An oil on canvas 20 by 16 inch, this painting is done from my visit to the Brihadeeshwara temple in Thanjavur, South India, which was built by the Raja Raja Chola in 1010 AD. One of the most spectacular piece of South Indian architecture, the temple tower is among the tallest of its kind in the world.To be honest, I am not religious, still I love visiting old temples of India, the lovely architecture and wall paintings are a visual treat. But the visits are much more than that in a way. Though I believe that God is omnipresent, a visit to a temple or a church or a mosque has always given me strength, hope and courage to deal with the uphills of my life.
Probably it is to do with my mind set, but it is helping me to move from darkness to light :-)
What a beautiful post about why you enjoy visiting the temples of India. I like the strength that comes through in this painting. The use of warm neutrals enhances the stark shapes and shadows. One thing I really like about this is that the shadows seem to be more shapely and have a humanistic quality to them. Almost as though these pillars represent the strength of our people.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful. Our temples are so famous for their pillars. I visit temples to enjoy the beauty of the carvings and some times you also find beautiful paintings. I somehow can never relate to God in a temple, for I am one of those who feel comfortable with the presence of God inside me. And I do love temples that are not crowded, like the ones in Tanjore.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting and thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThis beautiful painting is so much more when you read your thoughts and sentiments behind it.You have an inner strength which I admire so much and an even greater balanced view of life.
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly given me some of that wisdom and strength when I needed it.Thankyou. : )
Wow, Padmaja! This is so beautiful! Pillars do represent strength I believe and this is one strong piece. The colors are exquisite, the light and shadows perfection. I am reminded a bit of surrealism as well, though exactly why I couldn't say. I'm just glad your thoughts/mindset are moving to light. Sending you hugs, sweet artist friend.
ReplyDeleteits what we beleive in , if you think a visit to a temple gives you strength then it does ..
ReplyDeletebeautiful painting
Bikram's
This is such a beautiful geometric vision.
ReplyDeleteThe warm colors, the light shining through the darkness of the corridors and the shadows do evoke and the reflect the spirituality you talk about in your post! I like the perspective too. Lovely painting!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting!The abstract design and the colors makes this great! There are a lot of us who no longer follow the teaching of our childhood. For me it had to do with what I have experienced as I grew up and away from my family and church. However, over the years, I continue to turn to the God of my understanding for comfort and support.Prayer and meditation bring me peace.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done.I agree with you about the effect of a visit to temple but only where the ambience is conducive to devotion like absence of mad crowd,noise and stifling restrictions.
ReplyDeleteThe atmosphere has been so beautifully captured. Words were not required. Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHi Padmaja. I think that whether one is religious or not, we all fell captivated by the solemnity of churches or temples, and you expressed this very well in 'Pillars of Strenght'...it is magic! Thanks for sharing. xox
ReplyDeleteI hope you do not feel that you are inside the trap with the only faraway way out. I hope it's only my simple impression.
ReplyDeleteThey never taught us religion during 70 Soviet years. That dramatically changed the state of the nation as I see it now.
beautiful painting with nice dimension
ReplyDeletethanks
This is a beautiful and powerful piece, Padmaja!! Excellent job.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful...lovely work!
ReplyDeletePadmaja, i always enjoy stopping by here and seeing what you are painting. I love the titles you choose also. They are very inspiring as are your paintings. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your very encouraging words. They are greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteBlessings. Ross
I loved your painting - incredible perspective - and love your take on life.
ReplyDeleteLoved the way you have captured the shadows in the temple. Truly love visiting temples myself. You have been a pillar of strength to your family. I wish I could be as strong as you.
ReplyDeletePadmaja - this is SO beautiful. I'm not religious (I would say more metaphysical minded) and this gives me such a feeling just from looking at it
ReplyDeleteIncredible depth, Padmaja! I love this painting!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I believe that God is omnipresent. He is with me in my studio as much as in a church. My faith is always with me. The church is for large groups to gather in the name of God.
Hi Padmaja, This painting feels realistic and abstract at the same time! I loved the colors you chose and feel like walking down the corridor - curious to see what will reveal itself in the end of it!
ReplyDeleteI am totally intrigued with this - it draws me right in and I find myself exploring each level. Very unique and creative!
ReplyDeletehey aunty! nice one :) i loved this painting... it reminded me of my visit to various temples
ReplyDeletewhat a three d effect its kinda mysterious......i can look at it for hours.
ReplyDeleteNice perspective and I like the way you painted the shadows. It has a lot of depth and mystery.
ReplyDeleteJean
This is a breathtaking painting. Full of all the awe and wonder that one feels in a large worship place. I feel like you about religion: I don't believe in exclusively following one particular practice... they all embrace goodness and joy and oneness with the universe. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you, Padmaja and hope for a wonderful , healthy New Year for us all.
ReplyDeleteYour friend,, Barbra Joan
Beautiful work...draws one right into the painting! It would be fabulous to see this in its original size.
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