Rama Phad Painting
A little late posting this but here goes. For Diwali this year, I painted a Phad style painting of the famous story of Rama and Sita with Lakshman crossing the river Ganga on a boat. In Ramayana, this event occurs when Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman are on their way to the forest for their exile. For this post, I want to share the story behind the painting rather that the style of painting. Please do read about the Phad style painting and my first attempt at it in my previous post here.
The story goes that Kewat (the boatman) was a clever man and being a follower of Rama wanted an opportunity to wash Rama’s feet. So when Rama asks him to ferry him across the river Ganga, Kewat tells Rama that he does not want Rama to step into his boat before he had washed Rama’s feet. When asked why, he says that he believed that his boat would turn into dust thereby putting his livelihood in jeopardy. When Rama asks him why he believes that, Kewat references a previous incident where Rama touches a rock with his toe and releases Ahalya from a curse placed on her by her husband. Kewat says he feels that if Rama can release a woman from a rock just by touching it with his toe, then his boat would turn to dust if Rama stepped in it.
Pleased with Kewat’s devotion, Rama allows him to wash his and Sita’s feet before they step on the boat. The story continues on and showcases Kewat’s character and his devoutness to Rama. It shows us how Kewat is clear in his thinking and what it means to actually embrace the lord. Instead of asking materialistic things of the Lord, Kewat asks for Rama’s blessings. In the end Lord Rama liberates him from the cycle of births and deaths.
You can read the story in detail here: http://www.bhagavatam-katha.com/ramayana-story-lord-rama-and-boatmen-kevat/
This project is not my original design. It is replicated from a painting I saw on pinterest done by…
This project was done on a readymade box frame. On my trips to craft and home decor stores, I try to pick up items in wood with surfaces that I like for my painting projects, items like wide photo frames, trays, boxes, cheese boards, etc. They are readymade, finished, and sometimes of good quality wood, so they take paint and stains well.
I am fascinated by the artistry and skill of miniature paintings done in watercolors and acrylics. I have been trying to push myself to design smaller size pieces and challenge myself with trying to paint minute details precisely. It has been difficult keeping the brushstrokes thin especially on the outlines. This one is by no means miniature but it is a small size piece (7.5in x 4.25in excluding frame). Although difficult, I have loved it and I have learnt that having the micro brushes makes a big difference. Still, it has been challenging to get thin even lines. If anyone has any input on how to effectively use micro brushes to get thin paint lines, please drop me a line.
Phad paintings although not known as a painting style having minute details, still has specific details that make the painting easily recognizable. Do read about the Phad style of painting from Rajasthan, India. It is very unique and tells many stories from Indian mythology and Indian culture.