surfaces & Functional Art Workshops
Why limit your art to canvas? Join me to turn mirrors, tote bags, and terracotta into your next masterpiece. No skills? Perfect—just bring your messy, creative heart.
Into the space! 🌌 I had so much fun painting this galaxy scene with a tiny astronaut on a hexagon mirror. Mirror painting is one of my favorite things to teach.
A little ASMR for you. Here's a satisfying process video of me painting a pastel abstract design on a round mirror.
Let's paint some hydrangeas on fabric! I used an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut. This piece can be framed or sewn onto a bag or jacket.
A quick look at the process of painting a floral design on a coaster. At the end of the workshop, you get a full set of hand-painted coasters to take home.
I love painting things that bring me joy, like this ceramic mushroom. It's a great reminder that creating for fun is essential to avoid burnout.
Let's make this broken mirror aesthetic! I repurposed a broken piece by painting a beautiful floral border around it. A great way to turn trash into treasure.
I love upcycling things! I turned this old Odonil frame into a mini art piece by painting a glowing green forest scene inside it.
I learned from my mistakes! After a failed attempt, I tried painting these tiny orange flowers again, and I'm so happy with how this version in the Odonil frame turned out.
The final piece in my Odonil frame series. This time, I painted water lilies inspired by a recent trip. It's so fun to paint on unconventional surfaces.
My first time trying Linocut printmaking! I carved this cat stamp and used it to make prints. It's an addictive process, and I love exploring new art forms.
About Beyond the Canvas: Unique Surfaces
When we paint on surfaces like mirrors or tote bags, we aren't just making decor—we’re making functional art that lives with you. Unlike a standard canvas that collects dust, you’ll walk out of this session with a piece you’ll actually use daily. I provide all the supplies, including high-quality acrylics and specialized sealants, so your creation stays vibrant even on everyday items.
Painting on paper or canvas can sometimes feel like a high-stakes test, which is exactly why I started these workshops on alternative surfaces. When you’re painting on a tote bag or a terracotta plate, the pressure drops instantly. It’s not about getting a gallery-perfect finish; it’s about having a functional item that carries your own personal touch.
Here is what you can expect during these sessions:
The Process We cover everything from surface prep to finishing. If we’re working on a tote bag, I’ll show you how to mix acrylics with fabric medium so your design doesn't crack or wash off. If it’s a mirror or ceramic piece, we discuss how to use base coats and sealants to ensure your art lasts. I guide you step-by-step through the 'scary' parts like outlining, but ultimately, the color palette and design choices are yours.
No Experience Necessary I host these in cafes across Bengaluru—Indiranagar, HSR, and Whitefield—specifically for people who say, 'I haven't held a brush since school.' That is the ideal starting point. We laugh through the 'moye moye' moments (the messy accidents), share hacks for fixing mistakes, and just vibe. Whether you want to turn a broken mirror into a floral border or paint a glowing forest on a piece of decor, I am there to make sure you enjoy the act of creating.
Takeaways You don't just leave with a skill; you leave with a usable piece. It’s your own little 'thangakudam' (treasure) that adds a bit of soul to your living space. Come as you are, leave the perfectionism at the door, and let’s make something real.
Rattan
I’m Rattan! I’m that self-taught artist in Bangalore who firmly believes art is for everyone, not just the 'talented' few. I’ve built my workshops to be a safe, judgment-free space where we let go of perfectionism and just vibe. I’m here to guide you through the process, even if the last time you picked up a brush was in school.
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