Behind the Scenes: My Kerala Mural and 3D Art Process
Kootukare, art is a blessing that takes time. I’m Vipin, and I want to show you the patience, hard work, and prayers that go into every sketch, dot, and sculpture I create.
Here you can see me working on a mural of a cow and calf, a symbol of divinity and motherhood. This backlit piece, once completed, will add a warm, traditional glow to the dining space.
Ohm Namah Shivaya. A work-in-progress video of a Nandi painting. You can see the initial layers of color and the line work that will soon be filled with intricate details.
A simple digital sketch of Unnikannan, or child Krishna. Sometimes, an idea starts with a quick drawing, capturing a feeling of love and innocence.
This video documents my journey to Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh, for my first project there. It shows the process of creating a rustic, backlit Buddha relief mural, from carving to the final antique finish.
From a rough sketch on the wall to a finished 3D bass relief mural of Buddha. This was a wonderful project in Hindupur, and I am so grateful for the happy clients and the support from my team.
More progress shots of the Buddha mural in Hindupur. The work is protected with newspaper as we carefully paint and finish the details. The backlighting really makes the 3D effect stand out.
This close-up video shows the delicate process of 'dot shading' on a Radhakrishna mural. Each dot is placed carefully to create a smooth, gradual shading effect, which is a hallmark of Kerala mural painting.
I am guided by Krishna's blessings. This video shows the fine line work, or 'rekha', that defines the features and ornaments in a Krishna mural. Your support is very precious to me, my friends.
Here I am, painting a series of small, decorative plates with various traditional mural designs. These smaller pieces are perfect for adding a touch of authentic Kerala art to any corner of your home.
Work in progress on a Hanuman statue. In this video, I explain how I use the 'dot shade' technique even on sculptures, applying tiny dots of paint layer by layer to achieve a transparent, lifelike effect.
About The Making Of: My Artistic Process
Whether I am painting a Kerala mural or sculpting relief work, nothing is rushed. The 'dot shading' you see in my work isn't a quick fill; it is thousands of individual brushstrokes layered to create that soft, realistic glow. When you watch these videos, you are seeing the hours of patience required to bring divine forms like Radhakrishna to life, stroke by stroke.
Creating art isn't just about the final image on your wall; it’s about the journey. When I start a project, whether it’s a traditional Kerala mural or a modern 3D embossed relief, the first step is always the sketch. You can see me mapping out the divine outlines—Ganesha, Buddha, or a simple cow and calf—directly on the surface.
The ‘Dot Shading’ Difference Many ask why my murals look so lifelike. The secret is the traditional 'dot shading' technique. I don’t use solid blocks of color. Instead, I apply tiny dots of paint layer by layer to build skin tones and textures. It is labor-intensive, but it creates a transparency that brushes alone cannot achieve. For 3D relief murals, I use cement or fiber to project figures 4-6 inches off the wall, adding shadow and depth that changes throughout the day as light hits it.
Handmade vs. Wallpaper In a world of mass-produced wallpaper, my work is different. It is raw, handmade, and original. My team at Artkada—Chandrettan, Mehroof, and Rajesh—and I handle everything from the initial surface prep to the final varnish. For large-scale projects, we use industrial-grade acrylics that are weather-resistant and made to last. If you are looking to bring a sacred vibe into your pooja room or home with authentic, handcrafted art that tells a story, let's talk. We travel across India to transform spaces, one stroke at a time.
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