Sustained Investigation #14

Sustained Investigation #15: “Kumari”

Watercolours on Watercolour paper

15” x 12”

My painting depicts the desired traits of the Nepalese Kumari. Kumari are the living goddesses of Nepal, worshiped as the vessels of their goddess Taleju. Throughout most religions there is usually a disconnect from deities, something untouchable, so I found this aspect of Nepalese culture to be particularly fascinating. Kumari are chosen for carrying the traits of the goddess, a young and pure girl with unblemished skin, large dark eyes, eyebrows of the cow, thighs like the deer, and sonorous voice. This goddess encompasses the desire and deep culture of the Nepalese people. completed this piece using watercolours on watercolour paper. For this piece, I wanted to focus on patterns and more stylized art- trying to emulate the non-realism of Nepalese deity depictions. After a granite outline, I started with the base of red (as even Kumari skin is dyed red) before adding another layer of more detailed graphite lines determining the pattern of the dress and mixing colours for the skin. Once I had the pattern laid out I began darkening values. For the background I started with a black outline around Taleju's arms before darkening the blacks and adding a suggestion of celestial qualities to the background. For my next project I would like to work on expanding materials and style.