When Vitthala Returned to My Art Table
A year between two Warli paintings
Last Ashada Ekadashi, I drew Lord Vitthala in Warli art almost on an impulse.
The artwork was shared on Instagram and automatically found its way to Pinterest. I never imagined that this simple drawing would quietly become one of the most-loved pieces on RevArtTales. Months later, it continues to reach thousands of people who are searching for Vitthala and Ashada Ekadashi.
That little painting reminded me of something important.
Sometimes, an artwork finds its own audience.
This year, as Ashada Ekadashi is here once again, I didn’t want to simply share the same painting. I wanted to return to Vitthala with fresh eyes.
So I drew Him again.
The familiar stance remains, the hands resting confidently on the waist, the calm presence that devotees instantly recognise. But this time I allowed myself to spend more time with the details. The ornaments became richer, the lines more confident and the composition reflected a year of growing comfort with Warli-inspired storytelling.
The two paintings now sit beside each other in my journey.
One reminds me where I began. The other reminds me that every artwork leaves us a little different from where we started.
Warli art has traditionally celebrated the rhythm of everyday life, festivals and community. Through this painting, I simply wanted to celebrate a festival that has inspired millions of devotees for centuries.
I like to think that somewhere between the clean white lines and the earthy background, Vitthala smiles back.
And perhaps that is why I enjoy returning to familiar subjects.
Not to repeat them, but try again differently or with more details. And to discover how much I have changed between one Ashada Ekadashi and the next.
A Quiet Lesson from Pinterest
One unexpected surprise came from the first Vitthala artwork.
Without any promotion, it slowly gathered thousands of impressions on Pinterest and continues to reach new viewers. It reminded me that art has a life of its own once we share it. Sometimes the paintings we spend weeks creating are quietly overtaken by one we drew in an evening. And that is part of the joy of sharing our work.
Instead of replacing that first Vitthala, I wanted to create another one.
Art doesn’t always move in straight lines. Sometimes it comes full circle.
From My Art Desk
This artwork was created using the same simple tools I reach for whenever I work on Warli-inspired pieces. A red / maroon a4 size cardstock, a Apsara white pencil and Gelly Roll pens. And the quiet pleasure of drawing one careful line at a time.
Here are the links to these supplies:
Would you tell me which Vitthala speaks to you more?
Vitthala 2025 or 2026?
I would love to read your comments here!
P.S : Do read the Dashavatar in Warli art here. The individual images are on my Pinterest page.
