Evolution of Indian Painting Styles

Painting had always been a very powerful language of expression. There is always a thought involved in every brush stroke. Picasso once said "Painting is just another way of keeping a diary". Talking in Indian context, painting had been a very old fashion in India. It existed before any other language did, it served the purpose of documentation, demonstration and of' course communication. Though there is no definite proof that since when it started, but, it is believed that oldest paintings are the wall art of the Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh. Which depicts the paintings from Paleolithic (10,000 B.C.), Mesolithic (5000 B.C.) and Chalcolithic (2000 B.C.) times.

The impressions of Indian painting exist even in the most nondescript form of work, yet it never goes unnoticed. Rangoli, door outlines, painting the verandahs and the Temples are very good examples. In older times, colors used to play a major role in Indian painting. Indian art is known for using bold color shades and color symbolism in their paintings. Like reds and saffron for valor, Yellow for religion, black for tamas (evil) and whites for satvik (pure/goodness). The subjects of the wall art were mostly inspired by religious literature like Ramayana and Mahabharata, God painting and other themes like bravery, sacrifice, joy, love, and motherhood were the subjects. These wall art went on to become themes for various art and craft in India.

Murals

Mural paintings originated in South West India. It developed during 2nd century and continued till 6thcentury.Very popular examples of mural painting are the sculptures and frescoes of Ajanta and Ellora caves.

The subjects of murals varied from Buddhism, gaudy pictures of gods and goddesses, highly stylized flora and fauna and engraved sketches on the walls. Kerala murals are an example of highly stylized imagery of gods.

Miniature Paintings

Miniature painting as the name specifies is a wee sized subtle form of art. This style was mainly used in manuscripts written on perishable items like leaves, cloth or wooden barks.

Miniature painting popularized in the western India, Rajasthani and Mughal paintings are very good examples of this type. Though a very interesting form of original painting, today it is not practiced anymore rather is found only in the preservation of the archaeological department of India.

The Mughal school of Painting

The trend of Mughal painting originated during the reign of Humayun and went on to develop and bloom under Akbar, Jahangir and Shajahan.

It is a brilliant blend of Indian, Islamic and Persian style of miniature painting. This style flourished during 16th to 18th century. Paintings were often used to keep an illustrative record of deeds in wars, court scenes, legendary fables, portraits, hunting scenes, wildlife, etc. It was only after Aurangzeb took command, the decline of Mughal paintings started as he didn't pay much heed to development of the art.

Rajasthani Paintings

This style prospered in the last decades of the 18th century in the royal courts of the Rajputana, India. Highly inspired by the Mughal Paintings, yet cultivated a style of their own.

They reflect the rich Rajasthani culture with themes like forts, battlefield, desert scene, women, scenes from epics, etc. Also known as Rajput painting, it branched into various schools like Mewar painting, Bikaner, Jodhpuri, Kangra, Dalchand School of paintings. This style of art flourished into not just paintings but also into beautiful art and craft. Mirror work, tie and die painting, flower vase painting, earthen pot painting, framed art of oil paintings, etc are a few examples of its diversification. Though being very local and regional in India, these paintings are highly in demand across the globe.

Madhubani Paintings

The roots of Madhubani paintings lie in the village of Mithila (Madhuvan), Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Hence they are also known as Mithila paintings.

Traditionally these paintings were done on the mud walls, floors of huts, but now they are done on more perishable material like canvas, handmade paper, etc. It is believed that this style sprouted from Dwaparyuga (The time of Ramayana), and matured over the ages. The themes for these paintings are generally Hindu gods like Krishna, Shiva, Rama, Durga, Saraswati, Kali, etc. Interestingly, tools used for these paintings are not conventional; instead they are made with fingers, twigs, pen-nib, natural dyes, etc. Presently, these paintings have become a craze among the ethnicity lovers, as it adds to the ambience of the surroundings.

Mysore Paintings

The Mysore paintings portray classical touch of South India from Mysore, India. Originated during the 15th to 16th century during the rule of RajaWodeyar, these paintings speak of the rich culture of southern India.

Known for their subtle colors, gesso work, sophistication and detailed refinement, these paintings mainly revolve around the themes of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Usually, Mysore paintings depict scenes from the Hindu mythology. In modern times, Mysore paintings are popular souvenirs of festivals in south India.

