What brushes should I get? This is the number one question that I get asked. In this guide we’ll look at what makes for a good brush to give you a better idea of the brushes you want to use for water-based medium.
Author Archives: chumik
Finding your art style as a journey into the Self — 4 practical tips
An “art style” is less about art than about the self. We say “style” all the time, but what we really need to think of is our “personal voice.” It’s your personal vision, taste, and character that is unique as you are, and it will grow just as you have grown to be who you areContinue reading “Finding your art style as a journey into the Self — 4 practical tips”
Glimpse into eternity at the Red Cave – inspiration and process
I’m inspired by sacred sites because they feel alive as if having breath and pulse. They provide the space for deepening practice and worship, and through time hold vibrations of all the ones who came with a pure mind. All the pilgrims, yogis, hermits, lamas who came before, their timeless presence continues to reverberate through the cracks of cavernContinue reading “Glimpse into eternity at the Red Cave – inspiration and process”
How to make shell gold – a practical guide
To make your own paint from gold leaf is a simple and straightforward process, but it can also be laborious. In this post I will share the step-by-step process for making gold pigment – also known as “shell gold”, the way it has been practiced and passed down from generations of gold makers in India. I’veContinue reading “How to make shell gold – a practical guide”
Paper sizing with alum – Part II
In the previous post I talked about the step-by-step process of sizing paper; we will examine the use of alum as an essential component in this post, as well as its application during the painting process.
How to apply paper size with glue and alum
A size is a substance that acts as a protective glaze on cellulose fibers to reduce the absorption of liquid, so when you paint in water-based medium, the paint would stay on top of the substrate – paper or fabric – instead of getting soaked into it. The wide acceptance of gelatin or glue* asContinue reading “How to apply paper size with glue and alum”
The Patience Test and the making of a miniature artist
If you ever wondered about the process of learning Indian miniature painting in the traditional way, or what steps are involved to build confidence over time as a miniature artist, then read on! The first time I saw Indian miniature painting was at a Bikaner studio run by artist Narvin Swami and his family, thereContinue reading “The Patience Test and the making of a miniature artist”
“Where the Pear Tree Blossoms” – a walkthrough
This post is about the process in making “Where the Pear Tree Blossoms.” The idea generated as an expansion formally and conceptually from an earlier work “Confluence.” The original composition looks like this, I painted a thin layer of pale orange ochre on golden paper. The paper itself is made following the traditional method byContinue reading ““Where the Pear Tree Blossoms” – a walkthrough”
“Prayers at Night”, a journey through time
Sometimes progressing in art means seeing all the mistakes and struggles I had made along the learning curve, and they often make me cringe. But this image somehow stayed with me. I made the original sketch from nightly prayer ceremony during a pilgrimage. I think this experience opened up my eyes to see the externalContinue reading ““Prayers at Night”, a journey through time”
Notes on Colors
If journals are meant for us to remember certain people, things, places, then do you write about things that make the strongest impression, or the little details that would otherwise slip out of memory? If it’s something that the mind already grasps so firmly, then could words really capture its totality and significance? If it’sContinue reading “Notes on Colors”
Chumik 