Ramesh Rajapur (1980) B.F.A

            Mysore Painting is a form of classical South Indian painting, evolved in the Mysore city of Karnataka. During that time, Mysore was under the reign of the Wodeyars and it was under their patronage that this form of art reached its zenith. Quite similar to the Tanjoore Paintings using colored stones and gold foils, Mysore Paintings make use of only gold foils. The most popular themes of these paintings include Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. The beauty and intricacy of Indian Mysore Paintings leave the onlookers enthralled.
A series of steps are involved in the process of producing a Mysore painting. The first step requires a preliminary sketch of the image on the base, which comprises of a cartridge paper pasted on a wooden base. Thereafter, a paste of zinc oxide and Arabic gum, known as 'gesso paste' is used to give a slightly raised effect of carving to those parts of the painting that require embellishments and is allowed to dry. Then, gold foil is pasted onto the surface. The rest of the painting is prepared with the help of watercolors.
            Each of these works not only reflect the dedication, hard work and the enduring patience and efforts of the artist but also portrays his talent ,eye for detailing and the knowledge of color and composition.