Thangka and Mandala painting process Thangka painting process is very difficult and time-consuming. To sketch the figures in a Thangka and mandala, the artist must be an expert in the measurements and proportions of different deities. There are thousands of different deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Generating a pure motive Canvas preparation Foundation line drawing Mixing the paint Painting brush making Painting Redrawing and shading Details Shading and final painting Gold application Opening the eye of .