All posts by : Sunaina Art

There are multiple interpretations about the existence of Thangka. In the ancient times, it is deemed that King Bimbisara wished to give a unique gift or present to King Utayana; so he decided to get Buddha’s image painted for him. When Bimbisara sent the court artists and painters to design an image of Buddha then they were unable to do so because they were mesmerized by the sheer brilliance of Buddha.

On seeing all this, Lord Buddha asked the painters to accompany him to the clear pool and paint his picture using his reflection in the pool. During the painting process, Buddha guided the artists and asked them to paint twelve links around him. This is how this specific painting became famous as ‘Chu-len-ma’ or ‘the picture of the sage prepared through the water’. 

DEVELOPMENT & EVOLUTION OF THANGKA PAINTING 

The Thangka artwork finds its roots from the traditional arts of mandala and pata. It is a shocking fact that Thangka painting is associated to Indian culture but it has got fame under the Chinese and Nepalese art. Do you know Buddhism emerged as an art style under the supremacy of Songsten Gampo? His studio was used by Chinese and Nepalese artists due to which Thangka painting attained its zenith under these artists.

During the 11^th century, the Thangka art was influenced by Nepalese, Kashmiri, and central Indian artists and their indigenous art form continued till 17^th century. Further, the Chinese artists started to influence this painting style from the starting of the 18^th century.

Coming to the main Tibetan styles of paintings, they included Mensar, Menri, and Karma Gadri art forms. You must know that Thangka artworks were administered by the iconographic regulations, these 3 painting styles can be distinguished by backgrounds.

The Menri style focuses more on nature and less on details. The Mensar style is focused on the details & round, as well as thick clouds. And, the Karma Gadri style depicts things in a realistic manner and not in a stylish way. Also, it is not as famous as Menri and Mansar.

THE RATIONALE OF A THANGKA PAINTING

Apart from being just a décor piece, Thangka paintings are an essential part of Buddhist religion. These paintings signify inner reflection as well as meditation. You can gain control on your mind and achieve awareness of your surroundings with this exquisite painting. Additionally, it helps to attain good health, long life, happiness, and prosperity. The Thangka painting can address various concerns. 

GETTING READY FOR THE THANGKA PAINTING

As Thangka is a part of meditation, a defined set of rules should be followed before painters start painting it. Initially, there were several rules like avoiding meat, garlic, onion, alcohol, and more. However, the main idea is to have a pure body, mind, and surroundings. While designing a Thangka/Buddha painting, the artists should avoid all the negativity and impurity.

HOW THANGKA IS PAINTED?

The first step in the painted process of Thangka includes the central lines. The middle vertical line is the major axis as it creates the centre of the artwork. The painting has 8 main lines, including 4 borders at the outside, one vertical axis, one horizontal axis, and 2 diagonal lines.

The deities are placed as per the Buddhist religion, and the order involves- first comes buddhas, then boddhisattvas, then goddesses, then wrathful entities, and at the end human beings. After painting these figures, the artists start creating the elements in the surroundings. Firstly, the background gets painted and then figures get colored.

At first, the artists will complete the painting with lighter paints and then they will use dark tones such as blue, green, red, orange, etc. They will wait for the first layer to get dry well so they can proceed with Thangka painting. The Thangka outline is done at last using two different shading techniques- wet and dry. As far as the color of Thangka is concerned, they are chosen as per the color of outlines, from white to indigo.

PERSONALITY OF LORD BUDDHA IN THANGKA PAINTING

Now let us discuss the personality and unique traits of Buddha in Thangka paintings. His long fingers are positioned in a tapering position. They are highlighted by the dharamchakra. Having a twisted navel, white stomach, and broad shoulders, he looks well defined.

BUY A CALMING THANGKA BUDDHA PAINTING AT THE BIMBA

This is all a detailed guide about Thangka Buddha painting. It holds a great significance from Feng Shui view so it’s great for all spaces. If you want to surround yourself and your loved ones with positive and good vibes, then check out the collection at the Bimba for the best Buddha paintings.

The famous Pichwai art is one of the most auspicious forms of Indian art that one can own. A Pichwai painting finds its origins in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, and usually depicts the idol of Lord Krishna in the form of a 7-year-old, known as Shrinath Ji. These are intricately done cloth paintings that are used behind the idol of Shrinath Ji and have now made their way into the modern world and into our homes as an art form.

Apart from the idol of Shrinath Ji, famous Pichwai art also depicts motifs that are related to Shrinath Ji himself like lotus, cows, peacocks, and gopis. What is also depicted in these Pichwai artworks are various auspicious festivals related to Lord Krishna. Here are the most reoccurring festivals depicted in Pichwai famous paintings; 
Janmashtami

The most revered and celebrated festival depicted in Pichwais is Janmashtami; Janmashtami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. One of the largest Hindu festivals in India, on this day the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed in milk, curd, ghee, and honey. People pray, fast, and visit Lord Krishna’s temples to offer their prayers.

Usually in famous pichwai art, Shrinath Ji is shown to be in the middle of the painting, dressed elaborately with a peacock feather on his crown. Pichwai paintings that depict the festival of Janmasthami show Shrinath Ji in a cradle while celebrations unfold around him and people surrounding him eagerly to get a glimpse. Most of the Pichwai painting always show the Shrinath Ji durbar being attended by two priests who are offering their prayers and the intended festival or occasion is shown taking place beneath the idol. 
Nand Mahotsav

Nand Mahotsav, another festival that is portrayed in Pichwai most famous artworks, is celebrated the day after Janmashtami. Also known as Nandotsava, this day is considered auspicious as Krishna was brought home by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. On Nand Mahotsav, the Panchamrit Abhisheka and the Maha Aarti are performed in many temples and the idol of Shrinath Ji, as a baby, is placed in a decorated cradle which is worshipped for the rest of the day.

