I love any artwork that is detailed, textured and has intricate patterns - be it stone carving or wood work. Some of the Tanjore paintings I have come across have such intricate handiwork, that I was inevitably attracted. While there is no way I can attempt stone carving or wood work, I realized that I could try my hand at Tanjore paintings. After much research around schools, timelines, costs, etc. I decided to join classes held by Chitra Ramesh.
Chitra is an awesome teacher - totally professional and meticulous in her approach to teaching. (You can check out her other paintings here -
Chitram School of Tanjore Painting.) She provided all materials needed for the classes, including step-by-step instruction notes which ensured that I was familiar with the overall process even before I began.
I believe the art form is wrongly referred to as a "painting" - most of the art depends on the "mukk-work". The funny sounding "mukk" is actually a mixture of chalk powder and arabic gum. This mukk forms the base for the embossed regions and is also used for the intricate designs which make the Tanjore painting so beautiful. Once the stone-work and mukk-work is done, it is time for pasting the gold foil around the embossed regions and then painting the non-embossed regions. And voila, your Tanjore painting is ready!
Here are a series of WIP pictures, that describe the making of my Tanjore painting...
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| After the "mukk-work" |
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| A close-up of the intricate mukk designs |
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| Gold foil adding to the granduer |
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| The painting bit |
And finally, after 4 months of weekend privileges sacrificed, this is the beautiful outcome:
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| Finally, I made a Tanjore painting! |
3 comments:
Wow... This is one of the best Tanjore painting I've seen while researching online.
I've never tried chalk powder, and I thought they gave rough and uneven edges. But, after seeing your work, I realized that it depends on the artist to get it to perfection. The 'mukk work' looks flawless.
Your work is inspiring, and now I really want to try soon. I don't live in India, so I just have to find the right materials that comes within my budget. Also I don't know if I have the flare for handling cones.
By the way, one thing really bothered me. Radha/Rukmini is missing her umbilicus. I am pretty sure the proportions of her body should have an exposed navel. I hope you take this criticism with stride. Please keep up the good work.
Wow... This is one of the best Tanjore painting I've seen while researching online.
I've never tried chalk powder, and I thought they gave rough and uneven edges. But, after seeing your work, I realized that it depends on the artist to get it to perfection. The 'mukk work' looks flawless.
Your work is inspiring, and now I really want to try soon. I don't live in India, so I just have to find the right materials that comes within my budget. Also I don't know if I have the flare for handling cones.
By the way, one thing really bothered me. Radha/Rukmini is missing her umbilicus. I am pretty sure the proportions of her body should have an exposed navel. I hope you take this criticism with stride. Please keep up the good work.
Hi
Wow!Your painting is very good.The cone work designs are very clear and smooth.I would like to know how you drew the designs on saree,acrylic,poster colour or pen?
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