The first step is to prepare the canvas. Cotton cloth is sewn into a bamboo frame inside a heavier wooden frame and a size is applied to the material to create a durable 'canvas'. After each coat the canvas is rubbed with a smooth object to remove excess liquid. When dry, this process is repeated until the artist is satisfied with the result. The main axes of the painting are drawn and the requested deities sketched in, lastly the landscape is composed.
Natural pigments ground by hand are applied, the background colours first.
Wet and dry shading is undertaken to provide a sense of depth.
Outlining and gold are part of the finishing touches. The gold is burnished and lastly the eyes are painted in. The painting is then stitched into a brocade material frame. Thangkas are painstakingly hand crafted and depending on the size and complexity one small painting may take upwards of two months to complete.
Symbolism
Ancient texts, or sadhanas, describe in detail the attributes, colours and symbolism of each deity. Thangka painting is an exact art form, and requires much precision and accuracy to depict spiritually worthy paintings.
Thangkas represent the visual interpretations of buddhist ideals and visions, and
are inherently symbolic. Symbolism can be found in the colours, implements, gestures and postures of the deities. Some of the most common elements of Buddha Sakyamuni are outlined below.
The positions of the hands (mudra) and the postions of the body (asanas) all convey meaning. The traditional pose of Buddha sitting in vajra or lotus position is symbolic of his meditations. Similarly the hands placed in his lap also symbolise his deep meditational state. His alms bowl on his lap is one of the few possessions a monk is allowed, and acts as a reminder to remain impartial from the materialistic world, being content with what one is offered and thus overcoming want and greed.
The aura (body halo) and the nimbus (halo around head) represent the radiant energy of enlightenment, and are semi circular in wrathful manifestations the aura of enlightenment is depicted as a halo of fiery flames.
 A note on my recent work. Since 2003 I have been drawn to creating a more contemporary expression, combining a mixture of my buddhist faith, my own ideas, beliefs and messages to the world. I have especially been drawn to trying to portray aspects of spirituality and add another dimension to the art scene. Although i have no formal training in modern art, i have put my traditional skills toward a different creative use and enjoyed the freedom of expression immensely. I have used prepared canvases and water based oils and acrylics in most pictures. See the gallery for examples of recent work.
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