The Timeless Beauty of Traditional Paintings

Ever since the very beginning of humanity, traditional painting has been a strong form of expressing thoughts, feelings and art. People in ancient times used painting as the form of communication. They used symbols and images to make their own words. This early form of visual language had set the foundation for human expression and interaction.

A modern parallel can be seen in the development of a new-born child. When we first introduce a baby to learning, we give them a pencil, and they instinctively create abstract designs, often in circular patterns. This is their initial foray into communication through art. As they grow, they begin to learn the alphabet through picture books, a method employed in preschools around the world. This approach helps children associate images with words, facilitating their understanding and communication skills.

Even today, we rely on images to enhance our understanding and convey clear messages. The use of pictures in education, signage, and media demonstrates the enduring power of visual representation in human communication.

What is Traditional Painting?

In bookish terms Traditional Painting is a form of art created by using conventional techniques and materials that have been used for centuries. This includes a wide range of styles and methods, but generally it implies the use of hands.

We all had an idea that paintings are made with just pencils, colors and some shades but then there are so much more to discover about this world of art

If you are also an art lover traveling museums to get lost in the world of painting, then you have just stepped on the right post. Let us enlighten your knowledge with traditional art forms and its history.

Did you know?

In 2012, Madhubani artists created eye-catching art forms on tree trunks to prevent deforestation. Which later became very popular and many people used it to attract tourists from all over the world.

One of the Famous Traditional Painting in India

From the methali regions of Bihar originated a form of wall painting which became very famous in the late 1934 which was discovered by a British colonial officer named William G. Archer. He discovered this during an earthquake in the interior walls of a Bihari house. These forms of art works used to be done on soils, grounds which eventually got erased the next day so there is no form of preserving it. Until the time when All India Handicrafts Board urged the women of madhubanti district to create these art forms on canvas and create a form of earning.

How to Recognise a Madhubani Painting?

Recognizing a Madhubani painting is quite straightforward due to its distinctive and simplistic style, deeply rooted in Indian culture and everyday life. These ancient paintings often feature a variety of traditional patterns and motifs such as fish, lotus flowers, peacocks, the sun and moon, elephants, snakes, tigers, mango trees, and cows. The use of bold colors, intricate designs, and themes drawn from nature and mythology make Madhubani paintings easily identifiable.

Different Forms of Traditional Painting in India

Top 10 Indian art form that have become famous over the years because of its meticulous crafting and designs

1. Madhubani Painting:

Madhubani Painting is more than 2500 decades old and it is well known for its use of vibrant colors and conventional monograms. It has more than ten designs in itself which includes, lotus, elephant, mangoes and a lot more. The paintings are done with the help of handmade paper, cloth, using natural pigments and dyes.

 2. Kalamkari Painting:

It was discovered in the 8th century AD. Kalamkari Painting is well known for its detailed and elaborate designs, typically portraying legendary scenes. Kalamkari is derived from  a persian word kalam which means pen and kari which ment craftsmen

 3. Warli Painting:

In 3000 BC Warli Painting was discovered and this painting features simple yet expressive tribal art using basic geometric shapes.

4. Pattachitra Painting:

Pattachitra Painting, which was discovered back in 12thy century. It is  somewhere around 3000 years old and it is famous for its intricate details and mythological narratives.

5.   Phad Painting:

Phad Painting was discovered 700 years ago and it is still recognized for its vibrant scrolls outlining epic tales. Telling stories in the form of paintings.

6.   Thangka Painting:

Back in the 11th century Tangka Painting was founded as a Tibetan Buddhist art form which is also known for its religious ideographic and meticulous detail. It was created using mineral pigments like gold, charcoal typically used for meditation and visualisation.

7.   Mughal Miniature Painting:

Mughal Miniature Painting came to light in the 16th -18th century and these types of paintings are celebrated for their elegant detail and historical theme art. It is meticulously crafted portraying using bright colors and detailed painting

8.   Pichwai Painting:

Back in the 17th century Pichwai Painting was discovered and these are a form of devotional works depicting the life of Lord Krishna. These are done by the devotees as a tribute to the lord for his grace and blessings bestowed upon them. 

9.   Rajput Painting:

In the year 1825 which is somewhere around the 16th- 17th century and these paintings are noted for their romantic and civilized themes, flourishing notably around 1825.

10. Gond Painting:

Gond Painting is 1400 years old. It is a form of tribal art which is well known for its vibrant colors and sketching artistic impression of nature and mythology.

Crucial Findings

Customary paintings are more than just works of art; they are cultural relics that provide a glimpse into the past, to the era when these mediums were employed as a means of communication. Their capacity to represent the spirit of many ages and civilizations while influencing present and future generations is what gives them their lasting appeal.