Radha and Krishna are two mythological characters from Indian culture. Krishna as per Indian mythology was one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu (Vishnu is a member of the Holy Trinity). Krishna was the exponent of the Bhagavad Gita. Radha was the consort of Krishna. During Krishna's youth, Radha appears as a lover and a companion.

In this painting, Krishna is seen playing the flute, and Radha is immersed in the sweetness of the song. A cow is breeding behind the pair. Krishna was also known as Gopala which means he owned a herd of cattle.

This painting was done in imperial size, 300gsm (140 lb.) Cold Pressed Bockingford paper with Watercolour and Ink.

This painting is based on the traditional Kalamkari style of painting. The halo around Krishna's head is painted with iridescent colour which adds richness to the piece.

Kalamkari style of painting has its roots in Golconda, Andhra Pradesh in India, and flourished under the patronage of the Mughals. The Mughals referred to these artists as Kalamkars giving the art its name. Kalamkari is a pen art form and has its roots in storytelling by painters and musicians known as Chitrakattis. Many families have practised this art in Andhra Pradesh over the generations and are the primary source of income.

The traditional Kalamkari art was done on cloth initially stiffened by dipping it in astringents and buffalo milk and dried under the sun. Dyes were extracted from plants. The red, black, brown, and violet portions were outlined with the pointed end of bamboo or date palm sticks. The cloth is then covered with wax except for the parts which were to be coloured blue. The fabric is dipped in indigo dye. When dried the wax is scraped off and the remaining portions were painted in hand.

More paintings in the Kalamkari style are available on this website.

To know more about Kalamkari painting and art please visit my blog here.

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