The fascinating world of Indian folk arts and crafts is an excellent example of the cultural diversity of the Indian nation. Painting techniques differ from area to area, representing the tradition, customs, and philosophies passed down from generation to generation. Most Indian painting styles historically originated as wall paintings and murals. Gradually, urbanisation eventually led to replicating these styles on paper, canvas, and fabric surfaces.

Here are some well-known Indian folk painting techniques:

1. Madhubani Paintings

Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhubani_art#/media/File:Mithila_Painting_at_Patna_Junction.jpg

The Madhubani style of Indian art is among the most well-known forms of art, which began as wall art in the Mithila district of Bihar. The designs are distinguished by striking geometrical patterns, symbolic pictures, and mythological motifs. Madhubani paintings are distinctive from other genres through their unique combination of vibrant colours and plain patterns. The five most renowned Madhubani painting styles are Godna, Bharni, Tantrik, Katchni and Khobar.

2. Warli Paintings

Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warli_painting#/media/File:A_Warli_painting_by_Jivya_Soma_Mashe,_Thane_district.jpg

Warli paintings depict the daily activities of the locals in the community, such as farming, dancing, hunting, and praying. Women traditionally used twigs and rice paste to create colourful drawings on the mud walls of tribal homes to commemorate important occasions like harvest and wedding ceremonies.

3. Kalighat Painting or Bengal Pat

Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalighat_painting#/media/File:India,Calcutta,_Kalighat_painting,_19th_century-Barber_Cleaning_a_Woman’s_Ear-2003.117-_Cleveland_Museum_of_Art.tif

The paintings of Kalighat Pata are simple yet intriguing depictions of themes of daily life and mythological figures. Kalighat painters frequently use earthy tones like ochre, indigo, Indian red, blue, grey, and white. The paintings created in the Kalighat style are characterised by their quick, smooth, free-flowing shape.

4. Phad

Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phad_painting#/media/File:Pabuji_ka_phad_02.JPG

Phad is a Rajasthani narrative paper painting tradition that has a thousand-year history. The Phad scriptures depict combat scenes, action tales, fabled romances, and the wealth of Indian royals. The Phad painting style is truly mesmerising with its ability to incorporate several storylines into a single piece while maintaining the artistic expression of beauty throughout.

5. Kalamkari

Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamkari#/media/File:Kalamkari_Art.jpg

In Andhra Pradesh, the art of kalamkari has been passed down through the generations and gets its name from the term Kalam, which originally means “pen.” Kalamkari textiles incorporate stylised animal forms, floral motifs, and patterns. Kalamkari paintings generally use earthy colours like green, indigo, rust, black, and mustard.

6. Gond Painting

Source – https://indianculture.gov.in/paintings/gond-paintings

The Gond paintings originated from the Gondi tribe of central India. These are vivid paintings made with deftly placed dots and dashes. Traditional sources of colour included plant sap, cow dung, charcoal, coloured dirt, mud, flowers, and leaves. Now,  painters use paper and canvas with commercial water-based paints. The art has evolved from being a form of tribal art with unidentified painters to distinguished names like Venkat Shyam, Jangarh Singh Shyam, Bhajju Shyam, and Durga Bai Vyam.

7. Pichhwai

Source – https://indianculture.gov.in/node/2730189

The Indian art form of Pichhwai was first seen on the wall hangings behind the primary deity in the Krishna temples of Nathdwara. They tell tales of Lord Krishna. The Pichhwai art style gradually incorporated more secular themes due to commercialisation. Pichhwais are vibrant, complex works of art with symbolism hidden in the decorative elements.

Conclusion
Indian painting techniques are the epitome of artistic expression using simple but distinctive compositions. They are not merely a tradition of bygone years but a relevant reflection of the native way of life. The Kokuyocamlin.com website has a great gallery section for artists of Indian painting styles, in which such artists can view their peer’s works, contribute their own, as well as learn new painting techniques.

Also, Read – https://www.kokuyocamlin.com/camel/techniques/art-reporter/famous-painting-styles-of-the-world