Colour me free
Strap: Amid urban chaos, Bangaloreans embrace colour, creativity, and calm through curated weekend art workshops and therapy
Blurb:
From mandala art therapy to Sunday sketching sessions and vibrant colour canvas workshops, city folks are reconnecting with their artistic selves, discovering a rare escape from stress, and finding a pathway to well-being
Byline: Bhuvana Shridhar
Bangalore is stepping out—stepping out of boardrooms, traffic jams, and endless urban grind—to give their hidden passions a chance. Beneath the hum of city life, many have quietly nurtured an inner artist, a creative spark often tangled in chores, deadlines, and the hustle that makes them forget what truly brings joy.
A cultural phenomenon is quietly taking shape as residents from all walks of life converge to unleash their creativity. Weekend art rendezvous, expertly curated and thoughtfully guided, have become the city’s new obsession.
From mandala art therapy to Sunday sketching sessions and vibrant colour canvas workshops, Bangaloreans are reconnecting with their artistic selves, discovering a rare escape from stress, and finding a pathway to well-being.
We spoke to the artists behind this movement, the facilitators turning blank canvases into journeys of self-discovery, showing that sometimes, the simplest stroke of creativity can heal, uplift, and transform.
‘Process over outcome’
Megha Khare, artist & UX designer
OB: Tell us about your weekend art workshops in Bangalore.
Megha: I host workshops in cozy, open spaces like outdoor cafés in Koramangala and Indiranagar, valuing the relaxed, community vibe. While I enjoy oil and acrylics, participants can choose from watercolours, acrylics, pastels, sketch pens, or pencils—whatever feels personal and comfortable. Sessions focus on the process rather than perfect technique – we start with meditation and journaling, then flow into creating art. Expression comes first. Some workshops are skill-specific, like my upcoming acrylic painting sessions.
OB: How are your workshops therapeutic?
Megha: The workshops are non-clinical but deeply therapeutic. Through meditation, journaling, and themed art-making, participants explore letting go of heavy emotions, self-love, and mindfulness. Open to anyone above 20, these sessions offer a creative pause in a fast-paced, stressful world. Many leave feeling lighter, relieved, and happier—the process matters more than the final artwork.
OB: What inspired you to start Therapeutic Art workshops?
Megha: Art has been my anchor since childhood, inspired by my grandfather, an artist and musician. Life took detours, but illustrating my emotions and lessons became healing. My workshops aim to create a space where people can learn, express, and heal through art. One day, I dream of having a studio to bring creative minds together.
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‘Art reflects our emotions’
Navya Kathuria, founder, The Art of Heart Co
OB: Tell us about your ‘Sip and Paint’ weekend workshops in Bangalore.
Navya: Our ‘Sip and Paint’ weekends are all about slowing down and reconnecting with creativity. We host them at cozy cafés and community spaces across the city. Acrylic on canvas is the primary medium—simple enough for beginners yet expressive for seasoned artists. Fees start at Rs 1,500, inclusive of all materials, so participants only need to bring an open mind and a willingness to explore.
OB: Does art help participants confront themselves?
Navya: Absolutely. Art is less about producing a perfect picture and more about holding a mirror to our emotions. Every brushstroke offers a way to process thoughts, confront feelings, and sometimes even discover insights we weren’t expecting. It’s therapeutic, reflective, and surprisingly revealing.
OB: Why do city residents join these workshops, and what impact does it have?
Navya: In a fast-paced city like Bangalore, people crave mindful breaks. These sessions allow them to unplug, explore creativity, and connect with like-minded individuals. Many have shared that painting reduces stress, fosters calm, and reignites passions long forgotten. Looking ahead, we aim to expand these experiences into corporate wellness programmes, private gatherings, and even art-inspired celebrations, making creativity an accessible tool for therapy, bonding, and self-expression.
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‘Mandalas ease stress’
Ravi Gandikote, founder, NeeRav Arts Village
OB: Tell us about NeeRav Arts Village and its creative offerings.
Ravi: NeeRav Arts Village, near Bidadi, is a sanctuary where art meets nature. We host residencies, workshops, and retreats, allowing participants to immerse themselves in creativity amidst serene landscapes. Musicians, dancers, and painters draw inspiration here, while families and groups enjoy slow living—nature walks, golden-hour photography, or quiet evenings. Our cottages and dorms encourage pause and reflection, making it a space to create, rejuvenate, and return renewed.
OB: What kind of art workshops do you offer?
Ravi: Mandala art therapy is a standout practice at NeeRav. Guests learn to create mandalas, beginning with a central point and gradually layering shapes, symbols, and colours. Facilitator Monica Prakash explains their significance—how circular patterns embody unity, balance, and wholeness. Workshops begin with guided meditation or breathing exercises, helping participants disconnect from stress and focus inward. Even beginners feel comfortable expressing themselves through this creative, calming process.
OB: How do these sessions benefit participants?
Ravi: Drawing mandalas becomes a mirror of inner emotions, improving focus, sparking creativity, and calming the mind. After completing their artwork, participants reflect on their experience, optionally sharing insights. Many report leaving relaxed, stress-free, and inspired, carrying both their mandalas and a renewed sense of clarity, calmness, and connection with the universe.
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‘It’s about empowering community’
Anjali Pawar, artist, The Art Commune
OB: What kind of mediums do you work with in your workshops, and do they serve any other purpose?
Anjali Pawar: I work with a variety of mediums like acrylics, oils, and resin, with a focus on traditional Indian figure and spiritual paintings. Beyond aesthetics, my workshops embrace wellness art as a form of art therapy—creative expression helps participants process emotions, reduce stress, manage pain, and improve self-awareness. It’s also about celebrating and empowering the community through shared creativity.
OB: Are you currently hosting workshops in Bangalore, and how do they work?
Anjali: Yes, I host outdoor workshops at cafés and plan to expand into corporate spaces. All sessions are paid and include materials, so participants only need to show up with an open mind. We mainly use acrylics, and I provide guidance while supporting everyone through the creative process. The aim is to create a warm, welcoming space where participants can explore their creativity, take their artwork home, and enjoy a joyful, immersive experience.
OB: How do participants respond, and what impact do these sessions have?
Anjali: People often leave feeling lighter, happier, and more connected to themselves. As one of our participants said, ‘I couldn’t believe I had made a beautiful painting at the end.’ These sessions bring fun, smiles, and a sense of freedom, even if just for a few hours.