Tanjore (or Thanjavur or Thanjavoor) paintings have a very rich heritage. This style of painting has been followed widely by the people in Southern Tamil Nadu for the past two centuries. The art flourished in Tanjavoor, pronounced Tanjore, the capital city of the Chola dynasty, and thus got its name. Maratha princes, Nayaks of Vijaynagar dynasty, Rajus communities of Tanjore and Trichi and Naidus of Madurai patronized the art of Tanjore painting from 16 to 18th centuries. Tanjore paintings are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. This art is sacred and dedicated. The paintings are notable for their adornment in the form of semi-precious stones, pearls, glass pieces and gold. The rich vibrant colors, dashes of gold, semi-precious stones and fine artistic work are characteristics of these paintings. They add beauty and culture to a variety of surroundings and décor. The paintings are mostly of Gods and Goddesses because this art of painting flourished at a time when fine-looking and striking temples were being constructed by rulers of several dynasties. The figures in these paintings are large and the faces are round and divine.
Tracing its roots to the historical golden era of the early 18th century, Tanjore artwork is one of the many indigenous art forms for which India is noted. Originating in Tanjore about 300 kms from Chennai( Madras), which was the then capital of the Gupta empire, this form of art developed at the height of cultural evolvement achieved during that period.
Crafted with meticulous care the Thanjavoor (Tanjore) pictures are unique. What sets them apart from Indian paintings in general are the embellishments made over the basic drawings with precious and semi-precious stones as well as the relief work which gives them a three dimensional effect. The pictures are of various sizes, ranging from huge works spanning whole walls to small miniatures no longer than 6-inch square.
The paintings decorate the puja rooms in residences, orcades in major hotels and lobbies in Corporate Offices. They also make nice gifts for Diwali, Weddings and other special occasions.

Oil painting is the process of painting with pigments that are bound with a medium of drying oil — especially in early modern Europe, linseed oil. Often an oil such as linseed was boiled with a resin such as pine resin or even frankincense; these were called 'varnishes' and were prized for their body and gloss. Other oils occasionally used include poppy seed oil, walnut oil, and safflower oil. These oils confer various properties to the oil paint, such as less yellowing or different drying times. Certain differences are also visible in the sheen of the paints depending on the oil. Painters often use different oils in the same painting depending on specific pigments and effects desired. The paints themselves also develop a particular feel depending on the medium.
Although oil paint was first used in western Afghanistan sometime between the fifth and ninth centuries, it did not gain popularity until the 15th century. Its practice may have migrated westward during the Middle Ages. Oil paint eventually became the principal medium used for creating artworks as its advantages became widely known. The transition began with Early Netherlands painting in northern Europe, and by the height of the Renaissances oil painting techniques had almost completely replaced tempera paints in the majority of Europe.

Canvas is a heavy-duty fabric usually made of cotton. It has a simple weave and is ideal as a base of paintings. A gesso coated canvas is stretched across a wooden frame before it is used for paintings.
Earlier linen canvas was popular but by the turn of the 19 th centuy cotton canvas gained popularity. However linen is still preffered by professional artists because cooton strtches more than linen.
Most canavases were/are primer coated to make them smoother and easier to paint on. However most modern painters take advantage of both the canvas texture as well as those of the paint itself. This is stark contrast to the Rennaissance painters who would take great pains not to show the texture.
Most painters will agree that oil on canvas is the best way to paint. Not only is it very user friendly, it' extremely durable too. The colors come out wonderfully well and each brushstroke is visible, and is sometimes accentuated. Modern Painters use the texture of canvas to the best possible effect too. Some of the best know canvas paintings are as follows

• Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night
• Salvador Dali's Persistence of Memory
• Picasso's Guernica
• Van Gogh's Sunflowers

Glass paintings or glass engravings as they are sometimes known, typically comprise of an engraving laid down on the back of the glass, and painted from the reverse. The effect is one of stunning clarity and rich color ideally serving as a connoisseur's delight. Glass as a medium of art allows tremendous freedom to express oneself.
Glass painting is a form of art, which has evolved and gained prominence in the recent past. Glass painting basically involves painting on tinted glass that miraculously transforms a plain piece of lifeless glass, into a wonderful piece of art. It's effects can be amplified if placed under proper lighting. The images, diverse in subject matter, all unique and individual in character are outlined. They are then painted using special paints. Embedding with semi-precious stones, beaten gold leaf or glitters can enhance the look.
Glass painting is similar to drawing than painting. The colors tend to be water or gum based and can be applied in a method similar to the way watercolors are applied. The paints are mostly fired onto the glass using a kiln. The heat of the kiln causes them to bond permanently with the glass. These attractive paintings can be done to enhance the look of showpieces, coasters, napkin holders, cutlery, wall hangings, etc. Decorated with a blend of sparkling light, the beauty of glass paintings is par excellence.

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Wood carving is a form of working wood by means of a cutting tool held in the hand (this may be a power tool), resulting in a wooden figure or figurine (this may be abstract in nature) or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object. The phrase may also refer to the finished product, from individual sculptures, to hand-worked mouldings composing part of a tracery.
For a complete history of wood carving, see history of wood carving. Some of the finest extant examples of early wood carving are from the Middle Ages in Italy and France, where the typical themes of that era were Christian iconography. In England many complete examples remain from the 16th and 17th century, where oak was the preferred medium in this case
Figural carving seems to have been widespread. The carving to represent one's god in a tangible form finds expression in numberless ways. The early carver, and, for that matter, the native of the present day, has found a difficulty in giving expression to the eye, and at times has evaded it by inlaying this feature with colored material.

Portrait painting is a genre in painting, where the intent is to depict the visual appearance of the subject. Beside human beings, animals, pets and even inanimate objects can be chosen as the subject for a portrait. In addition to portrait painting, portraits can also be made in other media such as marble, bronze, ivory, wood, ceramic, etching, lithography, photography, even video and digital media.
The term 'portrait painting' can also describe the actual painted portrait. Portraitists create their work by commission, for public and private persons, or are inspired by admiration or affection for the subject. Portraits are often important state and family records, as well as remembrances. If an artist portrays him- or herself, the result is called a self-portrait. Historically, portrait paintings have primarily memorialized the rich and powerful. Over time, however, it became more common for middle-class patrons to commission portraits of their families and colleagues. Today, the portrait painting is still commissioned by governments, corporations, groups, clubs, and individuals.

Mural paintings are the frescos depicting mythology and legends, which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India, principally in Kerala. Ancient temples, churches and palaces in Kerala , South India, display an abounding tradition of mural paintings mostly dating back between the 9th to 12th centuries CE when this form of art enjoyed Royal patronage.