Indian Mythology Illustration 1: Mahabharata
This is from the Sanskrit epic of India, the 'Mahabharata' written by Ved Vyaasa. It narrates the struggle between two groups of cousins in the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kauravas and Pandava princes and their succession.
The scene that I have illustrated is of Karna (Suryadev's son), taking of his Kavach and Kundal which were attached to his body since birth and giving it as a donation to Indradev who asked for it from him before the Great War. Karna who was always known for being a sacrificing and a giving person, ripped off the gold earings from his ears and the golden armour from his chest using a knife. With the Kavach and Kundal, Indra knew that Karna was undefeatable and would kill his son Arjun on the battlefield. Indra on seeing Karna's sacrifice, has tears in his eyes.
The scene is a powerful one depicting emotions of pain, sacrifice and regret.
Medium: Water Colour on paper
The process
Practice illustration before starting the final work
The final Illustration
Indian Mythology Illustration 2: Ramayana
This scene is from the Sanskrit epic of India, The 'Ramayana' written by Valmiki. It is the story of Prince Rama of Ayodhya, who's wife Sita, is kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is a story which acts as life lessons and proves the victory of Good over Evil.
The scene that I have illustrated is of Sita, who has been kidnapped by Ravana in Lanka. She sits under a tree filled with sorrow, waiting and praying for Rama to rescue her. While she sits there, Hanuman (the son of the wind God) comes and hides above in the tree under which Sita is sitting and waits for the guards to go so that he can hand Sita her husband, Rama's ring as a symbol of his love for her.
The illustration is stylized and the strong lines and strokes bring out the intensity of the entire scene. The illustration is painted using poster colours on a grey paper.
The Process
The Final Illustration
Thankyou!
