What Is Tanjore Painting?
Tanjore painting (also spelled Thanjavur painting) is one of India's most celebrated classical art forms, originating from the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. Known for its rich colours, surface relief work, and the iconic use of gold foil, these paintings typically depict Hindu deities, saints, and mythological scenes.
If you've always admired the brilliance of Tanjore art and wondered how to create one yourself, this guide is for you. Let's walk through everything you need to get started.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you pick up a brush, you'll need the right supplies. Here's what a beginner needs:
- Muck board (base board) — the foundation of your painting
- Tanjore painting sketch — a printed or hand-drawn outline of your chosen deity or motif
- Arabic gum / adhesive — for sticking gold foil and embellishments
- Gold foil — the signature element of Tanjore art
- Kundan stones / gems — for decorating jewellery and borders
- Poster colours — for painting the face, body, and background
- Brushes and tools — fine-tipped brushes for detailing
You can find everything you need in our Tanjore Painting Kit — perfect for beginners who want all essentials in one place.
Step 2: Prepare Your Board
Start with a clean muck board. If you're using a pre-printed sketch, transfer or paste it onto the board carefully. Make sure the surface is smooth and dry before proceeding. The board forms the base on which all your relief work and painting will be done.
Step 3: Apply the Relief Work (Gesso Work)
This is what gives Tanjore paintings their distinctive 3D texture. Mix chalk powder (whiting) with Arabic gum to create a paste. Apply this paste over the jewellery, crown, and ornament areas of your sketch using a fine brush or a cone. Build up layers to create a raised effect. Let it dry completely — this can take several hours.
Find quality Tanjore powders, crystals, and adhesives to get the right consistency for your relief work.
Step 4: Apply Gold Foil
Once the relief work is dry, apply a thin layer of Arabic gum over the raised areas. Carefully place the gold foil on top and press gently with a soft brush or cotton. Peel away the excess foil — the gold will adhere only to the gummed areas, creating that brilliant, lustrous finish Tanjore paintings are famous for.
Explore our range of Tanjore Painting Gold Foil — available in different shades and finishes.
Step 5: Set Kundan Stones
After the gold foil is set, use tweezers to place kundan stones (coloured glass gems) onto the jewellery and border areas. Apply a small dot of adhesive to each stone before placing it. This step adds sparkle and dimension to your painting.
Step 6: Paint the Figure
Now comes the painting! Use poster colours to fill in the face, hands, clothing, and background. Tanjore paintings traditionally use bold, vibrant colours — deep reds, greens, blues, and yellows. Start with lighter shades and build up to darker tones. Use a fine brush for facial features and detailing.
Browse our Poster Colours for Tanjore Painting for the authentic colour palette.
Step 7: Final Touches and Framing
Once the paint is fully dry, review your painting for any touch-ups. You can add fine line details with a thin brush. When you're happy with the result, frame it to protect and display your work beautifully.
Check out our Tanjore Frames to complete your artwork.
Tips for Beginners
- Start with a simple, smaller sketch — a single deity face is a great first project.
- Be patient with drying times — rushing the relief work or gold foil application is the most common beginner mistake.
- Watch reference videos before starting — seeing the technique in action makes a huge difference.
- Use quality materials — the gold foil and adhesive quality directly impact your final result.
Ready to Start Your Tanjore Journey?
Tanjore painting is a deeply meditative and rewarding art form. With the right materials and a little patience, even a complete beginner can create a stunning piece. Explore our full range of Tanjore Painting Kits and individual supplies to get started today.