Now that exams are over, I finally have a chance to make a Pattachitra after a long long time. This is Ananta Basudeba, four-handed human representation of Balabhadra worshipped during Anasara. 
The pen outlining is done. Now for tracing it onto another sheet.
Fun Fact : This is one of the rare examples where a Pattachitra shows a figure straight-front. Otherwise, Pattachitras prefer a profile view. This however, is a painting meant for worship and hence needs to be 'complete', which is why Balabhadra is drawn from the frontal angle.
Nothing feels (or for that matter, smells) as good as some fresh art supplies.
The tipanā (ଟିପଣା) is done. The word tipana is used for the process of making a well-defined skeletal sketch on the canvas. I just copied my sketch from the rough sheet onto the final paper using some carbon paper. Should have used a finer technical pencil though.
Next step done : this is the part called 'Hingula Banaka' = 'filling in the red'. Red is traditionally used for the background in Pattachitras.
Sankha Banaka : 'filing in the white'. Balabhadra is white, so that's that. More generally, this step can be called just 'Ranga Banaka'. The point is to fill in the torsos and figures. We'll then move on to the clothes and jewellery.
Next is Luga Pindha (ଲୁଗାପିନ୍ଧା) : the dress. Balabhadra wears a characteristic blue garment. Earlier, various stones were ground to obtain these colours.
Gahana Lagi (ଗହଣା ଲାଗି) is the step in which all ornaments are painted in a chrome yellow shade. Pattachitra shows ornaments half-white (pearl-studded) and half-yellow (gold).
This is where we begin to reach the final detailing. The thick outlines are drawn in black first. It is called Mota Kala (ମୋଟା କଳା). Finer detailing is done next, called Saru Kala (ସରୁ କଳା). I still have to fill in some elements.
Gahana Kuta (ଗହଣା କୁଟା) involves finer detailing on the ornaments. I also did some highlights in white (the tassels) and gold (they used real gold foil in the earlier times).
It is done at last. Here is Ananta Basudeba. I added a note at the bottom like they used to do in illustrated palm leaf manuscripts earlier.
Done at last. :D
Done at last. :D
I should probably use a varnish or a glossy protective coating to protect it from everything. Any suggestions from experts? @abhiertigibbet @BijayBiswaal
