methods of thangka paintings

"Thangka Methods"

1. Preparation of the painting surface: first a piece of canvas cotton material is stretched out on a wooden frame. A mixture of water buffalo glue (Newa Saresh), white clay and water are eventually applied to the cotton surface. The cotton is dry; a portion of it is slightly moistened. This is done in order to distribute the mixture uniformly over the cotton gauge. Then the surface is rubbed with a smooth alluvial stone, which absorbs moisture. While rubbing, the frame should be supported from behind by a smooth wooden board. The process continues until the surface id ready to use for painting.
2. Line Drawing:  line sketches of deity are made on the cotton surface. An artist should have great mastery over the drawing process; he should have a through understanding of econometric principal and the philosophy behind his subject matter .the execution of the drawing requires profound vigilance and patience. After all, the art of Thanka painting is itself a form of meditation.
3. Colouring: in traditional thanka painting, only the primary colors are used: red blue, yellow black, and white. In addition, indiglo blue and crimson lac is two supplementary colors which enhance the effect of graduation. But in these days modern colors are also used.
4. Shape Lining: shape lining is an important step in the process of thanka painting. Each object depicted in the thanka requires precise outlining, the skilled artist may be recognized by his mastery of outlining details, which remain harmonious throughout the painting .harmonious outlining is heart of thanka painting skill.principal designs such as background elements, toranas ornamentation, clothing; lotuses, thrones and so forth are filled in during the shape lining process.
5. Shading: master artists use a special shading technique called ‘web and dry shading’. Dry shading is executed with only one brush, thereby producing a graduation with dark colors. The purpose of this shading technique is to give three dimensional effects to objects.
6. Ornamentation: there are both simple and elaborate methods for rendering gold ornaments. Especially large ornaments are painted at first and small details. On large potion of gold, different images are painted with colors.
7. Finishing: to give three dimensional effects and shining on the gold, some parts of gold is rubbed with zed stone

History of Thangka Paintings :: Types of Thangka