My learning, my murals

Author: 
Vatsala
Post date: 
17 June 2020

Vatsala Rao was born in Visakhapatnam and brought up in Sindhri, Bihar (now Jharkhand). A brilliant student all through her academic career, Vatsala always stood first in her exams. She completed her Honors in Physics from Ranchi Women’s College.

Due to the untimely death of her father she had to move to Mumbai in 1981. She married Shri Prakash Rao in 1983.

Vatsala is presently living at Jaipur with her husband. She is fond of reading books, especially Agatha Christie and P. G. Wodehouse.

A homemaker, I have continuously accompanied my husband on all his postings. On reaching Kozhikode in 2012, I was very impressed by the temple mural paintings of Kerala. Being a keen painter from childhood, I decided to pursue this rare form of art.

I joined the renowned S. K. Pottekkatt Cultural Centre, Kozhikode to learn the art of mural paintings. My journey finally culminated with an exhibition of my paintings along with other emerging artists at Lalit Kala Academy, Kozhikode.

I was encouraged and mentored by Shri Francis Kodankandath, Supdt. (now Asst. Commissioner) in my learning the new art. Francis is a recipient of awards from National Academy and Kerala Lalit Kala Academy.

Kerala mural paintings are the frescoes depicting Hindu mythology and legends, which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India, principally in Kerala. These paintings generally depict Hindu deities seen in different postures. All my paintings are acrylic color on canvas, generally in size over 24” x 24”.

 
Ganesha, the Vighnaharta. Acrylic painting by Vatsala Rao

Ganesha, the Vighnaharta. This was the first painting taught at the SK Pottekkatt Cultural Centre, Kozhikode as in Hindu tradition obeisance is paid to Lord Ganesha before the start of any new work.

 
Lord Shiva sitting in a playful mood with his ganas. Acrylic painting by Vatsala Rao

Lord Shiva sitting in a playful mood with his ganas.

 
Lord Ganesha riding his vaahana, the mouse. Acrylic painting by Vatsala Rao

Lord Ganesha riding his vaahana, the mouse.

 
Lord Ganesha on throne blessing his devotees. Acrylic painting by Vatsala Rao

Lord Ganesha on throne blessing his devotees.

 
A yakshani being worshipped. Acrylic painting by Vatsala Rao

A ‘yakshani’ being worshipped.

Comments

Submitted by Manjula on June 17, 2020 - 10:13

Wonderful. Beat wishes for her future efforts.

Submitted by vatsala rao on June 19, 2020 - 15:56

Thanks You for your kind wishes.

Submitted by RAVINDRA SHARMA on June 17, 2020 - 10:16

All paintings are Fabulous 👏👏👏👏👏

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:00

Thank you. Your appreciation will encourage me in my future efforts. I am reachable on email sprao.jpr@gmail.com

Submitted by ML Shera on June 17, 2020 - 10:46

Nice paintings. I am surprised with all these art works done by you. My best wishes for your future arts.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:04

Thank you. n I actually learnt this art when my husband was posted in Kozhikode in 2012-14. I did not know this when we were in Jodhpur

Submitted by Vinayak Sharma on June 17, 2020 - 10:51

Amazing !!!

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:01

Thnak you, Vinayak. Take care

Submitted by S. K Nair on June 17, 2020 - 10:51

Your enthusiasm, dedication and achievement are really inspiring, everybody wants success but it is achieved only by the one's who make a true approach to get it, we are proud of you madam, keep going........
Please accept our congratulations for the above marvelous paintings.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:07

Thank You. It was with help from you, Naveen & Francis that I could learn this art. My regards to your wife.

Submitted by Pragnya Mishra on June 17, 2020 - 11:35

Very beautifully done. Real art..wish to see many more from you in future.

I have never seen such fine art and finishing .its beautiful..very inspiring...wonderful share.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:09

Thanks. I am really happy to be appreciated. Looking forward to see you soon

Submitted by O. P. Khadiya on June 17, 2020 - 11:44

Wonderful Paintings. Awesome.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:10

Thank You bhai sahab. Please take care

Submitted by Asha Yadav on June 17, 2020 - 12:33

Beautiful paintings !

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:12

Thank You bhabhi ji

Submitted by Sunil Sharma on June 17, 2020 - 12:45

Nice art work. All d best.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:13

thank you very much

Submitted by Tanuja Chandra on June 17, 2020 - 13:09

Such amazing paintings. What a combination of colors. Vibrant. Kudos to you Bhabhi. Just shows age is no barrier to learn new things if one has the dedication. Keep up!

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:16

Thank you very much. If you remember it was Dilip bhai sahab who had first many years ago encouraged me to take up painting.

Submitted by Pratheesh M on June 17, 2020 - 13:45

Wonderful. Super.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:17

Thank you. My regards to your family

Submitted by Piyush Misra on June 17, 2020 - 13:57

Beautiful art work! The attention to intrinsic details are truly impressive!

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:19

Thank you beta. Trust all is well in England. Please take care.

Submitted by Oosha on June 17, 2020 - 14:07

Keep up the good work

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:21

Thank you Usha. My husband tell me that you also draw very well. Love to see a painting by you also

Submitted by Anirudha Rao on June 17, 2020 - 14:10

Amazing paintings....just awesome 🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍👍👍

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:22

thank you, beta

Submitted by D K misra on June 17, 2020 - 14:25

.Nice painting. Specially colour combination are wonderful. Please continue with more painty.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:24

Thank You bhai sahab. I have heard so much about you from my hisband,Hope to meet you whenever you come to Jaipur next

Submitted by chandrashekhar s on June 17, 2020 - 14:26

The paintings are beautiful and bring to life rich heritage of our tradition. The intricate details and colours require immense patience and concentration. These are masterpieces. Kudos to you and may the almighty bless you and support you in your future endeavours

Submitted by Dr Manohar bhat on June 17, 2020 - 15:16

Fabulous paintings u are a inspiration to all the Kannadigas of jaipur congratulations and god bless

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 23, 2020 - 12:21

Thank you very much for encouragement.

Submitted by Nagamani on June 17, 2020 - 15:32

Amazing Vathsala Bhabhi. What a talented artist you are!!! Great work. Thanks for sharing, got an opportunity to see your paintings. Congratulations. Wish to see more such fabulous Murals.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 23, 2020 - 12:23

Thank You. Please take care

Submitted by Srinivas Suryakant on June 17, 2020 - 19:02

Very beautiful paintings.

Submitted by Divya on June 17, 2020 - 20:55

Absolutely gorgeous paintings. Very detailed .

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:28

Thank you beta. I am sorry we missed your marriage as I was unwell. Do visit us whenever you come to India. Give my love to Bittu

Submitted by Joseph Deepak on June 18, 2020 - 10:42

Esthetic use of colours and imagination..

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 23, 2020 - 12:24

Thank You.Please take care.

Submitted by Rajan Ratna on June 18, 2020 - 19:09

Lovely paintings..flawless and self speaking. Nice to see them even in present days. Great artistic work madam.

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 19, 2020 - 16:26

Thank you. I have heard so much about you from my husband. Do visit us whenever you come to Jaipur next

Submitted by Kishan SINGH on June 20, 2020 - 12:33

Never knew about your hidden talent & creativity.The freco paintings are indeed very professionally done.You must organize an exhibition do that larger audience can benefit. Geartiest congratulations to you & Mr SP Rao the inspiration.After all behind every successful woman there is a Man!

Submitted by Vatsala Rao on June 23, 2020 - 12:26

Thank you. I learned this style of painting when we were posted to Kerala.

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