From Sketch to Jewel: My Hand-Painted Kerala Mural Process
Every pendant I create begins as a simple pencil sketch on wood. Walk with me through the journey of turning a traditional Kerala mural design into a unique piece of wearable art.
Here is a glimpse of several hand-painted pendants, fresh off the easel. This video shows the vibrant colours and intricate details of various designs, including Krishna and other figures, before they are assembled into necklaces.
The foundation of my art is drawing. Here you can see me sketching a detailed Kerala mural design on canvas, a process that requires immense focus and precision. This same skill is scaled down for my miniature jewellery paintings.
This video shows the careful process of transferring a traditional Kerala mural design onto canvas. Every line is drawn by hand, ensuring the authenticity and intricate detail that is characteristic of this beautiful art form.
About The Artist's Touch: From Sketch to Jewel
People often ask if my pendants are printed. They aren't. Every single line—from the intricate borders of a Ganesha to the delicate petals of a lotus—is drawn by hand with fine brushes before being finished with a moisture-resistant lacquer. It takes me hours to complete a single piece, but that is the only way to ensure the soul of the art stays intact.
At Kimaya Murals, my process starts long before the paint hits the wood. It begins with the sketch. Whether I am rendering a complex Shiva-Shakti motif or a simpler floral pattern inspired by Vellikayamai (Friday’s energy), the precision of these initial lines defines the final piece.
I use high-grade MDF for my bases, ensuring they are lightweight yet sturdy enough for daily wear. Once the sketch is finalized, I begin the painting process using acrylics. This is slow work. It requires steady hands and a lot of patience to get the expressions on the faces of the deities right.
The Finishing Touch After the paint dries, every piece receives a protective lacquer polish. This makes your jewellery splash-proof and durable. I often get asked if these pieces are suitable for daily outings or special occasions like anniversaries. Because I use adjustable cotton dori for the necklaces and ensure the hardware is high quality, they are comfortable to wear all day.
If you have a specific deity in mind or want a custom colour theme to match a particular outfit, we can work on that together. The most beautiful pieces usually come from a collaboration between my art and your personal story.
Kimaya Murals
I’m Gowri, and I’ve spent the last 12 years bringing Kerala murals to life. For me, every brushstroke on these tiny wooden pendants is an act of devotion, carrying the same detail I put into my large canvas paintings.
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