Hand-Painted Mythological Art and Devotional Canvases
I bring ancient Indian myths to life through detailed hand-painted murals, canvases, and ritual textiles. Each piece combines scripture, research, and traditional techniques to create art that speaks to the heart.
This painting, "Lalita Tripurasundari," is a culmination of deep scriptural study and artistic vision. It depicts the Great Goddess creating the ten avatars of Vishnu from her very fingernails, a concept from the Lalita Sahasranama. Every detail, from the Navamundi aasana to the expressions of Maya and Medha, is rendered to convey the divine play, or 'Leela', of the cosmos.
The 'Chakshudaan', or the painting of the eyes, is the most sacred moment in my process, where the artwork truly comes alive. This video shows the final, delicate strokes being applied to my Ardhanarishvara painting, infusing the canvas with spirit and presence. It is a ritual I perform with immense reverence.
This video reveals the foundational line work for a large-scale mural, "Parvathy Mangalyam." My process for murals begins with these strong, Chola-inspired lines, mapping out the entire narrative on the wall before color is applied. This piece, measuring 75x108 inches, transforms a simple wall into a divine wedding scene.
This mural of Bhikshaatanar, a wandering form of Shiva, was painted directly onto a wall in my home. The composition captures his playful yet profound nature as he walks the path of Maya, followed by the monkey-mind offering the fruit of karma. It showcases my ability to create large-scale narrative art for personal spaces.
My art extends to wearable ritual textiles, like this hand-painted 'Sada laal' saree for Durga Puja. The motifs of fish and lotus are not merely decorative; they are researched symbols of auspiciousness and divinity, turning a traditional garment into a sacred offering.
Here I am with my completed work, "PoornaChandrika," a large commissioned painting of Devi Kamakshi. This piece took over a year and a half to complete, a testament to the slow, patient process of creating 'heartwork' that is deeply invested with research and devotion.
This miniature painting, created with watercolor on paper, captures the poignant moment of Andal merging with her Lord at the Srirangam temple. It demonstrates my work in a more intimate, traditional miniature style, perfect for personal collections and altars.
In "SETU," I explore a touching episode from the Ramayana. The artwork illustrates how Lord Rama acknowledges the humble efforts of a squirrel, bridging the gap between the mighty and the small. This piece reflects my focus on the philosophical and emotional depths within our epic tales.
About Featured
Every canvas begins with hours of research and scriptural study, but the true essence lies in the 'Chakshudaan'—the final, sacred act of painting the eyes. I believe art should be a slow, meditative process, often working during the quiet of brahma muhurtam. If you are looking for a piece that is not just decor but a repository of a story, know that my process is patient and deeply personal.
Rooted in Tradition, Informed by Research
My work is a confluence of Bharatanatyam principles and visual arts. I do not paint simply to fill space; I paint to tell the stories of our scriptures—Shiva, the Devi, and the epics—with anatomical accuracy derived from temple sculptures and classical dance postures. Whether you want a large-scale wall mural for your home temple or a miniature devotional painting, each commission is an opportunity to explore the divine.
My Process
- Consultation: We discuss the narrative or deity. I ground this in texts like the Lalita Sahasranama or Thiruppavai.
- Sketching: You receive a preliminary drawing for approval to ensure the composition matches your vision.
- Execution: I use archival-grade materials—heavy body acrylics for canvases or specialized fabric acrylics for textiles—that ensure longevity.
- The Ritual: For every painting, the 'Chakshudaan' is performed at an auspicious time, ensuring the piece is infused with intention before it reaches your space.
Commissioning a Piece
I accept commissions for:
- Mythological Canvases: Custom layouts that move away from standard calendar art.
- Wall Murals: Direct-to-wall narratives using metallic accents and fresco-style shading.
- Heirloom Textiles: Hand-painted ritual sarees and garments where every motif is a researched symbol.
Please note that as I work alone and prioritize the depth of the process, projects require a lead time of 6 to 12 weeks. I invite you to share your vision so we can begin a conversation.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Featured Krishna Paintings & Devotional Art
Handcrafted Devotional Art & Spiritual Paintings
7
Hand-Painted Divine Art & Custom Portraits
8
Large Scale Custom Paintings and Heritage Art
Featured Hand-Painted Artworks and Murals
8
Custom Hand-Painted Art & Spiritual Portraits
More from Fine Art & Painting Services by Himanshu Srivastava
More services by Himanshu Srivastava