Sometimes the idols of Yashoda and Nanda are also placed next to him. The pichwai style depicting the festival of Nand Mahotsav shows Krishna in a cradle surrounded by his parents, while people celebrate his birth outside. Villagers eager to see him lined up outside their house and Nanda out of happiness distributes sweets, clothes, and ornaments to saints and sages. 
Sharad Purnima

Another festival depicted in Pichwai famous paintings is Sharad Purnima; Sharad Purnima is the first full moon night after the birth of Lord Krishna and it is celebrated as a harvest festival as it indicates the onset of autumn. Typically, a Pichwai painting will depict Shrinath Ji decked up in jewels and dressed in brocade, shining under the light of the glorious full moon depicted on the top of the painting. He is surrounded by people and gopis, who perform Raas Leela on the occasion of a full moon.

To keep up with the top art trends, has become the new trend. Every person who has ever dreamt of building their own nest has always desired the current art trends that can enhance the look and feel of their home. And because nobody wants to be left behind in showing off their interior design knowledge, right?

Popular art trends consist of new practices including the latest designs, artworks, interior designing, and home decor that keep changing with the times and according to the needs of the market. Now, with an unavoidable situation that hangs over our heads and keeps us in the safety of our four walls, the world of art has dramatically shifted and the trending art has taken a U-turn for better things.

The trends which have taken over the world of art range from art focussing on wellness to art that has practically become virtual, boosting the e-commerce sector. Today, we tell you some of the famous fine art trends that have taken over the world of art this year;
Wellness

One of the most popular art trends is the importance of art in the context of wellness. With the growing pandemic around the world, trending art that helps in healing is imperative. Artworks ranging from paintings, wall art, sculptures, and even soothing art pieces can help increase people’s wellness.

When people connect to a certain artwork, it increases their mindset towards actively interprating its meaning and this very connection leads to the increased ability of the brain to heal and remain active. Abstract art, nature-inspired artwork, soothing landscapes, minimalistic paintings, and sculptures; having your favorite artwork around can seemingly stimulate your brain, boost your self-esteem and lower your stress levels.

Adding art in your workspace or home often develops into better social interaction as well and this is why it tops our list of top art trends.
An alternate way

It is no hidden fact that participating in buying, investing, and owning art can be an expensive affair. While art fanatics sit at home and wonder when they can lay their hands on their favorite piece of art, they also wonder how they can make it pocket-friendly. The current art trend is to invest in alternatives — not only are they great for your pocket but they also fulfill the category of looking seamlessly authentic.

The Bimba happens to be a one-stop shop to fulfill your heart’s demands; offering you hundreds of framed art prints which are great substitutes for original paintings. A glimpse at it and your guests wouldn’t be able to differentiate between an original painting and our framed art print. One can find all the trending paintings that are premium framed prints right here!
Nature Inspired Art 

One common thing that we love as humans is nature; the mere presence of trees, your favorite plants, and fresh air alleviates your mood. You could be an art aficionado, a lover of plants, or an interior designing enthusiast but a little touch of green hurt nobody. One of the fine art trends is to have nature-inspired art in your home; these range from a wide variety of paintings, framed prints, artificial plants, nature-inspired sculpture, vertical wall art, floral-themed wallpapers, and even tropical-inspired bathroom tiles.

Nature follows us everywhere! Not only they add some color to your home but they also bring along a sense of peace and aesthetics that are unmatchable. The floral painting collection at The Bimba is the perfect example for this trend; they range from single to two sets and three sets of paintings which will enhance the look of any of your rooms.

Other options to look at can be adding wooden furniture, earthy colored palettes, paintings that depict flowers, flora, and fauna, and mountains. So for the current art trends, don’t forget to go green.
Virtual Art

One of the most understandable popular art trends is virtual art. In the midst of a pandemic, people have learned to mend their whole lives and live them in a completely new way. The world of art also learned how to interact with their larger audience while sitting at home and this has been achieved through virtual art. Online art exhibitions, increased opportunities to buy art online, online fashion shows, unveiling of new art collection through websites — you name it and people have tried it.

Another platform through which people have increasingly showcased their art-related talent is through social media; Instagram lives and Facebook are your new best friends to explore new art. These range from sharing their work online to actually producing digital and graphical work online which makes it easier for people to navigate. Look out for interesting virtual art in the top art trends.
Metallic Tones

We all love Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ — it is bold, passionate and one of the most outstanding pieces of art ever made. But the thing that makes it stand out is the use of gold, silver, and platinum leaf. These metallic tones catch your artistic eye and make it stand out from the rest.  A little bling and a little rust at the same time, the beauty of having metallic tones in your house is the next trending art we will discuss.

Metallic tones in any artwork give it a dimension and a strong personality; these can be incorporated into the house through many mediums –  foil art, actual metal pieces which are inculcated in sculptures and wall arts, paintings that are completely made out of metallic colors and pigments, floral metal art which is at the top of wall art trends – endless options as to how you can add metallic tones to your house and give it a rustic and yet modern look. 
Maximalism

Gone are those days when people wanted a minimalistic-looking house with features that don’t break the attention of a viewer. One of the current art trends is maximalism; maximalism in interior designing is a trend that requires bold patterns, loud colors, strategically placed unique artworks, statement pieces, and specially curated artworks.

This style might seem like a little too much in your face, but the beauty of it lies in the perfect balance and harmony that come together when everything is placed rightly. This being one of the popular art trends, takes up a lot of thought and balancing of elements. Something as easy as abstract art can be the beginning of your journey towards maximalism; add with it the loud colored furniture, bold patterned tiles, and the perfect showpieces to go with your idea and your house might end up looking elegant, sophisticated, and ready for the guests!