They Started as Beginners. Here’s How Their Balaji Paintings Turned Out
Written by
Swathi Katta
Learning to create a Lord Balaji Tanjore painting is a big undertaking, especially when you’re starting as a beginner. Over more than two months, students learn through every stage - from preparing the board and building the gesso work to applying the gold foil, painting, and finishing touches. It’s a detailed process, and everyone experiences it differently. Here are some of our students sharing what learning their Lord Balaji painting was like, in their own words.
Sweety M: From Admiring the Work to Creating Her Own
Sometimes, the decision to learn begins with simply admiring someone else’s work.
Sweety had been following our page for almost a year and had been fascinated by the work she saw. Eventually, she decided it was time to try creating a Tanjore painting herself.
“I came across this page from last one year and really fascinated to see her work. So thought to take classes…”
Seeing the painting come together
For a beginner, taking on a large Balaji painting can feel very different from simply looking at a finished one. There are many stages, and the painting slowly takes shape over several weeks.
For Sweety, seeing that process come together in her own work was the highlight.
“…the out come of the class it so wonderful that my balaji frame is looking awesome.”
What began as admiration had turned into something she had created herself.
Wanting to learn more
And finishing the painting didn't make Sweety want to stop. If anything, it made her curious about what she could create next.
“Thinking to do some more classes next year.”
Her Balaji painting became a first step into exploring more of Tanjore painting.
Priyadarshini: A Balaji Painting with a Special Place in Her Home
For Priyadarshini, this Balaji painting was always meant to be more than another artwork.
She had waited almost two years to get a slot to learn Venkateshwara Swamy, and she knew exactly where she wanted her finished painting to go: the pooja room in her new home.
Two years of waiting, 2.5 months of creating
After finally getting her opportunity, Priyadarshini spent the next 2.5 months learning and working on her painting.
Looking back, she describes the experience as one of the best times she has spent creating something.
“The entire 2.5 months I spent with you guys has got to be one of the best times I’ve ever spent creating something this beautiful.”
The detailed nature of the course made the long process feel worthwhile for her.
“Each and every step was explained and shown so beautifully that we had no confusion, and when everything came together by the end, every single second I’d spent just became so worth it.”
A painting for her new home
But perhaps what makes Priyadarshini's painting especially meaningful is where it will live.
This wasn't simply a painting she wanted to learn. It was created specifically for the pooja room of her new home.
After waiting so long to learn Venkateshwara Swamy, she now has a painting that will remain part of her home for years to come.
“This is, by far, my most cherished and favourite art piece, something that’ll stay close to my heart forever.”
Something she wants to return to
The experience also left Priyadarshini wanting to continue learning.
She credits Yashu, Vibha ma’am and Spurthy for being there throughout the process and helping her do her best.
“You guys are truly the best out there, and I honestly wouldn’t want to learn this from anyone else.”
And she isn't planning for Balaji to be her last painting.
“You’ll definitely see me come back for a different one in the coming days.”
Meena B: When Two Hours a Week Became Something to Look Forward To
For Meena, the memorable part wasn't only the finished Balaji painting. It was how much she enjoyed the process of learning it.
Three teachers, three different strengths
Meena's review speaks about each member of the teaching team in a very personal way.
She remembers Vibha for her knowledge and honesty, Yashaswini for being hands-on, and Spurthy for bringing energy and passion into the classes.
“Vibha, with her overwhelming knowledge and complete honesty when teaching, Yashaswini, the young but extremely hands on expert, and the bubbly Spurthy who brings passion into every class…”
For her, these different qualities came together to make the classes engaging.
The classes became something to look forward to
Learning a large Tanjore painting takes time. With two classes each week, there is plenty of opportunity to practise, continue the work and slowly see the painting develop.
Meena found herself genuinely looking forward to that rhythm.
“I couldn’t wait each week for the classes…”
And when the course finally ended, she found herself wishing it hadn't.
“…I was so disappointed when the classes finally got over…”
A painting to take home
Of course, there was a beautiful reward at the end of all those weeks.
“And not to mention the gorgeous Balaji painting that I was left with at the end of it all!”
For Meena, the finished painting was special—but so was everything that happened along the way.
Sahana V: Creating Something She Was Genuinely Proud Of
For Sahana, the journey was about more than learning techniques. It was about having the guidance and patience to create something she could genuinely be proud of.
Learning with patience and detail
Sahana appreciated the care that went into teaching each stage of the painting.
“Your guidance, patience, and detailed teaching have helped me create something I’m genuinely proud of.”
When you're learning a detailed traditional art form for the first time, having someone guide you through the process can make a big difference.
Taking the techniques forward
Beyond the finished painting, Sahana valued the knowledge she gained throughout the course.
“I’m truly thankful for all the knowledge and techniques you have shared with me.”
The painting becomes the finished piece, but the techniques learnt along the way become part of what a student carries forward.
Seeing the final Balaji
After working through all the stages, Sahana was thrilled with the result.
“The final output of my Lord Balaji Tanjore painting has been outstanding, and I’m so happy with how beautifully it turned out.”
For her, the finished painting was a reminder of just how far she had come.
“It was such a wonderful learning experience!”
Four Students. Four Different Journeys.
Four students. Four Balaji paintings. Four very different experiences.
For Sweety, it was turning a year of admiration into her own painting. Priyadarshini found joy in creating a painting that would become part of her new home. Meena looked forward to every class, while Sahana finished the course feeling genuinely proud of what she had created.
They all started with the same course, but each one left with something uniquely their own.
Because at the end of 11 weeks, it wasn't just a Balaji painting anymore.
It was their Balaji painting.
More blog articles
No Tanjore Painting Experience? That’s Exactly How Madumathi Started
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What It’s Really Like to Learn Saraswati Tanjore Painting in a Studio: Inside Our Students’ Journey
What does it really feel like to learn Saraswati Tanjore painting in a studio? Our students share their experiences, from learning the basics and mastering intricate details to watching their paintings come to life.
The Painting Was Finished. Meena Wasn’t Ready to Stop.
Meena came to learn Balaji, but the journey became about much more than the finished painting. Over 11 weeks, she watched her artwork take shape, looked forward to every class, and finished the course already waiting for the next one.
What our students say
Hear from students who've learned the art of Tanjore painting with us.
