Tsomgo Lake

This stunning piece of art has been created by the artist Akanksha, for The Cuckoo’s Nest. It is a vibrant and evocative acrylic painting of Tsomgo Lake, also famously known as Changu Lake, a natural wonder in Gangtok, Sikkim. It’s not just a painting but a beautiful capture of a moment in the high Himalayas.
The artist has skilfully used acrylic colours to bring this landscape of Tsomgo Lake to life, focusing on the lake’s appearance during the summer season when it is not frozen.

Your eyes are immediately drawn to the dramatic sky. Dark grey clouds hover overhead, suggesting the moody, changeable weather of the high-altitude region. This creates a sense of awe and raw nature. The background is dominated by the snow-capped Himalayas. The artist has employed an intricate knife-work technique to create the texture of the snow on the peaks. This gives the mountains a sharp, realistic, and three-dimensional feel.

The star of the painting is the lake itself. The water is painted as perfectly still, acting as a flawless mirror that creates a “wonderful reflection” of the snow-laden peaks and the moody sky. To achieve this depth and clarity, the artist used a masterful combination of black, blue and white colours.
This artwork is more than just a beautiful landscape; it’s a portrait of a location steeped in significance. Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake located at a breathtaking elevation of 12,313 feet. It is not just a tourist spot, but a place held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people.

The lake’s surface famously reflects different colours as the seasons change. This quality is so profound that, historically, Buddhist monks would study the changing colors of the lake to make forecasts and prophecies.
Akanksha, has captured the essence of this sacred place, presenting its serene summer beauty while hinting at the deep, mystical power it holds. It’s a snapshot of a revered natural marvel, frozen in time with acrylics and a palette knife.