“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary”- Pablo Picasso. The Spanish painter very rightly described “painting” in these words. Painting is one of the oldest forms of art in history. The different types of paintings in India are integral to the culture of the various regions. Let’s browse through the 10 distinct painting styles in India.
Kalamkari – From temple scrolls to sarees
One of the figurative art painting styles that emerged from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is Kalamkari. Kalamkari painting style also refers to hand-painted cotton textiles produced in these states. The word “Kalam” means pen and “Kari” meaning craftsmanship. In the olden days, groups of musicians, singers and artists used large bolts of fabric to depict legends. Natural dyes that come from plant extracts are used for creating these paintings.
K Srinivas Rao is one of the well-known artists giving the traditional Kalamkari a modern twist. He has adapted the painting style to his coastal life paintings.
Madhubani Art – Inspired by folklore & myths
Madhubani art has a distinct place in the history of painting. Dating back 2500 years, the Madhubani region gave birth to one of the richest painting styles. Inspired by folklore and mythology, Madhubani paintings are also known as Mithila art. In this painting style, tools such as twigs, pens, brushes, and match sticks are used to create geometric patterns.
Several well-known fashion brands are recreating the magic of Madhubani painting styles in modern outfits.
Kalighat Paintings – Born in the Land of Kali
Kalighat art is one of the acclaimed painting styles that originated in 19th century Kolkata (erstwhile Calcutta). The drawings were done by a group known as “patuas”. The painting style depicts scenes from both mythology and everyday life. Earthy colours such as red, grey, indigo, ochre and white are widely used in this painting style.
The painting style has greatly influenced modern artists such as Jamini Roy.
Miniature Paintings – Patronized by Royal Rulers
Miniature painting styles originated before the Chalukya rule in India. However, it was during the Mughal period that the painting styles grew enormously. After the Mughal Empire, miniature paintings were patronized by the Rajputs of Rajasthan.
The miniature painting style has gained wide popularity in souvenirs of modern India.
Pattachitra – Odisha’s Famed Painting Styles
The name “Pattachitra” comes from the Sanskrit words “patta”, meaning canvas and “Chitra”, meaning picture. This Traditional painting style of Odisha gains their inspiration from Hindu mythology. Pattachitra depicts simple themes with the help of natural colours.
Artists such as Bhaskar Chitrakar have re-defined Pattachitra painting style in his own unique way.
Warli Art – Simplicity of Tribal Art
Resembling pre-historic cave art, Warli painting style is practised by Warli tribe of Thane in Maharashtra. With simple depictions of nature and daily activities, the painting style makes use of geometrical shapes such as circles and triangles. White colour is popular in this painting style.
Warli art has become a popular art form in modern public spaces such as government buildings, street art and kids zones.
Gond Paintings – Distinct Tribal Painting Styles
The Gondi tribe of central India developed this distinct painting style that uses dots and dashes. Using natural colours, the tribals recreate legends with detailing and bright hues. The Gond painting style is inspiring many contemporary art styles today.
From the tradition of painting on walls, Gond has transformed onto canvas in modern times.
Pichwai – Painting Styles Dedicated to Srinathji
This style was born in the state of Rajasthan. Pichwai means ‘at the back’. The history of the painting is that it is created on textured cloths with dark colours. It is used as a backdrop to Lord Srinathji’s idol at Nathdwara.
Many modern artists are adapting the traditional Pichwai painting style to popular demand today.
Phad – Stories of Might
Another art style born in Rajasthan is Phad. The painting style depicts the story of Prithviraj Chauhan. Natural, vegetable colours are used in this style of art. It is a scroll painting done on a long piece of canvas, known as phad.
Artists such as Kalyan Joshi have adapted Phad to suit the changing times.
Thanjavur Art – Classical Art from Temple Town
Thanjavur painting is a style that originated in the temple town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The painting style is unique for its gold coating. Thanjavur art is a rich classical painting style. Artists create this painting by using original 24-carat gold foils.
This painting style helps in decking up gifts and home décor today.
The contemporary art styles practised in India include an interesting variety of painting styles such as abstract, figurative, conceptual, landscape paintings, cityscape paintings, still life, and religious paintings. These painting styles have gained fame and recognition in the global art space