Warli Paintings

Warli art is a specialty of the Warli tribe of Maharashtra, India, found in the northern outskirts of Mumbai.

These paintings use geometrical shapes and patterns to paint their graphic vocabulary, and are usually done on the walls of houses. The themes of Warli paintings revolve around simple life of human beings, scenes from daily life, humans with animals, folk dances, etc. One of the oldest tribal art of India, it's usually done on occasions like marriages, festivals, folk dances, harvest, celebrations, temple rituals, etc. it is also known for its trademark red or black background and use of white for painting.

Tanjore Paintings

One of the richest painting styles of all the Indian times is Tanjore painting. Prospering since the 16th century, these paintings represent the unique style of south Indian paintings from Tamil Nadu (Thanjavur), India.

Known for their longevity and grandeur, Tanjore paintings are embellished with semi-precious stones and gold. This style of Indian painting is inspired by themes from Hindu mythology and Gods and Goddesses. In present times, these painting usually adorn the temples and exchanged as gifts during festivals.

Bengal Paintings

The Bengal School of art originated in the times of British Raj (20th century).

Highly influenced by the present circumstances of British suppression, these paintings were associated with Indian nationalism and patriotism. Interestingly, this style of painting was promoted by British art lovers. It's much respected form of art due to its significant promotion of Indian patriotism that still inspire the young guns of its motherland.

Contemporary Indian Paintings

With the changing times and advent of globalization, Indian art took a great leap and blended with the west. The contemporary paintings or more commonly known as modern Indian art are deeply influenced by the western concept of sublime composition and mystery hidden in the layers of color.

The most interesting fact about the modern Indian art is, though, its style is inspired by the west but its themes are associated with Indian mythology, Hindu gods, women, emotions, etc. A perfect blend of modernity and tradition makes it an instant like among the painting lovers. With new artists emerging, the popularity and variety of contemporary Indian paintings is increasing exponentially today.

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Indian Handicraft for Home Decor Ideas

Indian artisans bring versatile items to enhance beauty of your home and workplaces. You can get a variety of home decor ideas within the world of Indian handicrafts. They are skilled in producing a vast range of home decor accessories such as paintings, candle holders, chandeliers, clocks, collectible figurines, decorative screens, jewelry boxes, flower vases, lamp shades etc. These items are made from a variety of materials with impressive designs and exotic colors. Here, we have discussed, few unique decorative items produced by Indian craftsmen.

Madhubani painting

Madhubani painting is a kind of Indian painting predominantly practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar state, India and some adjoining parts of Terai in Nepal. The speciality of this art is that it is performed with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, natural dyes and pigments, and features attractive geometrical patterns. Indian Madhubani painters are popular for creating paintings for different festivals and occasions such as birth, marriage, holi, surya shasti, kali puja, and durga puja. If you are looking for attractive artifacts for your home, hang these paintings on your wall and they will not only depict your tradition and culture but will also leave all spellbound with their beauty.

Wind Chimes

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Decorative picture frames

If you want to save your memories in beautiful picture frames, the world of Indian Handicrafts can provide you an extensive choice in terms of materials, styles, prices and sizes. Indian artisans are known for experimenting with many different materials such as wood, bamboo, marble, metals in creating a variety of decorative picture frames.

From wall hangings to photo frames and from Madhubani painting to wind chimes, if you have made up your mind to decorate your home with unique Indian handicraft items, choice is endless.

If you want to convey your message with your corporate gift in much effective way, you can choose from amazing Indian handicraft items. Indian handicraft products are available in variety of materials such as wooden, metal, stone, paper craft, ceramic, stainless steel, crystal etc. People can choose from an exhaustive range of corporate gift ideas from Indian artisans available to suit all needs and budgets.

With the world becoming internet savvy, the approach of online gift in India has gained huge popularity. Nowadays, most of the renowned corporate gift companies have commercial website to display and sell corporate gift items. If you are planning to send some unique corporate gifts to your employees, colleges or business partners, you can browse a number of websites dealing in online gift in India. It is advisable to compare products and prices offered by different vendors before making final purchase decision.

Author is a freelance writer who commits herself to excellence and honesty in everything he does. To learn more about Home Decor Ideas read the articles, where you will find Madhubani Paintings to Wind Chimes for gift to your beloved ones.

