Samudra Manthan in Kerala Mural

About the Workshop

Create a traditional style Kerala Mural painting of ‘Samudra Manthan in Kerala Mural’ with master native artist Mr. Saju M.P

Paint this mesmerizing painting in a traditional art form. Mr. Saju M.P, will take you through the process of creating this beautiful painting using the right traditional motifs and techniques.

"Samudra Manthan in Kerala Mural" : This Kerala mural vividly depicts the legendary episode of Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean by Devas and Asuras in search of Amrita, the nectar of immortality. At the center stands Lord Vishnu in his divine form, symbolizing preservation and balance, while Goddess Lakshmi, who emerged from the ocean, is shown seated gracefully on a lotus, representing wealth and prosperity. The Devas and sages, with folded hands, embody devotion and dharma, while the Asuras and attendants reflect worldly ambition and desire. The serpent Vasuki, stretched across the scene, serves as the churning rope, signifying the energy and struggle inherent in creation. Below, Vishnu’s Kurma avatar supports Mandara parvat as a steady foundation, symbolizing endurance and stability. The swirling ocean waves and emerging treasures emphasize the richness of the universe born from divine effort. Together, this mural harmoniously combines mythological narrative and aesthetic brilliance, making it a timeless representation of Kerala’s mural tradition.

Saju's artwork serves as a catalyst for deeper cultural understanding and appreciation, inviting viewers to reflect on the significance of Kerala's diverse heritage and the ongoing contributions of its tribal communities to the region's cultural landscape.

In this 4-week workshop, create your masterpiece, learning the techniques and history of this beautiful art form. You can attend live Zoom sessions where you interact with the master artist and other participants, learning not only the art form in depth but also more about the culture of the region. A structured classroom with step-wise instructions, pictures, and recorded videos will be available after the session on Google Classroom

This is a great opportunity to learn the motifs, techniques, and history of this ancient art form. Sign up for the workshop today!

Theme: Samudra Manthan in Kerala Mural
Dates: 29th Dec.to 23rd Jan 2026
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM IST (Mon to Fri.)
Duration: 20 sessions (21 hours approx.)
Original Price: ₹4500

Materials Needed

Material Needed:
-20*26 Inches approx. or A2 size Thick Paper/Canvas
- Pencils / Eraser / Sharpener
- Black Color Pen / Thin Marker
- Acrylic Colors - Ochre Yellow, Permanent Yellow Medium, Permanent Blue Light, Prussian blue, Cobalt blue, Cadmium Red, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Cadmium Orange, Sap Green, Olive green, Crimson red, Indian red, Scarlet red, Vermilion hue red, black, white.
- Long Hair Brushes: 000, 2, 5,4,6,8

- Flat brush: 0,1,2,3

- Pallet
- Bowl of Water
- Old Cloth

(Basic Sketch Would Be Provided As Pre-Work For Tracing/Sketching)

Note: The artist will give an individual output in this painting, with variations in the colours.

Learning Objectives and Modules:

In this workshop, participants will learn about the intricate traditional techniques of Kerala Mural art, focusing on washing methods and various shading and outlining styles. The history of the art form and the significance of its motifs will be explored in detail. Attendees will gain hands-on experience with all the techniques used in creating Kerala Mural paintings, including a step-by-step drawing and painting tutorial with detailed voiceovers. Throughout the process, the artist will provide guidance, support, and answer any questions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this traditional art form.

Workshop is divided in 15 sessions / modules:
First two stages of Kerala Mural - Lekhya Karma and Rekha Karma (sketching and outlining) is already done if pre-sketch is provided and you can follow that if you are beginner. We will follow with other steps in the workshop

Module 1 and 2: Washing ornaments and some parts of dresses
Module 3: Continue washing of ornaments & and some area of the dress
Module 4: Giving of the two coat of the base color
Module 5: Starting of the Outlining with red

Module 6: Continuing of the outlining with same red

Module 7: Continuing of the outlining with same red

Module 8: Completing of the red outlining

Module 9: Start Washing and Shading of Gods

Module 10: Washing and shading on the Gods

Module 11: Washing and shading continue:

Module 12: Washing, outlining and shading

Module 13:Washing, outlining and shading continue

Module 14: Continue the shading and detailing.

Module 15: Continue the shading and detailing on the other detail elements
Module 16: Washing and Shading of background

Module 17: Completing Shading, detailing of background.

Module 18 : Continue the shading and detailing on the other detail elements

Module 19: Completing the detailing and starting "Muzhukkidal" or "Muricidal

Module 20: Finishing up with "Muricidal using black outlining and Complete the painting: In today's session we'll complete"Muzhukkidal" or "Muricidal process

About the Master Artist

Mr. Saju. M.P. comes from a lineage of Kerala Mural artists. His work can be seen in the temples (Guruvayoor) and churches of Kerala. He is also actively involved in the restoration work of Kerala Murals to preserve this heritage art.

Image Source and Disclaimers

Disclaimer for the art workshop:

The artist will make the painting in the standard size, and it is recommended to use the same size. However, participants may choose other sizes as per their convenience and seek artist guidance in live sessions to manage the artwork in their chosen size of canvas.
Artist typically the brushes at their convenience as they have years of experience. Participants may choose the brush size as per their convenience and level of expertise, and seek artist guidance in the live sessions.
Artists use the sample image as a reference image for teaching purposes only. They typically provide their interpretation and variations to make a unique artwork. Sample image is not copied as it is and Catterfly provides the due credit to the original artist (wherever available) in our marketing communications.

*Source*