******** [Next Batch Starts in February 2024] **********
Don’t miss out on the exciting opportunity to join my upcoming Tanjore Painting workshop, set to kick off in 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, this workshop promises to be an enriching and immersive experience.
Discover the captivating South Indian ancient art form of Tanjore Painting and unleash your artistic talents under expert guidance.
The esteemed Shilp Guru Sri Venkatesa Raja and his family are among the rare gems preserving the traditional art of Tanjore painting. Their lineage traces back to four centuries ago when they were invited to Thanjavur by the visionary Nayak kings, specifically to cultivate this unique art form. Their continued dedication is a living testament to this rich artistic heritage.
Sri Venkatesa Raja, despite the heartbreaking loss of his father at a tender age, found guidance and mentorship in his uncle and grandfather. Their unwavering support helped him blossom into one of India’s finest Tanjore painting artists. His family’s five-generation-long dedication to this traditional art form is a testament to their love for preserving cultural heritage.
He is an esteemed recipient of numerous state and national accolades, including the distinguished Kala Mani and the highly prestigious Shilp Guru Award in 2012. Alongside his son Gopi Raja, he continues to craft breathtaking masterpieces.
In 1992, I was incredibly fortunate to be tutored in this exquisite art form by none other than Shilp Guru Sri Venkatesa Raja himself. The opportunity to observe and learn from such a grand maestro was truly an awe-inspiring experience.
Learn the same Traditional Tanjore painting, “The Old Way” has this distinctive uniqueness that is not seen in other paintings. One of the very few styles of paintings that you can pass it on to many generations to come and the value appreciates as it gets older. For detailed course information, click the link
The course helps students learn and create two beautiful Tanjore paintings, (worth $750) the old way. Special traditional materials needed for the course are supplied, and other basic stationery can be purchased locally.
“The Old Way” of Tanjore Painting is one of the very few courses available that still use natural ingredients like tamarind, clay, chukka kallu, and other long-lasting natural ingredients and the process followed some 400 years ago. It takes back the students to the old ways, from preparing the board to creating beautiful Tanjore paintings. [Students can order the materials, TK01 Tanjore painting kit directly from the platform]
Students can interact with other students and gurus during the course using an online forum.
The entire course is structured in a way that allows students to learn step by step, at their own pace during the week. Students should commit a minimum of 6 hours per week to complete the course.
Tanjore Painting takes its origin from the murals of the Vijayanagara Period (1500-1600 AD), which acquired its rich and vibrant colors during this period. Maratha’s rule in the next two centuries (1600 AD -1800 AD) brought a distinctive style change to Tanjore paintings with the use of Gold, gems, and precious stones.
Tanjore painting, “the old way” has this distinctive richness that is not seen in other paintings. One of the very few styles of paintings you can pass on to many generations to come and the value appreciates as it gets older.
Please see the link to the