Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji

Performed on June 23rd 2024, varnished and completed in my home-studio on July 21st 2024

It was an honor and privilege to perform this painting live on stage along with Musical Orchestra, during the celebration of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 350th coronation anniversary at Los Angeles, California.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India. He was a great visionary, warrior, charismatic  leader and administrator. Stories from his life inspirational to this day. CLICK HERE for more about Shivaji Maharaj 

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Title: Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji
Size: 48”W x 36”H x 1.5” D
Medium: Acrylic Paints
Painted on Gallery Wrapped Canvas, Varnished, Ready to Hang

Code# PK_24_002 
Available - $2000, Text me if interested 949-742-2579

Note: This is special pricing available via my blog only.

All sides are painted dark Brown as seen here.

I wanted to depict the grand personality of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on canvas. Lot of thoughts went into how I should incorporate the design to create a unique painting. And now that the painting is complete, I think I have achieved the “grandeur” successfully. 

Below are some details on the design elements that I think, make the painting successful!

In this painting, my theme and emphasis, was to paint Shivaji Maharaj with Horse, which is painted in cool color. The rest of the background is painted in contrasting warm colors, which help the eye focus on the main subject. Further, the background is unified by wavy patterns of vibrant warm colors that depict the rugged/hilly terrain of the region (Maharashtra). If you look at the painting carefully enough, you will also notice an element of asymmetry that makes a painting look very interesting. Did you already guess what is asymmetrical about this painting? 😊 If so, comment on my post and I will let you know what I had in mind about the asymmetry. 

To make it even more interesting, look at the texture closely in the overall painting. In the bottom part, the texture is due to the tissue paper (that we use for gifting) applied on canvas. The middle and top background is painted using Knife – yes, the disposable plastic knife that is typically used for lunch/dinner. 

Did you also feel a slight wind blowing when you look at the painting? Yeah.. that movement of wind is depicted by the orangish waves in the yellow part of the sky and the light and dark blue of sky as well. Even the Flag shape shows the folds showing slight winds blowing!

Shivaji Maharaj and his horse are painted using brush, but I did so by adding dark and light shades of blue. Some highlights on the horse, but more brush strokes on Shivaji’ outfit to get a feel for garment folds.

In summary: Contrast, Emphasis, Unity, Asymmetry, Pattern, Texture, Movement etc are design elements I have incorporated in this painting.

I am grateful to SMAP (Shivaji Maharaj Antarrashtriya Parivar) for providing me this opportunity.

Below are few pictures from the event.