The Techniques Used In Indian Paintings

The many different themes of the miniature paintings are generally inspired by paintings that were commissioned centuries ago by Indian Emperors. At first, the sketch is prepared by the artist on a smooth surface of a paper in either light blue or reddish brown ink.

This primary sketch is drawn in soft lines that suggests only the outlines of the figures. These are later corrected, and then are made bold when the accurate and hard lines are drawn. A thin coat of white pigment is then applied to obliterate the incorrect lines. Once the master sketch is drawn, it is then copied or pounced, which is known as tracing.

Traditionally, tracing was done with a piece of transparent deer skin, which was placed on top of the drawing. The the outlines of the drawing were then pierced. The deer skin has then been replaced by tracing paper. Then the stencil is prepared, which is then placed over a fresh paper and then black pigment is passed through the pin holes. This process will leave soft outlines, which are later reinforced by brush.

The pigments are first blended and laid flat on the paper, but no consideration is made of tonality, instead contrasting colors are used. The tendency to represent the minutest details, which is when the principles of maximum visibility and love for ornamentation were possible only when the colors are laid flat. The floors, carpets, arms, armor, utensils, etc., are depicted with profuse embellishment. The draperies, however, are left comparatively plain.

Now, the three dimensional effect is achieved by two methods of shading. The first method is when the original color is spread on the surface, then darker colors are applied. The second method is when the shading pigment is gradually mixed with the original pigment while it is still wet. The ground colors are not necessarily light, but they are lighter than those to be applied in subsequent fillings. Human figures are painted first, with the animal figures being next, and then the background is colored last of all. After coloring and shading, the outlines of the object, as delineated in the primary sketch, are reconfirmed by a darker tone and the figures given a well finished form.

Gold high lights are the last step before the burnishing. The burnishing process involves laying the miniature face down on a hard, but smooth surface and then gently and firmly stroking it back and forth with a polished piece of agate stone. Burnishing will provided a protective hardening and will give an overall unity of texture to the paintings.

Once the painter or the artist has finished, then the picture is passed on to other artists, who will do the trimming or given to a wasligar for mounting. Then beautiful borders, also known as hashiyas, are made and the calligrapher, who is also known as a naqshanavis, is asked to write part of the text or inscribe the name of the artist at the lower part of the new painting.

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