The Becoming of Modern Indian Art

The first Industrial Art Society was set up in Calcutta by Rajendralal Mitra, Jatindra Mohan Tagore and others Justice Pratt, in the year 1854. Places like Patna, Nepal, Lucknow and the Punjab hills became their inspiration. Danielle came to India with their own academic idiom thus inspiring Indian artists and vice -versa. She initiated the merging of European and Hungarian traditions with ancient Indian art. It was at this time that many Art Societies and Colleges were set up. During the same time many European artists like J. He imbibed western techniques and European aesthetics to do so what's more. Amrita's works also reflect vividly her deep passion & sense for colours, her love for the country and more importantly her response to the life of its people. Another celebrated Indian artist of the pre-independence era would be Amrita Sher-Gil.

In the Bengal School whose depictions chiefly revolved around mythological and religious themes put forth artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. They depicted the Indian landscape in a romanticized fashion through the medium of oil paintings. Her deep understanding of the Indian subjects also comes across through her paintings. The result was a merging of eastern and western themes as well as techniques. Jamini Roy with his Indian folk art was amongst the most popular twentieth century artist and Amrita Sher-Gil with her post-impressionistic colours, were also a part of this art movement.

Baroda, the Modern Art movement in India began to gain momentum around 1947 and swept across the country spawning across art centres like Shantiniketan in Calcutta, Bhopal and Bombay Cholamandal in Chennai. Rabindranath and Gagnendranath Tagore correlated with the school's basic goal but experimented with concepts like cubism and favoured individual expressions. Becoming an integral part of the cultural heritage and history of Indian Art these doyens of the progressive art group which came about post independence hold the highest place in the history of Indian Art today. Com is an online art gallery showcasing works of Indian Art.

This technique impressed and influenced Indian artists who started using these new techniques. Soon to follow were the Bombay Government Art College and the Madras Government College of Arts & Crafts. Gade, in independent India progressive artists groups in Bombay which included stalwarts MF Husain, KH Ara, pointedly ignored themes of political upheaval, FN Souza, SK Bhakre, seeking refuge instead in beautifying the mundane, everyday aspects of living SH Raza. He was honored the title of 'gentleman' by the British for his struggle to create a new modern language in the modern Indian art context. Breathearts. By this time cultural imperialism has infiltrated the cultural milieu and sources of patronage saw a visible shift of attitudes and style of art towards artists and works of east meets west collaboration. Zoffany, Tilly Kettle, W.

Once the Mughal Empire ceased to exist painters who bloomed under the court advocacy took off in all directions around the country. He did not blindly copy English themes instead he combined the technique of oil painting with the decorative attitudes of Tanjore glass painting and the drama of Marathi theatre to create a fusion between the east and west. Talk of evolution of modern Indian Art is incomplete without a mention of paintings of Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma and Amrita Sher-Gil. Modern Indian Art refers to the art movement ranging from the pre-independence era with the Bengal school, to the post independence progressive artists group.
Their works are in some of the most prestigious collections and risk averse patrons in these times are still looking for works from these artists. It saw a lot of conflict of acceptance of works of this merge in art and conflict between notions of individuality and notions of artistic anonymity. Bhupen Khakhar & KG Subbramanian from Baroda are amongst the few that hold a high position among collectors and the fraternity. Varma's purposeful choice of medium was a conscious step to be accepted not only by the British but also the Indian aristocracy as it denoted progress. Www. By Roy and Sher-Gil and other National Art Treasures including Rabindranath Tagore cannot be exported outside the country today works. This was converted into the Calcutta Government College of Art by 1864. He took India back to feudal themes and arrived at a fusion of Indian themes. Her paintings show a significant influence of the western modes of painting.

The gallery displays works of MF Hussain, FN Souza and other seasoned artists for online sales. Varma was the first Indian artist to master the oil on canvas technique. The Cholamandal movement in Chennai, founded by artist KCSPanicker brought modernism to art in South India followed by artists like C Douglas & KM Adimoolam. In a certain way, the Modern Indian Art Era in is still going strong. She was also the youngest as well as the only Indian artist to be elected as an Associate of the Grand Salon in Paris. Breathe Arts offers you a dedicated service of selling privately offering a completely confidential and direct avenue for you to acquire or sell specific pieces of art at fixed price or at public auctions at various locations worldwide.