Varinder and Bavraj

Varinder and Bavraj’s stunning Anand Karaj wedding ceremony at Gurdwara Guru Panth Parkash, Leicester. I absolutely loved Varinder’s shorter-style wedding lengha and Bavraj’s detailed sherwani (overcoat). I’ve painted the happy couple setting off on their journey together, around the holy scripture at first and henceforth.

Painting this 18”x24” canvas in portrait orientation allowed me to add a lot of detail to both the portraits and the background. There’s plenty of pattern in this ceremonial Diwan Hall; the carpet, the aisle carpet, the mat in front of the Palki, the overhanging chanani and the rumalla covering the holy book all bear intricate pattern. I simplified these, though I feel the painting is still very detailed.

The parts I felt needed extra special attention were the bride and groom’s beautiful outfits, the Punjabi across the front of the chanani and the Khanda symbol, which I tried to make very crisp to stand out at the front of the Palki railings.

I used a lot of deep red and gold to give the painting a regal, timeless look to match the majesty of this precious moment.