Student Stories and Their Tanjore Art Masterpieces
From absolute beginners to dedicated art lovers, see how my students bring traditional Tanjore paintings to life. It is not just about the art; it is about the journey of discovering your own creative spark.
Meet the happiest student, Sachivratha. She couldn't believe she created this beautiful Ganesha painting and enjoyed the entire learning process.
Monica and Shwetha are childhood friends who had learning Tanjore art on their vision board. It was a joy to see them create these Balaji paintings together.
Watch this cutie pie, my 8-year-old niece, do this masterpiece. Children really watch and learn, and it's a joy to see the next generation embrace this art.
Geeta aunty shares her journey of becoming an artist with us. She says the whole process was like a meditation for her and that we introduced her to herself.
Sharing a few photos of our online class students with their beautiful finished paintings of Krishna and Ganesha. I am so grateful to each of them.
Isha is 12 years old and she did this all by herself. She’s such an inspiration to me, and I absolutely loved having her in my online class.
This beautiful Balaji painting was done by our student Mrs. Chetana, a dentist by profession. Doctors definitely have a steady hand!
Meet Subhiksha, a 19-year-old who created this marvelous painting of Goddess Saraswati. It was an absolute pleasure getting to know her.
Madhura aunty truly believes age is just a number. At 65, she is an inspiration, having completed both offline and online courses with so much enthusiasm.
This is Brinda’s fifth painting with us, and we can see her artistic skills improve with every piece. Practice truly makes perfect.
About Hear From Our Happy Students
Teaching Tanjore painting is about much more than following a set of instructions. Whether you are working on a miniature or a large-format deity, the process is inherently meditative. I have seen busy professionals and retired individuals alike find deep calm in the repetitive, rhythmic work of the traditional muck paste and the application of 24k gold foil. It is a slow, grounding experience that transforms from a simple creative exercise into a personal sadhana.
Discovering the Artist Within
Many of my students come to the studio in Basavanagudi or join online classes with a common hesitation: "I can't draw." It is a joy to see that barrier break in just a few weeks. The Tanjore painting technique is a structured, step-by-step discipline. Once you learn to prep the board and handle the relief work, the drawing becomes secondary to the process of creation.
The Journey of a Painting
- Foundation: Every piece starts with a firm base. We focus on the initial sketch, ensuring the composition is balanced before we move to anything else.
- The Embossing (Muck Work): This is the heart of the Tanjore technique. It gives the painting its 3D character. My students often find this phase the most relaxing—the tactile nature of the paste is incredibly soothing.
- The Golden Touch: Applying authentic 24k gold foil is where the magic happens. It brings the divinity into the piece. We guide you on how to handle the foil delicately, ensuring it adheres perfectly to the embossed areas.
- Finishing Touches: We use Swarovski and Jaipur Kundan stones to highlight the jewelry and ornaments of the deities, adding that final pop of color and royal elegance.
Why Students Choose Our Classes
Whether you are looking for a weekend hobby or a serious deep-dive into traditional Indian art, our mentorship programs are designed to accommodate different levels of commitment. From 8-year-old beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, everyone gets personalized attention. The goal is not just to complete a painting; it is to take home a piece that you feel truly connected to. When you finish your first Ganesha or Saraswati, you aren't just holding a canvas; you are holding your own patience and focus.
Tanjore Collective
Hi, I am Vibha. I grew up surrounded by the golden glow of Tanjore paintings, a legacy passed down through my family for over 40 years. For me, teaching this art is about sharing that quiet, meditative joy I felt watching my grandmother and mother paint.
Ready to start your own masterpiece?
You can look up specific classes or art types below.
More from Tanjore Painting Classes & Workshops by Tanjore Collective