Madhubani Art
Madhubani or Mithila painting is practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar, and adjoining parts of Terai in Nepal. Painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments, and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns. There are paintings for each occasion and festival such as birth, marriage, Holi, Surya Shasti, kali puja, Upanayanam, Durga Puja, etc.
As expected of any ancient civilization, Bihar has a very rich tradition of folk art and craft, which feature as an extremely rich tradition of artistry and innovation. The handicrafts of Bihar are appreciated all over the world because of great aesthetic value and their adherence to tradition.
The painting was traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now it is also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani painting is made from the paste of powdered rice. It has remained confined to a compact geographical area and the skills have been passed on through centuries, the content and the style have largely remained the same. And that is the reason for Madhubani painting being accorded the coveted GI (Geographical Indication) status. It also uses two-dimensional imagery, and the colors used are derived from plants. Ochre and lampblack are used for reddish brown and black respectively.
Natural objects such as the sun, moon and religious plants such as Tulsi are widely painted, along with scenes from royal court and social events like weddings. Generally, no space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals, birds and even geometric designs.
It can be done in both cool and warm color schemes. Kids love the painting because of its bright colors. You can paint on paper, canvas, greeting card, T-shirt, pots, murals, bags, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, bed sheets and so on using pencil colors, water colors, acrylic. Just be creative and paint beyond your imagination.
Remember: When it’s from HEART, it’s ART.
Shyama Rangwala has opened a new Art Studio-Gallery in Cory Lake Professional Center, 10329 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite L, Tampa. She can be reached at (813) 843-6784, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.shyamshyama.com or check Shyama’s Art on Facebook. (All art painting/language classes are offered on weekdays as well as weekends).