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Tanjore paintings are traditionally made on canvas stretched over a wooden frame. The process involves applying a layer of cloth to the canvas, followed by a mixture of chalk powder and a binding medium to create a smooth surface. Then, intricate sketches are drawn using charcoal or pencil. Next, vibrant colors, often made from natural materials, are applied, and finally, gold foil and gemstones are used to add embellishments and highlights, giving the paintings their distinctive richness and opulence. read less

Tanjore paintings are known for their extravagant depictions of deities using vibrant colours and gaudy embellishments, especially gold foil. Though the artform has undergone various changes over the years, it continues to be popular with lovers of art even today, and inspires many artists with its truly Indian style.

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The focus in Mysore paintings is on fine lines, aesthetic colours, detail textures and pure gold leaves. On the other hand, Tanjore paintings make use of embellishments like pearls and glass. The paintings are bright and the lines are not very fine. It is said that gold-coated silver foil is used in Tanjore paintings read less

In ancient Tanjore paintings, artists primarily used natural pigments derived from minerals, vegetables, and precious stones to create vibrant and long-lasting colors. Some of the traditional colors commonly used in Tanjore paintings include: 1. **Red**: Made from natural sources such as vermillion (mercury sulfide), red ochre (iron oxide), or madder root (Rubia tinctorum). Red was often used for depicting auspicious elements, such as the clothing of deities or symbolic motifs. 2. **Yellow**: Derived from sources like turmeric, saffron, or yellow ochre (iron hydroxide). Yellow symbolizes auspiciousness, prosperity, and divine energy in Hindu mythology and was used extensively in Tanjore paintings. 3. **Blue**: Created from natural sources such as indigo, lapis lazuli, or azurite. Blue represents the sky, the divine, and the infinite in Hindu symbolism. It was often used for depicting backgrounds, clothing, and accessories in Tanjore paintings. 4. **Green**: Obtained from natural sources like malachite, green earth, or plant-based dyes. Green symbolizes fertility, renewal, and nature's abundance. It was used for depicting landscapes, foliage, and vegetation in Tanjore paintings. 5. **White**: Made from chalk, lime, or calcium carbonate. White symbolizes purity, peace, and divine light. It was used for highlighting features, creating contrasts, and adding details in Tanjore paintings. 6. **Gold**: While not a color in the traditional sense, gold foil was a prominent feature in Tanjore paintings. Thin sheets of 22-carat gold foil were used to embellish the artwork, adding richness, opulence, and a sense of divine radiance. These natural pigments were mixed with binders such as gum arabic or resin to create a thick, opaque consistency suitable for painting. The use of these traditional colors contributed to the distinctive aesthetic and cultural significance of Tanjore paintings. read less

Over time, the raw materials used in Tanjore paintings have undergone some changes due to availability, technological advancements, and artistic preferences. Traditional materials like natural pigments, gold foil, and gemstones are still used, but modern artists may also incorporate synthetic materials and acrylic paints for certain elements of the artwork. Additionally, there's a shift towards environmentally friendly materials and techniques in some contemporary Tanjore painting practices. read less