A Beginner's Guide to Easy Tanjore Painting Techniques

Would you like to attempt to bring to life a Tanjore painting? Amateur artists will be able to enjoy and feel satisfied in making Tanjore paintings only when they use the proper techniques of this South Indian art. If what you have in mind are some easy Tanjore paintings, then you can start by making small Tanjore paintings. Later, after you have mastered the art of using bright colors, detailed designs, and gold foil accents, you may shift to the larger ones.

There is quite a lot of representation of Hindu deities in Tanjore art, which might be challenging when starting off. Beginners have the option to begin with easy themes such as basic Tanjore painting elephant and peacock motifs. Those who are interested in delving into this traditional art can make their learning process more friendly by understanding a few essential Tanjore-style painting techniques. This guide will show you two methods that are fundamental for making a stunning Tanjore painting: embossing and gold foiling.

Materials You Will Need for Your Tanjore Paintings

Before diving into the techniques, gather the following materials:

• Wooden Board or Canvas: The traditional base for Tanjore paintings.
• Gesso Paste: This is a mixture of chalk powder and adhesive for creating raised surfaces.
• Gold Foil: Thin sheets of gold are used to decorate and highlight areas specific of the painting.
• Poster Colors or Acrylic Paints: For coloring the painting.
• Brushes: Fine brushes for detailed work.
• Pencil and Eraser: For sketching the initial design.
• Embellishments: Stones or sequins to enhance the painting.

Technique 1: Embossing in Tanjore Painting Pictures

One of the characteristic features prevailing in Tanjore painting pictures is the use of gold foiling. It gives a unique brilliance and lavishness to the picture. The technique involves layering fragile gold foil on the raised sections to show a dazzling, metallic shine beautifully reflecting light.

Step-by-Step Embossing Process

• Surface Preparation: Smoothen the wooden board using light sanding. Apply a thin, even layer of gesso paste over the entire board. Let it dry completely.
• Sketch the Design: Lightly sketch the outline of your chosen deity or scene onto the prepared board. Ensure that the lines of the Tanjore painting pictures are clear, as they will guide your embossing work.
• Apply Gesso for Embossing: Mix gesso paste with water to achieve a thick, creamy consistency. Using a fine brush or a small tool, carefully apply the paste along the lines of your sketch where you want a raised effect. Common areas for embossing in small Tanjore paintings include jewelry, garments, and borders. The thickness of the gesso application determines the height of the embossed effect, so apply it according to your desired result.
• Smooth and Shape: While the plaster is still moist, you can utilize a paintbrush or your hands to smooth and shape the elevated sections, guaranteeing a consistent surface. Allow the raised areas of your Tanjore painting pictures to fully dry before proceeding to the next stage.
• Refine Details: Once dry, you may notice some areas need additional work. You can add another layer of gesso to build up the embossing or use fine sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections.

Technique 2: Gold Foiling in Tanjore Painting Pictures

A typical element found in Tanjore paintings is gold foiling, giving the artwork a unique radiance and opulence. The method involves placing delicate gold foil sheets over raised areas to produce a stunning, shiny appearance that beautifully reflects light.

Step-by-Step Gold Foiling Process

• Get the Embossed Areas Ready: Make sure the embossed areas where you intend to put gold foil are dry and smooth. The adhesion of the gold foil could be influenced by any irregular surfaces.
• Gilding with Adhesive: You need to use a fine brush to do gilding. Apply a thin layer of adhesive over the areas that are highlighted by embossing. The adhesive is a mixture of water and glue. Be very careful to apply it only to areas on the Tanjore painting picture where you want the gold foil to stick.
• Apply the Gold Foil: Lay the gold foil over the adhesive, pressing gently. Take a soft brush to start pressing the foil down, making sure it is stuck to the surface. Be careful with this process to avoid tearing the foil.
• Removing Excess foil: Eliminate the excess foil by using a clean soft brush after the foil has set. You will notice that only the areas where the adhesive was applied will retain the gold foil. The rest of the painting will remain untouched by foil.
• Refine the Edges: If you need to touch up the edges, use a fine tool and clean the borders of the gold foil. This will give you crisp, defined lines around the embossed areas.

Combining the Techniques

Once you get confident with embossing and gold foiling, you can combine the two skills and make a full-fledged Tanjore painting picture.

• First, emboss the main outlines of your design, like the jewelry of the deity or the borders of the frame.
• Over the dried and smooth embossed areas, apply the gold foil in respective sections to add the typical dazzle of the Tanjore paintings.
• Smoothen the paper on which the embossing is done with the help of poster colors or acrylic paints. Generally, rich red, blue, and green colors are used in the Tanjore paintings, but you can use colors that you like.
• Use fine brushes for intricate details like facial features, garments, and all other background elements.

Tips for Success

• Develop patience: Both embossing and gold foiling necessitate a stable hand and focus on details. Make sure to go slowly through each step carefully in order to achieve the optimal outcome.
• Try out different layers: Feel free to apply several coats of gesso to enhance embossing or give your painting more dimension.
• Utilize high-quality materials: The quality of your materials such as the gold foil and brushes is important. These materials have a direct impact on the final look of your artwork.

FAQs

1. Why should beginners start with small Tanjore paintings?

Beginners can begin with small Tanjore paintings to concentrate on perfecting key techniques like bright colors, detailed designs, and gold foil touches without feeling daunted. This step-by-step method helps to develop both confidence and ability prior to taking on more complex and elaborate projects.

2. What is the significance of patience in mastering Tanjore painting?

Having patience is essential while making Tanjore paintings, as it requires careful focus on intricate details, especially in the use of embossing and gold foiling. Devoting time to skillfully cultivate these methods guarantees that the end result displays the timeless enchantment and delicate splendor of traditional Tanjore art.

3. What alternative can I use in place of gold foil?

To achieve a comparable result to gold foil without using the real material, you can opt for metallic paints or imitation gold leaf. Despite not possessing the authentic texture and depth of real gold foil, these options can still provide your Tanjore painting with a luxurious and luminous look. Gold paper or shimmering powders can also be utilized for a non-traditional yet decorative appearance.

Where Can I Buy Tanjore Paintings?

Tanjore artwork is highly regarded and supported in Coimbatore, where both local artists and collectors deeply value and promote the art form. The town has emerged as a crucial hub for this age-old South Indian craft, boasting a variety of galleries and studios committed to conserving and advancing Tanjore painting. In Coimbatore, there is a diverse selection of Tanjore paintings that display the complex skills and cultural heritage linked to this art style, mixing traditional methods with the area's distinctive influences. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new buyer looking for a Tanjore painting, Coimbatore provides a genuine opportunity to explore and purchase these timeless artworks.

Summary

Amateur artists can try their hand at creating Tanjore works of art by mastering the techniques of embossing and gold foiling.  This beautiful blend of artistry and craftsmanship can be perfected by novices too. These two methods are the foundation of Tanjore painting, imparting the artwork with its unique texture and radiant appearance.

These techniques, thus perfected, will not only refine your skills but also give you an appreciation for the rich and varied artistic heritage of Tanjore art. Patience and dedication will help you to create splendid works of art that will reflect the classic charm of this centuries-old artistic medium and at the same time showcase your personal style.

For those looking for an authentic Tanjore painting, buy online at Mangala Tanjore Paintings. We are offering a wide array of genuine Tanjore paintings for sale over the Internet. When you buy from us, expect an exquisitely crafted Tanjore painting delivered right to your doorstep.