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. https://kokuyocamlin.wordpress.com/2022/11/23/how-many-types-of-indian-paintings-are-there/

1. How many types of Indian paintings are
there?
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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Source —
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalighat_painting#/media/File:India,
Calcutta,_Kalighat_painting,_19th_century-Barber_Cleaning_a_Wo
man'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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Source —
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamkari#/media/File:Kalamkari_Ar
t.jpg
In Andhra Pradesh, the art of kalamkari has been passed down
through the generations and gets its name from the term Kalam,

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Pichhwais are vibrant, complex works of art with symbolism hidden in
the decorative elements.
Conclusion
Indians 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/famo
us-painting-styles-of-the-world
Originally published at http://kokuyocamlin.wordpress.com on
November 23, 2022.