Mandakini Rao

Teaching Art, One Student at a Time

For nearly 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students of all ages and backgrounds. Some walked into my studio holding a paintbrush for the very first time, while others came looking to refine skills they had been developing for years.

Over time, I’ve taught children, teenagers, adults, hobbyists, professionals, and aspiring artists through regular classes, workshops, private sessions, and creative experiences. Every student arrives with a different reason for wanting to create, and I believe every one of those reasons deserves encouragement.

My teaching philosophy is simple: art shouldn’t feel intimidating. It should feel approachable, enjoyable, and deeply personal. Rather than focusing only on the final artwork, I encourage students to understand techniques, experiment with different materials, and develop confidence in their own creative voice.

As a practicing artist, I continue to work across traditional and digital mediums, taking on commissioned projects, creating original collections, and exploring new ways of making art. Bringing that real-world experience into the classroom allows me to share not only techniques but also the practical knowledge I’ve gained throughout my artistic journey.

Whether you’re joining your very first workshop or returning to art after many years, my goal is to create a welcoming space where you can slow down, learn something new, and leave with both new skills and the confidence to keep creating long after the workshop ends.

I look forward to welcoming you into the studio.