Traditional Tanjore Paintings
I love creating authentic Tanjore paintings using real 22-carat gold foil and semi-precious stones. Each piece brings a divine, traditional touch to your pooja room or home decor.
A close-up of a Goddess Lakshmi Tanjore painting, showing the intricate gold foil work and the delicate details on her crown and jewels. I use traditional methods to create these divine portraits.
This is a completed Ganesha Tanjore painting, ready to bring blessings to a new home. The use of 22-carat gold foil gives it a beautiful shimmer, especially in the light.
Here you can see the process of creating a Tanjore painting of Lord Murugan, from the initial sketch and stone setting to the final colored and gold-leafed piece. It's a labor of love that takes many stages.
A beautiful Tanjore painting of Lord Murugan created by one of my students, Radhika. It shows the amazing results that can be achieved with dedication to this traditional art form.
A work-in-progress shot of a large Tanjore panel featuring Maa Gajalakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Murugan. This shows the cone work and stone setting before the gold foil and colors are applied.
A finished Ganesha Tanjore painting resting on an easel. The deep red and black background makes the gold work stand out, creating a powerful and traditional look.
This video shows the delicate process of applying color to a Ganesha Tanjore painting. Each section is carefully filled in after the gold and gesso work is complete.
About this collection
Because these paintings involve intricate gesso relief work and layering with gold foil, they require a 2 to 3-week turnaround time to allow for proper drying between stages. This ensures the stones stay set and the gold remains brilliant, so please reach out a few weeks in advance if you have a specific date in mind for a gift or a housewarming.
Tanjore art is one of my absolute favorites because it is such a meditative process. It is not just about painting; it is about building texture and depth. I start by preparing a wooden board with chalk powder and gum Arabic, creating that signature 3D relief work that makes the deities pop. Once the structure is ready, I carefully set the semi-precious Jaipur or Kundan stones before applying the 22-carat gold foil sheets.
I specialize in traditional deities like Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Murugan, which are perfect for a pooja room setting. The deep red and black backgrounds I use create a beautiful contrast with the gold, giving the piece a rich, traditional look.
Since this is an authentic craft, the piece needs some love to last. Keep your painting away from direct moisture and extreme humidity, and it will stay as a family heirloom for years. I am happy to work with you on custom sizing and specific deity requests. If you have an idea for a mural or a special spot in your home, let’s talk and create something meaningful together.
Shikha Goel
Hi, I am Shikha. Painting is my lifeline, and Tanjore art is where I find the most peace. I love creating these detailed pieces from scratch and sharing the joy of this traditional craft with my students.
Looking for a different style?
Search through my other art collections and classes.
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