Shreenathji’s Gold painting – Upad painting

Shreenathji- Nathdwara:

Shrinathji temple located in the town of Nathdwara in the state of Rajasthan, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his form as Shrinathji.The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings, as well as its stunning collection of art and artifacts. The temple complex includes several shrines, courtyards, and gardens, and attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims each year.

Nathdwara is famous for Pichwai and Sheenathji’s Gold paintings. I learnt both Pichwai painting and Shreenathji’s Gold painting.

Shreenathji’s Gold painting:

Shreenathji’s gold  paintings typically depict the Hindu deity Shrinathji, who is a form of Lord Krishna. The image of  idol at the temple is painted on the wood. The wood is carved with as replica of the idol of Shreenathji. These paintings are often created by artists in India who specialize in traditional Indian art forms such as miniature painting and Pichwai art.

Shreenathji paintings are often characterized by their bright colors and intricate details, which are intended to convey the beauty and majesty of Lord Krishna. These paintings are highly prized by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world, and are considered to be some of the finest examples of traditional Indian art.

Here is the one I painted using gold foil:

Shreenathji’s Gold painting

The colors used here are natural colors. I learnt it from the native artist from Nathdwara. The paints are applied first and then with a special technique the gold foils are applied wherever required. Thin sheets of gold leaf or foil are carefully applied onto the surface of the painting to create a shimmering, metallic effect. The gold foil is often used to highlight specific areas of the painting, such as the clothing or jewelry of the deity, or to create a sense of luminosity and radiance.

Gold foil paintings require great skill and precision to create, as the gold leaf is delicate and can be easily damaged or torn. Therefore, these paintings are often considered to be highly valued and are prized for their intricate detail and beauty. After shading and highlighting some areas, the stones are grooved wherever required. These are also known as Upad paintings.

The closer view of the stones and gold applied

Then the face is painted and the pooja articles which are kept near the idols are painted.

Closer view of Shreenathji’s face

This took nearly fifteen days for me to complete this painting. But really I felt divine happiness while making this painting. Many good things happened in my life after I started making this painting. After finishing, I was sunned by the beauty of this form of Shri Krishna.

I am learning Tanjore panting also. That is similar to this kind of painting. I will share soon the Tanjore painting I make.

Love, Laugh and Live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana