Hotel Dev Vilas, Ranthambore
November 27 - December 3,
2026
120 hours that
enrich your art
Whether you are building foundations or deepening your practice, three international master artists guide you through the storied landscape of Ranthambore in an immersive week of painting, observation, interpretation and artistic growth.
Explore the week
A programme
that builds, day by day
A structured progression that moves you from observation to confident decision-making.
This is not about collecting techniques. It is about learning how to respond to what you see with clarity, sensitivity, and intent.
In Ranthambore, painting unfolds among ancient fort walls, winter light, forested landscapes, and the rhythms of everyday life. A small group, immersed in place and guided with purpose.
How it UnfoldsCH'NG
KIAH KIEAN (KK)
KIAH KIEAN (KK)
Internationally exhibited
watercolor artist and instructor
www.kiahkiean.com
watercolor artist and instructor
Atmosphere and reduction. Say more by leaving things out.
Born and based in George Town, Malaysia, Ch'ng Kiah Kiean draws deep inspiration from the textures, stories, and everyday life of this historic city. With a background in Architecture from Universiti Sains Malaysia, and early experience in graphic design, his work blends structural precision with artistic freedom.
He has held multiple solo exhibitions across Malaysia and Taiwan, with long-running series like Line-line Journey showcased in different cities. He has also participated internationally, teaching and exhibiting across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including symposiums and workshops worldwide. KK has taught workshops around the world, sharing his unique line aesthetics and pedagogical approach to watercolor.
A co-founder of Urban Sketchers Penang and an active member of the global Urban Sketchers movement, he emphasises his style of painting with fluid lines and atmospheric watercolor.
KHOO CHEANG JIN (CJ)
President, Penang Watercolor Society, and practising artist and instructor
Structure and precision. See clearly. Build with intent.
Born in Penang, Malaysia, Khoo Cheang Jin has spent decades capturing the charm of streetscapes, heritage architecture, and everyday life through watercolor. Trained in Architecture at the University of New South Wales, his work reflects a deep understanding of structure, perspective, and place. His fondness for travel led him to discover various streetscapes, old buildings and local communities that became his cherished muses for his watercolor and sketches.
As President of the Penang Watercolour Society and signature member of the National Watercolor Society in Singapore and Malaysia, he has played a pivotal role in fostering the local art scene.
CJ is widely respected across Asia’s watercolor circles and has been recognised with a multitude of prestigious art awards. With over 15 solo exhibitions and numerous international accolades, his works are held in both private and institutional collections.
ZAINAB TAMBAWALLA
Nationally exhibited contemporary watercolour artist and instructor
Expression and editing. Shape what you see into something personal.
Based in Mumbai, India, Zainab Tambawalla is an artist, illustrator, and urban sketcher known for transforming ordinary moments into vivid visual stories. Trained at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya and the prestigious National Institute of Design, her work blends strong design sensibility with fluid, expressive watercolor. Zainab brings “fluency and dynamism” to the mundane, transforming simple moments into lyrical portraits of the city’s hidden beauty.
With over 15 years of experience illustrating for leading publishers like Scholastic and Penguin Random House, and recognition from the global Urban Sketchers movement to complete her series “The Spirit of Mumbai”.
Her solo exhibit titled SEEN UNSEEN, took the practice of urban sketching, blending it with the beauty of watercolor to create a collective narrative of Mumbai city.
She presently teaches at École Intuit Lab in Mumbai, an international design and art college. Through her art and education, she inspires others to see the world with fresh eyes, finding beauty and story in every corner of the city. Zainab’s art captures the rhythm, energy, and quiet beauty of everyday life.
The Mentors
Three artists.
Three distinct approaches
Each master artist brings a different way of working. You are guided to
develop
judgement, not follow a fixed method.
Why Attend
What this week gives you
A clearer way of
seeing
Stop painting what you think is there and start painting what you actually see. It is a small shift that changes everything.
Stronger command
of watercolor
Move from hoping a painting works to understanding why it does, and making that happen deliberately.
Better constructed
work
Learn to make decisions with confidence, knowing what to put in, what to leave out, and why it matters.
Exposure to three
distinct approaches
Work with three master artists who think differently, and discover which ideas genuinely belong to you.
