Murals return: writing on the wall is clear
Tradition is alive for Kerala mural artists even as market clamours for flashy artwork
The Divine Power of Maa Bhadrakali in Kerala Mural with Thalam
The Divine Power of Maa Bhadrakali in Kerala Mural with Thalam
About the Workshop
Create a traditional style Kerala Mural painting of ‘The Divine Power of Maa Bhadrakali in Kerala Mural with Thalam’ with master native artist Mr. Saju M.P
🎨 Creating a Traditional Kerala Mural Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide:
Mr. Saju M.P. will guide you through the process of creating this mesmerizing painting in the traditional Kerala mural art form, using the Thalam (proportional measurement system) and conventional motifs, detailing the techniques from start to finish on canvas.
This workshop provides a complete, step-by-step immersion into the authentic methods of this ancient art.
"Thalam" in Kerala mural art refers to an ancient unit of measurement used for creating figures, particularly human and divine forms, with the correct proportions as prescribed by traditional Indian iconographic texts (Shilpa Shastras).
It is part of a system known as Thalapramanam (measurement based on Thalam).
It is part of a system known as Thalapramanam (measurement based on Thalam).
The Divine Power of Maa Bhadrakali in Kerala Mural with Thalam: This Kerala mural painting beautifully depicts Maa Bhadrakali, a fierce and protective form of Goddess Durga worshipped widely in Kerala. The goddess is shown with multiple arms, each holding symbolic weapons such as the trident, sword, bow, and shield, representing her power to destroy evil. Her blue complexion and majestic crown highlight divine energy and supreme strength. The circular decorative halo behind her head enhances the spiritual aura and grandeur typical of traditional Kerala mural compositions.
The vibrant use of natural colors like red, yellow, green, and blue reflects the classical palette followed in Kerala temple murals. Intricate ornaments, detailed facial expressions, and symmetrical design showcase the refined craftsmanship of this ancient art tradition.
The vibrant use of natural colors like red, yellow, green, and blue reflects the classical palette followed in Kerala temple murals. Intricate ornaments, detailed facial expressions, and symmetrical design showcase the refined craftsmanship of this ancient art tradition.
In this 3-week workshop, you will create your masterpiece while learning the techniques and history of this beautiful art form. The curriculum is structured as follows:
Week 1: Dedicated instruction on the Thalam (traditional proportional measurement system).
Weeks 2 & 3: Learning the usual techniques, including sketching and the complete painting process.
Week 1: Dedicated instruction on the Thalam (traditional proportional measurement system).
Weeks 2 & 3: Learning the usual techniques, including sketching and the complete painting process.
You can attend live Zoom sessions where you interact with the master artist and other participants, learning not only the art form in depth but also more about the culture of the region. A structured classroom with step-wise instructions, pictures, and recorded videos will be available after the session on Google Classroom
This is a great opportunity to learn this ancient art form's motifs, techniques, and history. Sign up for the workshop today!
Theme: The Divine Power of Maa Bhadrakali in Kerala Mural
Dates: 6th to 25th April 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM IST (Mon to Fri.)
Duration: 15 sessions (18 Hours Approx)
Original Price: ₹ 3200
Materials Needed
Material Needed:
-22*19 Inches Thick Paper/Canvas
- Pencils / Eraser / Sharpener
- Black Color Pen / Thin Marker
- Acrylic Colors - Indian red, Scarlet Lake, Vermilion hue, Pression blue, Black, White, Yellow ochre, Permanent yellow medium, Sap green, Olive green, Burnt umber, Burnt Sienna
- Long Hair Brushes: 000, 2, 5,4,6,8
- Pallet
- Bowl of Water
- Old Cloth
-22*19 Inches Thick Paper/Canvas
- Pencils / Eraser / Sharpener
- Black Color Pen / Thin Marker
- Acrylic Colors - Indian red, Scarlet Lake, Vermilion hue, Pression blue, Black, White, Yellow ochre, Permanent yellow medium, Sap green, Olive green, Burnt umber, Burnt Sienna
- Long Hair Brushes: 000, 2, 5,4,6,8
- Pallet
- Bowl of Water
- Old Cloth
About the Master Artist
Mr. Saju. M.P. comes from a lineage of Kerala Mural artists. His work can be seen in the temples (Guruvayoor) and churches of Kerala. He is also actively involved in the restoration work of Kerala Murals to preserve this heritage art.
Image Source and Disclaimers
Disclaimer for the art workshop:
- The artist will make the painting in the standard size, and it is recommended to use the same size. However, participants may choose other sizes as per their convenience and seek artist guidance in live sessions to manage the artwork in their chosen size of canvas.
- Artist typically use the brushes at their convenience as they have years of experience. Participants may choose the brush size as per their convenience and level of expertise, and seek artist guidance in the live sessions.
- Artists use the sample image as a reference image for teaching purposes only. They typically provide their interpretation and variations to make a unique artwork. Sample image is not copied as it is and Catterfly provides the due credit to the original artist (wherever available) in our marketing communications.
Duration
18 Hrs
Price
