Painting

The Indian art of painting has many dimensions to it. Different styles and patterns conjure up an entire motley of works on a variety of materials. Different techniques are used to produce the most exquisite of designs and works. The colors used are vibrant and the themes range from the times of kings and rulers to the Gods and Goddesses. Most of these paintings are intricate with clarity in the minutest detail.

Thanka Painting from Leh in Ladhak revolves around Buddha and ritual worship. The figures flow and the forms of the dragons dominate. Thanka paintings, made of cloth, are popular for their brilliant color display as wall hangings.

The Glass Painting technique dates back to the courts of 16th century and Maharajas of Tanjore. A piece of ply is covered with cloth, which is then treated with lime. The required images are outlined, after which semi-precious stones, beaten gold leaf and gilt metal are stuck on the image with a mixture of sawdust and glue. The skill of the craftsman lies in balancing the effect of the stones.

The Kalamkari technique of painting involves drawing outlines with burnt tamarind twigs dipped in molasses and iron fillings. The vegetables dyes of deep shades are used to create epic scenes. With repeated but subdued coloring processes, a sober but fine effect is achieved. The finished product recalls with vigor the mythological themes that are depicted and the pictures pulsate with larger than life figures. The immense scope of expression ensures that no two panels are alike.

The Pata Chitra Painters are attached to the family of Jagganath Temple of Puri. In this tradition the cloth, cotton or tussar, is coated with a mixture of chalk, tamarind seed and gum giving the surface a leathery finish. These are also drawn on palm leaves. 'Sroll' painting is perhaps one of the oldest traditions in painting. A 'sroll' literally means a parchment. In this technique, a pictorial account of the deities and miracles are depicted. The lines are distinct and vibrant colors are used. It is practised by a select group of families at Warangal. Such delicate lines are invested in the paintings which sometimes miss the naked eye.

Phad Painting is done by phad painters belonging to a family of phad painters of Bhilwara in Rajasthan. The themes, usually depicting historic tales of Rajput Chieftains are painted on long cloth lengths. The outlines of the paintings are first drawn in block and later filled with colors.

Ivory Painting involves highly delicate brush work, preparations of the colors from crushed stone; and fine lines of a human figure. The ivory is first treated and made plain. Outlines of the image, usually of a Mughal emperor, are drawn and delicately filled with color. Madhubani paintings are a speciality of Bihar. The art form was discovered in 18th century. Initially drawn on walls, today this painting has found its way to handmade paper and cloth. Straight lines are drawn and these are filled in with bright and vibrant colors.

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