Confidence working
on location
Take your practice outdoors on different locations, with the skills and assurance to work anywhere.
A deeper connection
to place
Let the light, wildlife, and culture of Ranthambore change how you observe and respond to your subject.
Time beyond the sessions
Shared meals, conversations, and unhurried evenings where stories, observations, and the day’s work continue to unfold together.
Programme
How the
week unfolds
- Six masterclasses led by three acclaimed international artists
- Two plein-air painting sessions in the landscapes of Ranthambore
- A safari through Ranthambore National Park*
- Encounters with local art, craft, and cultural traditions
- Evenings of music, conversation, and shared experience
- A concluding exhibition celebrating the week's work
Day 1
Arrival
Check-in, welcome dinner, introductions, and local music and dance.
Day 2
Foundations
Two masterclasses focused on observation, tone, and structure.
Day 3
Architecture
Masterclass followed by on-location painting at an architectural site.
Day 4
Landscape and life
Masterclass followed by on-location work across landscape and everyday settings.
Day 5
Ranthambore
Masterclass followed by a safari inside the national park, observing wildlife and tiger habitats.
Day 6
Reflection
Final masterclass, followed by a curated exhibition of work by mentors and participants. Visits to local art and craft spaces, including the Ranthambore School of Art, offering insight into regional visual traditions. Closing gala dinner with cultural performances.
Day 7
Departure
Check-out by noon.
Testimonials
What it’s like to learn with
our masters
Cheang Jin’s teaching approach encourages observation and storytelling through watercolor painting inspiring both beginners and experienced artists, and his paintings evoke a strong sense of place and emotional connection.
Ee Lene, The Art Gallery, Penang
Kiah Kiean manages like no other to connect with his subject and bring the spirit of it onto paper in his own, special way. No matter what or with what he draws, his unique paintings are always wildly interesting and definitely stand out. They are vibrant and fun, with a seemingly effortless vitality.
Mary, Crave Painting
I’m so glad I participated in this workshop. It’s been such an enriching experience. Zainab is a teacher like no other; she effortlessly explained complex ideas and made it so easy for us to understand and incorporate in our works. I have loved every moment of this workshop and look forward to more.
Participant feedback, Radiant Arts workshop, Mumbai
Khoo Cheang Jin was really kind to let me use my iPad and encouraged me to use the techniques he showed in the workshop. His suggestions on choosing a composition, use of light and shadow were quite useful irrespective of the medium.
Participant feedback, Urban Sketchers workshop, Porto
Kiah Kiean’s watercolor demonstrations were both inspiring and deeply calming to watch. What impressed me most was his quiet, thoughtful teaching style and attention to detail…. A deeply inspiring experience with an artist who teaches with generosity, patience, and sensitivity.
Participant feedback, Botanical Garden workshop, Brussels
Zainab beautifully breaks down complex concepts, making watercolor approachable and inspiring for everyone…. Learning with Zainab rekindled my passion for drawing and made me fall in love with watercolour.
Participant feedback, Radiant Arts workshop, Mumbai
Venue
Dev Villas, Ranthambore
Dev Vilas is located near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
A boutique property set in a quiet
area with access to surrounding landscape.
Designed in a traditional style with open courtyards and outdoor spaces suitable for work and discussion.
Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s
best-known tiger reserves.
Dev Vilas is located near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan.
A boutique property set in a quiet
area with access to surrounding landscape.
Designed in a traditional style with open courtyards and outdoor spaces suitable for work and discussion.
Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s
best-known tiger reserves.
Participation Fee
A small group, by design
The group is intentionally small to allow for direct engagement with all three mentors.
Important: Safari Permits
Access to Ranthambore National Park is regulated.
Safari permits must be secured in advance against confirmed participant names.
Permit availability is limited and typically closes by July.
Participants who confirm after this may not be able to secure park access.
Programme FeeINR 160,000per person
Includes
- Accommodation at Dev Vilas on a twin-sharing basis
- All meals throughout the programme
- Immersive masterclasses and guided practice with three acclaimed master artists
- Outdoor painting sessions
- Local transport within Ranthambore
- Safari experience inside the national park
- Curated cultural evenings
- Visits to local art and craft spaces
Excludes
Travel to and from Ranthambore, personal expenses and materials.
