Tanjore Painting

Tanjore Painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting whose origin goes back to a town Tanjavur, in Tamil Nadu,India. Tanjore paintings are very well known for their surface richness, vivid colours and compact composition. Tanjore paintings mostly serve as devotional icons. The theme of Tanjore paintings are Hindu gods and goddesses.

My first try - Lord Krishna 

Tanjore Paintings comes in different styles like classic, antique and embossed. They are highly valued and treasured. In recent times,these paintings have become pieces to decorate walls and collectors item for the art lovers. 

TECHNIQUE

The process of making a Tanjore painting involves many stages

• Initially we will have to make an sketch of the design on the base.The base consists of a cloth pasted on a wooden board. Its then coated with chalk power mixed with water soluble adhesive. 
• Decorate the Jewellery and apparels with the semiprecious Jaipur stones. Jaipur stones come in different colours, mostly used are red,green and white which is very attractive. 
• Now, the muck work of the design. For this, mix of chalk powder and Arabic gum is required. The liquid can be liquid or semi liquid as per your work on the design.

• On top of the muck work, gold foils are pasted. High Quality gold foil should be used for  paintings to last generations. Press the gold foil enough to make the impression on the muck works and it takes those shapes on the design.
• Remove the gold foil on the stones with blade/pin. Highlight these with black engineering pen. 
• Base colouring is done first, then as per our choice the shades. Background colours are mostly very striking like green,red or dark brown. Once the colouring is dried, the precious stones can be placed. 
• Frame it as per your choice. Its just so classic. 
• This is my first try on Tanjore painting, hope you like it.

My next Tanjore painting is Lord Siva and Family. Will Post it soon with the detailed steps of working on it. 

Hope you like it!!!!! 

Thanks,

Riya 

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