Thangka Painting
“Thangka" means recorded message, it is a scroll painting which can be explored like a map through visual symbols and colours.
Thangka painting is a unique form of spiritual art which has been practiced and preserved in the Himalayas for over a thousand years. Its origins lie in Indian buddhist art, over the centuries it has gained great influence from Nepalese, Kashmiri and Persian art, becoming its own style by the 7th century. ’’Thangka’’ in Tibetan means recorded message, it is a scroll painting which can be explored like a map through visual symbols and colours, leading towards spiritual insight into the dreamlike nature of all experience and reality. It is the responsibility of the artist to keep this map accurate.
The blueprint drawings of the deities are based on sacred measurement recorded in ancient scriptures at the time of great spiritual masters recieving visions. Keeping to this tradition the artists who create these spiritual paintings act as a medium for the deities to find their appearance in this world to benefit sentient beings.
The "Menri" style of Tibetan painting was founded by the revolutionary artist Manthangpa Manla Dondrub in the late 15th century. "Menri" in Tibetan means Medicine Mountain and is one of the oldest forms of thangka from which Tibetan painting has originally evolved. Vivid and vibrant colours, attention to detail while remaining spacious and simple, are characteristic of the classical "Menri" style.
Natural colors
Louis paints with Natural Stone Colours collected from kremer Pigmente . Kremer Pigmente is world renowned for its highest quality and purity standards within the field of historical pigments. The natural colour pigments are obtained from semi precious crystals, minerals and plant materials collected from many parts of the world. Louis further grinds the material to a very fine powder and mixing it with hide glue and water to create the paint. Crystals of natural pigments reflect light very strongly which enhances their brilliancy significantly. These natural substances are also well known for there healing properties and power.
Azurite is
known for its stunning blue color. Azurite features deep contrasting shades of blue, which comes from its fusion with Malachite, a closely related green mineral. In crystal healing, Azurite is
powerful when it comes to enhancing creativity and inner wisdom.
Malachite stone is a bright bluish green colour also known as mountain green. It is an ancient pigment having been found in Egyptian Tomb paintings.
Malachite healing properties are to inspire creativity and the spirit of adventure.
Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic rock. It’s is a semi precious gem stone made up by crystals of lazurite.
Lapis lazuli is a mysterious and powerful blue stone, it is known to enhance psychic abilities through awareness and intuition.
The Medicine Buddha is painted with Lapis Lazuli, bringing balance to mind and body.
Thangka paintings act as a support for meditation for anyone wishing to practice visualising a buddha, it is said that even to look upon such an image will place a positive imprint within ones mind resulting in future happiness. In Tibet the Lamas and monks would roll up the painting and travel from village to village, teaching them the meanings of the deities and mandalas, complimenting the buddha dharma philosophy.
Creating Artworks
In January 2024 Louis completed 2 large Thangka paintings. These paintings were commissioned through consultation, creating original artworks using the classical menri style along with a contemporary vision.
White Zambala
Medicine Buddha
To commission a Thangka Painting please feel free to contact Louis for further information.