To Confirm Participation
A deposit of INR 50,000 secures your place. The balance is payable closer to the programme dates.
Limited places. Once filled, registrations close.
FAQs
Who is this workshop for?
This watercolour workshop is designed for those who want to engage seriously with painting — whether you are just beginning or returning to practice after time away. The programme is intended to support careful observation, experimentation, and sustained attention.
Do I need prior experience in watercolour?
No prior experience is required. The workshop is structured to guide participants from observation to execution, with space for both beginners and more experienced painters to deepen their practice.
What is the role of the safari?
The safari is a guided experience inside Ranthambore National Park and forms an important part of the workshop experience. It supports observation and helps participants develop a deeper understanding of landscape, movement, rhythm, and light.
Will we see tigers during the safari?
Ranthambore National Park is known for its tiger population, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
The safari is as much about immersion in the landscape as wildlife spotting — an opportunity to observe movement, atmosphere, scale, and changing light in a remarkable environment.
What kind of days should I expect?
The days are designed around observation, painting, conversation, and time to pause. Mornings may begin early to take advantage of softer light and cooler temperatures, with time for painting, reflection, shared meals, and informal discussion through the day.
The pace is immersive but unhurried. A more detailed schedule will be shared closer to the workshop.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Many participants join independently. The workshop is intentionally kept small, and the shared rhythm of painting, meals, and conversation creates a welcoming environment for both solo participants and those arriving with friends or family.
What is the group size?
The group is intentionally kept small to allow for close engagement with the mentors, thoughtful discussion, and individual attention throughout the workshop.
Where is the workshop held?
The workshop takes place at Dev Vilas, near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, surrounded by forests, open landscapes, and historic architecture that become part of the experience of painting.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation is at Dev Vilas, a heritage-style property near Ranthambore National Park. Rooms are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with quiet spaces for rest as well as opportunities to gather and spend time together between sessions.
How do I get to Ranthambore?
Ranthambore is accessible by both air and rail.
The closest airport is Jaipur International Airport, approximately 3.5–4 hours by road from Ranthambore. Many participants choose to fly into Jaipur and continue by car.
The nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur Railway Station, with direct train connections from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Agra, and other major cities.
If travelling by road, the drive is approximately 3.5–4 hours from Jaipur and 6–7 hours from Delhi.
We recommend planning your arrival with a little breathing room, especially if connecting flights or trains are involved.
What will the weather be like?
November is one of the loveliest times to be in Ranthambore, with warm days and cooler mornings and evenings.
Between November 27 and December 3, daytime temperatures are typically around 25–31°C, while mornings and evenings can range between 10–18°C.
We recommend bringing light, comfortable clothing for the daytime, along with a sweater, shawl, or light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, especially for safari drives, which can feel brisk in open vehicles.
Will I have phone signal and Wi-Fi?
Most hotels in the area offer Wi-Fi, and mobile reception is generally good around accommodations and town areas. Connectivity can occasionally be patchy inside forest zones.
What is included in the programme fee?
Accommodation, all meals, the full workshop programme, mentorship, safari experiences, and local transport during the workshop are included.
What is not included?
Travel to Ranthambore, personal art materials, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
What materials should I bring?
Participants are expected to bring their own art materials. A suggested materials list will be shared closer to the workshop, though you are also welcome to bring materials you already enjoy working with.
In addition to painting supplies, we recommend bringing comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sun protection, and a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
Yes. We will do our best to accommodate dietary preferences if informed well in advance.
Why do I need to confirm before July?
Safari permits for Ranthambore National Park must be secured in advance against confirmed names. Availability is limited and typically closes by July.
What happens if I confirm after July?
You may still attend the workshop, though safari access may no longer be available.
How do I secure my place?
A deposit of INR 50,000 confirms participation. The remaining balance is payable later.
What is the cancellation policy?
Details regarding deposits, cancellations, and refunds can be viewed here Cancellation & Refund Policy. If you have questions before confirming your place, please feel free to reach out at artaraevent@gmail.com
A week that stays with you
If you have been meaning to begin, or return to painting with intent, this is a clear place to do it.
