Tanjore paintings are panel paintings mainly done on the wooden planks and hence also referred as palgai (wooden plank) padam (painting). The plank used was originally wood of jackfruit tree but nowadays its plywood over which the canvas is pasted with Arabic gum. Then French chalk or powdered limestone and a binding medium are used for coating the canvas evenly and then left for drying. The canvas was then ready for painting. The artists then did the detailed sketch of painting using stencils. A paste of powdered limestone and a binding medium called sukkan or makku were used for creating the Gesso work. Semi precious gemstones and gold leaves of varied hues were embedded in particular areas such as pillars, arches, thrones, dresses etc. Finally the sketch was filled with colours. In the old days artists used natural colours like that of vegetables and mineral dyes. Today they use synthetic colours. Vibrant colours such as bright red and dark brown colours were used to mark outlines. Background of the paintings was mostly created with red colour though blue and green colours were preferred as well. Scholars say that red background in Tanjore painting is a distinct mark. Lord Vishnu apt enough is coloured blue and Lord Nataraja chalk white. Yellow colour is used for the Goddesses. Blue colour is used for the sky but black was employed in occasions.
These paintings were not only confined to the wooden panel but this amazing art could also be seen on the walls, glass, paper, mica and exotic materials such as ivory. Small ivory portraits were typically worn as cameo pendants called rajaharam and were quite admired.
However, according to some experts, it is surmised that Thanjavur paintings originated in the Maratha court of Thanjavur (1676–1855).
Making of Thanjavur Art
The first step out of the several steps involved in the making of a Tanjore Painting is the drawing of the preliminary sketch of the images on the surface of the canvas. The canvas for the painting is made up of a wooden base over which a cloth is pasted firmly. Then the second step involves the mixing of zinc oxide or the chalk powder with a water-soluble adhesive, which is then applied on the base. Next, the drawing is filled and ornamented with pearls, cut glass, and other semi-precious stones.
In some cases, the use of laces or threads are made for decorating the painting. Furthermore, wafer-thin sheets of gold are pasted on some parts of the painting, while the other parts are painted in vibrant color combinations.
We will easily try to make this indian folk art.

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Govind Munshi

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