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Hindus have continuously venerated the divine in female form – very often referred to simply as the Goddess – since time immemorial. The Goddess, often referred to as Devi ('The Shining One) in Sanskrit literature, is a manifestation of Shakti, the Supreme Power responsible for the creation of the world. Hindu Paintings glorify the goddess in many forms.
As a beneficent deity, she is widely venerated as Shri or Lakshmi. In her iconography, Goddess Lakshmi is always shown in association with lotuses. Often two elephants may be seen bathing her with sacred waters. This form is known as Gajalakshmi. Devi Lakshmi is the wife of Lord Vishnu, and the two of them together are often the subject of Indian paintings.
As Goddess Kali, the Devi is dark, dishevelled, and awe-inspiring, with a necklace of skulls. Even in this form, she is called “mother” by her devotees, since after destroying this world she renews it again as the Supreme Shakti. Mother Kali and her ten manifestations of wisdom (Mahavidyas) form a popular theme in Indian Art.
As a warrior goddess, she is Durga depicted with a smiling countenance but wielding an array of weapons. Durga, riding a tiger or lion, is one of the most popular goddesses in India. Strong and beautiful the weapons in her hand show her readiness to assist her devotees. In one celebrated story, she manifests herself with the energies of all other deities in order to combat a buffalo-demon, Mahishasura. She emerges victorious after nine nights of struggle, commemorated by the festival of Navaratri (“Nine Nights”) in the fall. The combat of Goddess Durga with the buffalo demon is one of the most dynamic episodes in Hindu Painting.
As Goddess Saraswati, Devi is the patron deity of music, literature and knowledge. She is associated with a swan or sometimes a peacock. Her typical symbol is the stringed musical instrument held in two of her hands.
FAQs
Silk paint lasts
several decades if stored and treated with proper care.
One of the many
qualities of silk paint which makes it a favorite of artists and buyers is that
silk paint does not crack. It is quite resistant to damage caused by cracking
and flaking.
Yes, you can paint on 100% cotton. A snuggly woven cotton fabric with a hundred percent cotton content is preferred by some artisans for creating their paintings.
To paint over the cotton fabric, you need to wash the cloth and dry it beforehand. Start by sketching the desired subject on the cotton fabric and add colors by using paint brushes. Let the paint dry and to ensure that the paint is set, iron the dried cotton sheet.
Always start by
putting the canvas on a wooden frame and stretching it properly. Spread a layer
of primer on the canvas, and sketch the design or image on the canvas. Once you
have the final sketch, add the base layers of paint and let them dry before
adding the subsequent layers of color.
