Tanjore painting, or Thanjavur art, is a style of classical South Indian art that originated from the town of Tanjore. The Tanjore art is characterised by Hindu religious subjects and uses the distinctive glittering gold coating embossed over the intricate details.
The Tanjore style of art is also famous for the use of vivid colours, rich & precise detailing, and delicate use of glass beads, precious and semi-precious gems & stones. The stylistic tradition of this type of painting has typical influences of Deccani, Vijayanagar, Maratha and even Company styles of art.
The themes dominant in the Tanjore style include Hindu religious & devotional icons, deities, saints, and episodes from the Hindu puranas & other religious texts. Muslim, Jain and Sikh motifs are also seen to be depicted in Tanjore paintings of later times. In present-day, the Tanjore style of art is considered to be an example of southern authenticity, and many modern artists sell their art as souvenirs to both national & international tourists.
The essential materials you will need for a Tanjore style painting are:
- Plywood
- Canvas
- Precious & semi-precious stones
- Arabic gum
- Chalk powder
- 22 carat gold foil
- Poster colours
- Paint brushes
Learner’s outcome
- Learning Tanjore painting will allow you to explore classical regional styles.
- It will enable you to be creative.
- Tanjore style art is a great way to learn & practice art detailing.
- You can use a lot of vibrant colours and decorate your art as you like.
Want to learn Tanjore art & explore the classical stylistic traditions of southern India? Discover our Tanjore Painting courses at Oak Groves and experience the regional essence of the incredible South. Anyone can learn, there’s no age restrictions!
Prerequisites
- An interest to learn.