The whole learning period will last for six to seven years.

Norbu's students practice painting thangka in the art center, nearby Potala Palace. [CnDG]

He has 18 students right now; the oldest one has graduated and helps him to manage the art center.

At the mention of his funding source, he explained that the money to maintain the daily operation of the art center and his students' spending were all supplied from his earnings selling his paintings.

"I'm willing to accept any donations and help from warm-hearted men. If I have enough money, I will enroll more Tibetan students to learn and promote this traditional art," he said.

He believes it’s an urgent task to attract more young Tibetans to learn it with earnest attitude, because it's a handicraft with thick Tibetan cultural sediments.