Krishna Leela: The Flute Melody

Krishna playing his flute amidst gopis and cows, showcasing his divine charm.

Canvas Preparation

• Base Fabric: Cotton canvas, hand-stretched

• Surface Coating: A mix of

  • Chalk powder (sankha churna)

  • Boiled tamarind seed gum

• The surface is polished using coconut shell or smooth stone for a fine, glossy finish.

2. Natural Pigments

• Blue (Krishna’s complexion): Derived from indigo plant leaves

• Yellow (Krishna’s attire, cow horns): From haritala (natural yellow mineral) or organic turmeric

• Red (Gopis’ sarees, background florals): From hingula (cinnabar)

• White (Cows, eyes, ornaments): Made from ground conch shell powder

• Black (Outlines, flute): From lamp soot or burnt coconut shells

• Green (Pasture, forest): From leaf extracts (like neem or spinach)

All pigments are mixed with natural tamarind seed gum for binding and color stability.

3. Brushes

• Handmade brushes from squirrel or mongoose hair, tied to thin bamboo sticks

• Used for intricate work like:

  • Facial features

  • Ornamental detailing

  • Fine borders and divine symbols

4. Decorative Borders

• Traditional floral creepers, lotus motifs, and rhythmic designs

• Painted in symmetry to maintain spiritual harmony and flow

5. Protective Coating

• Sealed with natural lacquer or shellac resin for:

  • Long-lasting shine

  • Moisture resistance

  • Color preservation