Introduction – A beautiful Thangka
This exquisite Thangka is painted in a classic central Tibetan style. The background of clouds, grass plains and water are of immense quality. The degradation of colours is near perfect, if anything this photo doesn’t do the painting justice.
We will now take a closer look at a few details in the image :
detail of skill - scale 3:1
Detail of Thangka painting – White Tara
This detail shows us the immense amount of skill required to paint a Thangka. Given the size of the image, one can only in amazement and wonder exactly how this was done. The artist has not only managed to paint to minut animals, but has painted hooves, eyes, ears and a tail! The same can be said for the waves and the hills. Let me remind you again of the Scale 3:1.
White Tara - Thangka Face Detail
White Tara – Face detail of Thangka
Here we are taking closer look at the technique used to paint the face of the Thangka. The face of the Thangka is the most important feature on the painting and is usually painted onto the Thangka only once the rest of the Thangka has been completed. This White Tara Thangka is of sublime quality, the proportions on the face (eyes, nose, mouth and ears) is what allows us to tell that the Thangka artist has mastered his art.
The attention to detail here is of great skill. What I mean by this is simple, if one was to look at the flowers to the left of the face, the artist has taken the time to create shades which brings depth to the painting. Upon first glance the hair may appear normal, but after having seen thousands of paintings,I can tell you that the use of individual brush strokes to give this White Tara Thangka a perfection that could the divine female beauty she represents.
To Be Continued…