Tara [artwork]

Another of my artworks, executed with ink and colored pencil on art paper.

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

Various religions within the realm of Sanatana Dharma (what the Western world collectively calls "Hinduism") view Tara as one of the many forms of the Mother Goddess, the Feminine aspect of the One, Divine Energy/Deity/Whatever'sOutThere. To those who follow one of the many forms of Buddha Dharma (especially among the Tibetan/Vajrayana schools of thought), Tara is a Bodhisattva, the embodiment of Compassion. In both Sanatana Dharma and Buddha Dharma, Tara helps the devotee to transform negativity into positive thought and action.

I intentionally wanted this artwork on the edge of the paper. For one thing, I am quirky that way. I also thought it would be unique, because everyone seems to center their drawings on the paper. Third, I am not really a true "artist," per se, and this way I wouldn't take a chance on messing up the other side of the face by not getting things evenly-matched. 😁

To begin the illustration, I outlined her form in pencil. Since I am drawing from the perspective of Sanatana Dharma, specifically Shakta, I added a multi-layered mukut (crown) on her head to represent Her supremacy and sovereignty.

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

Then I began to add the color within the outlines, using colored pencils, starting with the more pale colors...

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

Then came the darker colors and retracing the pencil lines with black ink...

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

Next came the outline of Her halo...

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

Next, I darkened the outline of the halo...

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

And finally, added the color to the halo and the mukut...

^{• ARTWORK BY ME •}

And, She is complete!

Here is a final animation, compiled by me, showing the process:

^{• ANIMATION BY ME •}

 😊

a big hug is due to @enginewitty for designing the following personal banner for me 🤗