The Mysore style of paintings, like the Tanjaur style, is a distinct art form that dates back to 1525 A D, and had flourished during the days of  Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. It has since seen many ups and downs, more downs than ups, until a group of young artists of Mysore, notably M Girijia,  chose to put it in the arts gallery circuit.  Ms Girija’s work has been exhibited in Bangalore, Singapore, New Jersey and New York City.

The Mysore style is characterized by intricate use of colours and fine relief work, with a thin gold foil to embellish the artwork. The paintings generally depict the Hindu deities and themes taken from mythology. – (Source: ‘The Hindu’, Oct.17, 2005)

PS: Wouldn’t it be appropriate to organize an exhibition of Mysore paintings, and also other work by artists from and around Mysore during ‘dasara’? Weather permitting , such community exhibits are best displayed in make-shift panels, placed along a tree-lined boulevard ,  prompting passing tourists to pause and take a stroll to view the paintings on display. Mysore could also do with a designated pavement stretch, where painters, photographers and other artists could display their work on a regular basis, during weekends.