Portraits & Figures in Nature
Artist Residency Workshop with Pramod Kurlekar
Hosted by Panda’s
21st – 25th January 2025 
Wayanad, Kerala
Medium: Oil 
Level: All levels welcome
Limited Seats | Register Now!
 
Workshop Overview
Join internationally acclaimed artist Pramod Kurlekar for a deeply immersive five- day artist residency workshop in the heart of Wayanad. Held at a luxury retreat nestled in nature, this unique experience focuses on painting portraits and figures in natural environments, where artistic growth meets serene living.
With guidance from Pramod, you'll explore advanced techniques in painting portraits and figures, gesture, light, and composition, all while surrounded by the lush landscapes of Kerala.
 
"Merge the human spirit with the soul of the wild."
This is more than a painting class—it's a journey into how figures and faces interact with the living world around them. Over five days, you'll move beyond academic portrait and figure studies to create emotionally resonant, story-driven compositions from live models set in nature.
 
 What's Included
5 nights of luxury stay at a nature retreat in Wayanad
All meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner (fresh, vegetarian and non-veg options)
Art supplies (Linen boards, 1 Wet panel carrier, OMS. See below for what to bring)
Complimentary easel usage during the workshop (While easels are provided free of charge, you are welcome to bring your own personal easel if you prefer)
Daily model fees
Fun activities: Swimming, Skywalking, nature walks, bonfire nights with music under the stars
Early Bird Fee: Starts at ₹36,000
Registration closes on October 31st
Secure your seat early! Rooms will be allocated based on the order of registration
 
Workshop Schedule
 
Day 1: 21st January – Warming Up with Nature 
With Chinmaya Panda
12:00 PM – Arrival & Welcome
Check-in, lunch, and orientation at the retreat
1:30 – 5:00 PM – Plein Air Session (Bonus)
Start by tuning your eye to light, color, and atmosphere with a guided landscape session. This warm-up helps you connect with the environment, simplify form, and prepare for the complexity of portrait and figure painting outdoors.
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Portrait Drawing Session (Bonus)
Portrait drawing with Chinmaya Panda 
7:30 – 8:30 PM – Introduction to the Workshop & Meet and Greet with Pramod Kurlekar
A discussion to set the tone for the days ahead. Pramod will share insights into painting portraits and figures in nature
 
Day 2: 22nd January – Portraits in Nature I
With Pramod Kurlekar
8:00 – 11:30 AM – Live Demo: Portrait painting in Nature with discussion
A live demonstration focused on painting a portrait in a natural outdoor setting.
Topics: how to paint portrait in natural environment, achieving color harmony, and making compositional choices
1:00 – 4:30 PM – Guided Portrait Session for Students
Begin your portrait painting from a live model
Individual guidance from Pramod
6:00 – 7:30 PM – Slideshow and Discussion
We will give a digital presentation showing old master outdoor portraits and figures
 
 Day 3: 23rd January – Portraits in Nature II
8:00 – 11:30 AM – Pramod's Portrait Process Continued
Watch the portrait evolve into a more finished piece
Learn how to develop detail, depth, and mood
Students may watch demo or paint along with Pramod
1:00 – 4:30 PM – Student Painting Session: Completion
Students complete their portraits, incorporating feedback. Includes one-on-one guidance by Pramod, tips for finishing touches
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Figure Drawing Session (Bonus)
Figure drawing with Chinmaya Panda
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM –  Forest Bonfire & Fun
Connect, relax, and conversation under the stars
 
Day 4: 24th January – Figure in Nature I
8:00 – 11:30 AM – Figure Painting in Nature Demo
Pramod paints a live figure set within the landscape
1:00 – 4:30 PM – Guided Portrait Session for Students
Begin your figure painting from a live model
Individual guidance from Pramod
6:00 – 7:30 PM – Lecture: How Art Marketing Works 
Topics: Psychology behind art marketing, how to establish yourself in art market
 
Day 5: 25th January – Figure in Nature II + Final Review
8:00 – 11:30 AM – Pramod's Figure Demo Continued
Observe how the figure painting is brought to completion
Students are welcome to watch Pramod paint—or paint on their own work all day
1:00 – 4:30 PM – Student Painting Session: Completion & Final Guidance
Students complete their figures, incorporating feedback. Includes one-on-one guidance by Pramod, tips for finishing touches
5:30 – 7:30 PM – Group Discussion & Q&A
Reflect on the workshop experience
Learn how to continue developing your work post-residency
8:30 PM – 11:00 PM –  Forest Bonfire & Music Night
Connect, relax, enjoy music, singing, dancing, and conversation under the stars
 
Day 6: 26th January – Departure Day
9:00 AM – Boating, group fun
11:00 AM – Checkout
 
Who This Is For:
Portrait and figure artists wanting to work in outdoor settings
Landscape artists seeking to add human presence and narrative
Painters eager to move beyond academic studies into expressive realism
Anyone craving mentorship, community, and artistic rejuvenation in nature
 
What to Bring:
Please bring the following supplies:
Oil brushes
Paint tubes
Brush washer
Linseed oil
Palette cleaner
Tissue paper
Drawing supplies (sketchbook, pencils or charcoal)