I teach two kinds of painting: Vedic Art, which is rooted in the Indian Vedic tradition, and Listening Painting which is based on presence and painting. You can explore Listening Painting in short workshops or join full courses. In both methods, the essential elements are stillness, deep listening, presence, and free self-expression. Neither approach involves evaluating, commenting on, or criticizing artworks.
Background of Vedic Art
The foundation of Vedic Art lies in the ancient Indian Vedic tradition, dating back about six thousand years. Veda is a Sanskrit word meaning ”knowledge.” There are thousands of Vedas, or Vedic texts, in which India’s oral wisdom tradition was eventually written down. Practicing Vedic Art does not require familiarity with Vedic scriptures, nor does it demand any particular worldview, philosophy, or religion.
Vedic Art was created and brought into the world by the late Swedish visual artist Curt Kjällman (1938–2010). He was given the 17 principles of art, distilled from Vedic wisdom, which form the basis of Vedic Art. These principles were passed on to him by his teacher, the Indian Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918–2008), whose own teacher was Guru Dev (1868–1953).
Maharishi became exceptionally well-known in the West. You may recognize his name in connection with Transcendental Meditation (TM), which spread to the West largely through him. The Beatles, for example, were once immersed in his teachings and became interested in TM. Film director David Lynch (1946–2025) has also practiced TM meditation. It seems to harmonize well with artistic creation.
Vedic Art in practice
In practice, Vedic Art places strong emphasis on silence as part of the creative process. At the beginning of each course, I first explain the practical matters. Then I gently guide you into stillness, which you remain in throughout the painting session. What matters most is noticing what the process stirs within you, because it is often precisely in these points of friction that the possibility of new flow and freedom is hidden.
Both Listening Painting and Vedic Art are simple, accessible ways to dive deeply into oneself, into the making of art, and into the opening of creativity. They are not therapy, but painting and quieting down can feel therapeutic.
My background as a teacher
I graduated as a Vedic Art teacher in 2019. My teachers were Marjaana Murto and Anne Kuntsi. Finnish Vedic Art training is of very high quality because Curt Kjällman worked closely with Finns and was able to share knowledge and skills that have been preserved here with exceptional care. As a method, Vedic Art has spread throughout Europe. Today it can be found also in Australia and Japan. In addition to Finland, it is especially strong in other Nordic countries, England, and France.
In my courses I focus primarily on the process, rather than on teaching painting as a technical skill. You will learn little by little the technical skills as you paint. The Vedic Art process, which guides one into inner listening and intuitive self-expression, can be applied both to art and to life.
My background in painting
I began painting in 2004, but I didn’t feel that conventional art education was for me. I longed for something deeper. I couldn’t quite put into words what I was searching for, nor did I know if such a thing even existed. I remember being laughed at when I tried to explain that I was looking for a different kind of art instruction than what was available. ”Good luck with your search,” people said. Perhaps I was lucky indeed, because in 2013 I finally found the missing piece: Vedic Art. It was exactly the kind of art instruction I had been longing for.
As a visual artist, I have held a few solo and group exhibitions. My work has been shown at the Cable Factory’s Valssaamo in Helsinki, at Turku’s Book Café, at Hirvensalo Library in Turku, and at Gallery Fogga in Helsinki. Some of these exhibitions were juried, meaning the works passed an artistic selection process. I am also a member of the Finnish Artists Association.
Just as at the beginning of my path, I still don’t seek anything conventional from painting—no profession, status, sales or general approval. For me, it is one element of self-expression, self-discovery, life skills, and living in the flow of creativity—simply because it is enjoyable.
Through Vedic Art, I invite you too to share in this joy of creativity and to dive into the mysteries of life.
Welcome to the world of painting—perhaps we’ll meet in a course!
— Jenni Arbelius