Tiny paintings require patience. That’s the charm of this Keliki workshop in Ubud, where you learn a Balinese style built on layers and careful drawing. You’ll work with traditional tools and materials, not just a quick craft.

I especially like the hands-on instruction from two local artists, named Gusti and Kedek, and the slow pace that lets you move at your own speed. You also get a tea break with snacks, so it feels like an afternoon with artists, not a rushed class.

One possible drawback: you’re making something detailed in about 3 hours, so if you hate structured steps or want a totally hands-free experience, you may feel a bit pressured by the clock.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Keliki is taught as a multi-step, layered method using Chinese ink and acrylic paint
• You’ll work with two local artists: Gusti and Kedek, so you get more direct feedback
• The class pace is relaxed, with room to work without feeling hurried
• Snacks plus coffee/tea and mineral water are included during the session
• Miniature-focused results are part of the fun, even if you’re a beginner
• Small group size (max 20) helps the workshop feel personal

Keliki Painting in Ubud: What You’re Actually Learning

Keliki painting has a distinct rhythm. Instead of painting a full scene in one pass, you build it in steps, layering marks and tones so the final look comes from the process, not just the finished image.

You’ll be working with traditional materials and learning the specific technique behind the style. Keliki often shows rural village life and local myths, so while you’re focused on lines and layers, you’re also picking up cultural context for why the scenes look the way they do.

This is also a beginner-friendly format. The workshop welcomes all levels, and it’s set up so you don’t need prior drawing skill to get something worth taking home.

Five Arts Studio: The Home-Compound Feel and 3-Hour Flow

The workshop runs out of Five Arts Studio in the Keliki area near Tegallalang. The setting is a traditional Balinese house compound, which matters more than you might think because it changes the vibe from “classroom” to “studio conversation.”

You’ll start at the meeting point at Five Arts Studio (Jl. Raya Keliki, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali). The session loops back there at the end, so you’re not dragged across town once the workshop begins.

The total time is about 3 hours, including your instruction and the tea/snack break. With only one scheduled stop, the day stays simple: you show up, learn, create, and leave with your work—no bus rides to dilute your focus.

A practical note: the workshop uses smart casual dress. In Bali, that usually means lightweight fabrics, closed-toe shoes if you want to be safe around tools, and something you don’t mind getting splashed with paint.

Working with Chinese Ink and Acrylic in Layers

The core of Keliki technique is layering. You’ll learn how to draw and paint in sequence using Chinese ink plus acrylic paint, and the instruction is designed around those specific steps rather than generic “paint this picture.”

Why this is valuable: layering changes everything about control. If you’ve ever tried to sketch once and hope for the best, this method is the opposite. You build forms gradually, then refine details as you go, which makes beginners more successful because you’re not forced to be perfect on the first try.

You’ll also get a sense of how Keliki artists think on paper. Expect guidance on process—where to place marks, how to progress through the layers, and how the tools behave with ink and paint. It’s the kind of technique you can reuse later, even after your workshop is over.

And because it’s miniature-focused, you can concentrate on the discipline of the style without needing a giant canvas. That size choice helps you finish during the allotted time and makes the result feel collectible.

Your Instructors: Gusti and Kedek’s Style of Teaching

A big reason people rate this so highly is the teaching tone. Gusti and Kedek are described as personable and fun, and that shows up in how the class is paced.

You should expect an atmosphere where you can ask questions and slow down when you need it. One review highlight is that hosts weren’t in a rush, and you could work at your own pace. That’s not just comfort—it’s practical. With layered techniques, rushing usually means skipping steps and missing details.

You’ll also be working in a small group of up to 20 participants, which helps because instructors can check your progress without you feeling invisible. If you’re nervous about “not being artistic,” that small-group attention can be a confidence boost.

The Tea Break, Snacks, and a Cultural Pause

Half the fun of a workshop like this is that it feels like an afternoon in a real Balinese studio setting. You’ll enjoy afternoon tea during the class, plus snacks, coffee and/or tea, and mineral water.

That matters because it gives you a natural break in a craft session where your hands are doing focused work. It also creates time to talk with the artists and learn small bits of story and meaning connected to the style—like how Keliki scenes relate to rural life and local myths.

Alcohol isn’t included, but it’s available to purchase. So if you want a beer or something similar, plan for that as extra cost rather than included fare.

There’s no lunch included. If you want more food after class, you can order local food, and some people find a transport add-on helpful for looping in a meal on the way back.

What You’ll Take Home (and Why It’s Worth It)

At the end, you should go home with your finished Keliki miniature artwork. The whole workshop is built around giving you something concrete to keep, and that’s a big part of why the format works for visitors.

A souvenir from a painting class has two advantages. First, it’s personal, because you created it. Second, it’s not one more t-shirt magnet—you actually have an object with a story: the technique, the layers, the Balinese style, and the fact that it came from a home studio.

If you’re thinking about framing or gifting, you’ll likely have an easier time with a miniature piece than a large canvas. You can store it safely at home and decide later if you want to display it, frame it, or simply keep it as a reminder of the day.

Price, Value, and When This Workshop Makes Sense

The price is $29 per person for about 3 hours, and that cost includes traditional-material instruction plus snacks, coffee and/or tea, and mineral water.

For value, think of what’s actually included:

• Two local artists guiding your technique
• Traditional tools and materials for learning the Keliki method
• A relaxed pace that helps beginners finish well
• Refreshments during class

That’s a solid deal for Ubud, especially if you want an activity that doesn’t require special skills or a long time commitment. It’s also a good option for couples or solo travelers because the class is social, but not chaotic, thanks to the small cap of 20.

Timing-wise, an afternoon class can fit neatly between sightseeing stops. And if you’re staying in Ubud, you’ll likely appreciate the clear start/end point at Five Arts Studio.

Who will love this most:

• Beginners who want structured guidance without feeling judged
• People who like hands-on culture more than museum-style viewing
• Couples looking for a calmer shared activity
• Anyone who wants a take-home artwork with real technique behind it

Who might hesitate:

• People who dislike step-by-step instruction
• Anyone who wants a super fast “paint and leave” experience

Should You Book Threads of Tradition’s Keliki Workshop?

I’d book it if you want a low-pressure cultural activity with real technique. The class is designed for all levels, it’s small (max 20), and the teaching style—especially with Gusti and Kedek—is praised for being friendly and not rushed.

If you’re the type who enjoys the how, not just the final picture, this is a great use of an afternoon. You’ll leave with a miniature piece, a new way to think about layered painting, and a story tied to Balinese village life and myth through the Keliki style.

If you want total spontaneity with no instruction, or you’re short on time, then a different kind of art experience might suit you better. But for most visitors, this is a practical, meaningful, and affordable way to do something creative in Ubud.

FAQ

How long is the Keliki painting workshop?

It runs for about 3 hours.

How much does the workshop cost?

The price is $29 per person.

Where does the workshop start and finish?

It starts at Five Arts Studio (Jl. Raya Keliki, Keliki, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Snacks, coffee and/or tea, and mineral water are included.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, but you can order local food.

Do I need experience or drawing skills?

No. The workshop welcomes all levels, and no prior painting knowledge is needed.

What should I wear?

The dress code is smart casual.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available—advise when booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; within 24 hours, there’s no refund.

How many people are in the group?

The workshop has a maximum of 20 travelers.