Behind the Scenes of My Mysore Painting Studio
Step inside my workshop in Bengaluru, where 35 years of tradition meets the patience of true craftsmanship. This is how I bring deities to life.
A proud moment, being honored with the Karnataka State Award for Mysore paintings in 2003-2004. This recognition fuels my passion to continue preserving and teaching this beautiful art form.
The State Award Certificate from the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation in 2004-05. This award for craftsmanship is a testament to my dedication to the development of traditional painting.
A newspaper clipping from the Chitrakala Samman Awards, where I was honored for my contributions to Mysore traditional painting. It is always humbling to be recognized by the community.
A look back to the moment I chose to embrace Mysore painting full-time. This decision was life-changing, and my dedication has only grown over the years, bringing tradition to life in every stroke.
A typical day in our workshop. Here I am working on a piece while my daughter Amulya, who helps manage everything, and a visitor look on. It is a space of creation and collaboration.
Work mode is always on. This is me adding the final facial details to a painting, a delicate process that requires immense focus and a steady hand.
Welcome to our creative haven, where we bring the beauty of Mysore paintings to life. The walls are filled with completed works, and a new piece is always taking shape on the easel.
In the heart of our workshop, surrounded by paints, brushes, and works in progress. This is where the magic happens, where blank boards are transformed into divine masterpieces.
A newspaper article in Kannada celebrating the Chitrakala Parishad awards. It was an honor to receive the Y Subramanya Raju award from the college where I completed my BFA.
A group photo from the Y Subramanya Raju award ceremony at Chitrakala Parishad in January 2024. A moment of pride shared with fellow esteemed artists.
About Our Studio & The Artist
Mysore painting isn't something you rush. When you see me working in this studio, you are seeing a process that takes days, from preparing the gesso paste to applying 22-karat gold leaf. It is a slow, rhythmic practice that demands total focus, which is why I prefer teaching in small batches where every brushstroke can be corrected and guided properly.
For me, art is an offering. My journey began over three decades ago, and being honored with the Karnataka State Award in 2004 was a humbling moment that reinforced my dedication to this tradition. My studio is not just a workspace; it is a place where we preserve the age-old methods of gesso embossing and gold leaf application that have been passed down through generations.
My daughter Amulya and I have developed a way to share this art beyond the walls of my studio. She acts as the bridge between my Kannada instructions and your understanding, ensuring that you can follow every step, from the initial pencil sketch to the final wash of poster colors. We use a specialized camera setup so you can see exactly how I mix the gesso or how I hold the brush for those intricate facial details.
Whether you are commissioning a custom portrait of Lord Ganesha or joining one of my online masterclasses, the goal is the same. We focus on the 'why' and 'how' of each movement. We do not use shortcuts or tracing. We prepare the board, we apply the paste, and we wait for the layers to set. It is a meditative process, and I invite you to experience this discipline, whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique.
Raghavendra B B
I am Raghavendra. For over three decades, my life has been dedicated to the divine art of Mysore painting. Whether I am crafting a custom commission for your pooja room or guiding a student through their first brushstroke, my goal remains the same: to keep this sacred tradition alive, one painting at a time.
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