Diwali is always a time for shopping, whether it is new things for us and our homes or gifts for friends and family. So this time in our ‘Affordable Art’ series, we’re here with a selection of Diwali paintings I love.
Artwork is a great way to dress up the walls of your home. I’m not a fan of blank walls. Every blank wall, to me, is an opportunity to tell a story… your own story. A piece of art that moves me and speaks volumes to me might say nothing at all to you. In this way, artwork can be very personal, and your choice of art on your walls goes a long way in making your home ‘yours’.
In fact, I wouldn’t really gift a piece of art to someone I didn’t know well. I would do so only if I was confident that I knew the person’s taste, had seen their home and could judge what would fit in. Which means artwork makes a great gift for close friends and family. And Diwali being the season of gifting, here’s my list of Diwali paintings to choose from.
Diwali Paintings:
Festivals, to me, are always about people, places and the symbols and customs associated with them. And so that is how I’ve categorised the Diwali paintings I’ve picked.
The People:
Festivals would have no meaning without the people to celebrate them with. Actually, come to think of it, not much in life would!
And how do these people celebrate Diwali? If you are a woman, you most likely start out by decorating your home… and then getting dressed up yourself! It’s the only time of the year I pull out my sarees and I could relate to each of these paintings of women dressing up for the day. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a princess or the lady next door.
Or even a child actually.
Getting ready is as important a ritual as any other on Diwali day!
As is meeting friends and family and celebrating with them!
I loved this happy picture of these elephants dressed up for Diwali too!
The Places:
Diwali is one Indian festival where we spend as much time dressing up our ‘places’ as our selves. Homes, shops, offices are all cleaned up and decorated with flowers. Bungalows, buildings and malls all glitter with fairy lights. It’s a festival that comes not just to your home, but the entire city.
These colourful cities, for instance, look like a festival waiting to happen.
And then there is the Diwali mela. Loads of food stalls, shopping with games and shows… I’m sure everyone has been to at least one of these in their lifetime.
Diwali is also about moonless nights twinkling with a thousand diyas and a million stars.
Most of all, Diwali is about a prayer of thanks for the blessings and good fortune He (She?) has showered upon us all year.
The Symbols & Customs:
These paintings are literally symbolic of our festivals and rituals, like this auspicious tulsi plant dressed up with Diwali diyas, or this Sri-Yantra.
Paisleys… not associated with any customs or rituals, but a traditional motif often used in traditional wear and decor. Paisleys are my all-time favourites, whether in clothes, decor, mehendi designs… or artwork!
And then these bright motifs which mean nothing at all. But the bright colours and shapes immediately make me think ‘festival’!
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So these, then, are my favourite Diwali paintings of this season for you. I love the bright colours and sense of festivity in each of these. I think they would brighten up any corner of your home and also your mood whenever and wherever you use them.
Let me know your favourites and if you pick any for yourself. And wishing you a very Happy Diwali… as bright as each one of these paintings!
You can take a look at the rest of our paintings in the ‘Affordable Art’ series by clicking here.
Until next time,
