India is a land of rich cultural heritage and art forms that have been passed down from generations to generations. From intricate paintings to mesmerizing dances, the country has a diverse range of art forms that showcase its unique and vibrant traditions. In this article, we delve into the world of ancient Indian art forms and bring to you a list of 10 such art forms that you can learn online.
Masterclasses offer a unique and convenient alternative to traditional live workshops or in-person classes. They provide the opportunity for individuals to learn from experts, regardless of their location. With online accessibility, participants can attend the class at their own pace and schedule, making it easier to fit into a busy lifestyle. In addition to the flexibility and cost-effectiveness, once enrolled in a masterclass, participants have access to the information forever, allowing them to revisit the material and continue their learning journey at any time.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, you'll find something new and interesting in this list. So, let's take a journey through the world of ancient Indian art and discover the beauty and history behind each form.
1) Lippan Art
In this online masterclass, master artist Nalemitha from the sandy terrain of Kutch, will introduce you to his inherited craft. Lippan Kaam, also known as Mud and Mirror Work, is a form of mural craft originating from Kutch, Gujarat, India. It involves creating decorative designs and patterns on interior and exterior walls using mud and sometimes incorporating mirror pieces. The vibrant murals add a touch of liveliness and beauty to the otherwise harsh living conditions in the region.
Nalemitha will teach you three artworks ranging from easy to difficult. You will gradually be able to create your own designs and develop a steady hand. You will mainly work with materials such as clay and mirrors and learn to shape these materials into beautiful geometrical patterns. So, buckle up! You will not only be a part of the craft's revival journey, but also understand the history behind its origin.
2) Pichwai Art
Pichhwai or Pichwai art is a traditional Indian folk art form originating from the state of Rajasthan. It involves creating intricate and colorful paintings on cloth or canvas, primarily depicting scenes from Hindu Lord Krishna's life and his love for Radha. The art form is widely practiced in the town of Nathdwara and is often used as backdrops for devotional singing in temples. Pichhwai paintings are known for their rich use of color, intricate details, and emotional depiction of the themes, making them a cherished form of Indian cultural heritage.
The presiding deity of the Vaishnava sect, Shrinathji, is the central component of the Pichwai artworka. Pichwai artist Jayesh Sharmaji has been religiously involved in this artwork for more than 38 years. From the beginner-friendly Kamal Talay artwork to the complex artwork of lord Srinathji himself, you will be meticulously guided. Immerse yourself in the intricate patterns of this art here.
3) Madhubani Painting
This art form gets its name from the village of Madhuban in Bihar. It involves creating colorful and intricate designs using a finger, pen, or brush and natural dyes on paper or cloth. The themes of Madhubani paintings typically depict Hindu mythological stories, nature, and daily life events, with the use of vibrant colors and bold lines. Madhubani art is known for its unique style, rich cultural heritage, and is considered an important form of Indian folk art.
These paintings incorporate a wide range of colors and innumerable motifs, such as peacocks, elephants, Laxmi, and Durga, to name a few. Priti Karn, granddaughter of Padma Shree awardee Godawari Dutta is going to guide you through the different techniques and prepare you to ace the basics of this art form.
4) Kerala Mural
The 15th, 19th, and 8th centuries witnessed a significant production of mural works. The cave of Thirunandikkara is embellished with beautiful mural art. The richly adorned divine entities are endowed with soft curvaceous bodies in Kerala mural paintings. Understand the nitty gritty of this ancient craft with Master artist Adarsh, including the motifs, materials, and color theory that makes this art unique. Adarsh has been involved with the government and UNESCO for the conservation of Kerala Murals across Kerala.
5) Usta Kala
Do you know, Haneef Usta is one of the handful of artists left preserving the generational legacy of Usta art? Usta art refers to a type of traditional Indian art originating from the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan. The word "Usta" is derived from the Persian word "Ustad," meaning "master," and originally referred to a master of a particular art or occupation. Today, it refers to a caste of generational artists known for their mastery of various styles and techniques of Naqashi and Manoti art. The classic Mughal traditional techniques that are still employed in these artworks will leave you in awe. Take a closer look to reveal the wonders of Usta Kala's work and learn the brilliant art at your own pace here.
6) Warli Art
The Palghar district of Maharashtra has so much to offer to those curious about India’s tribal cultures. From the very beginning, the tribal communities of Maharashtra found a way to communicate their folktales through graphical presentation. Warli art involves the creation of simple and stylized paintings using a combination of lines and basic shapes, such as circles and triangles, to depict scenes from daily life and nature. Warli paintings are typically done on the walls of homes and are characterized by their earthy colors and minimalist style. Anil Vangad, who prefers natural materials over synthetic paints, is the perfect mentor to train you.
7) Kashidakari Embroidery
Witness Samjhau Devi’s award-winning needlework in this masterclass. The term "Kashidakari" literally means "needle work," and it encompasses a variety of different embroidery techniques such as crewel or ari work, rezkar, tilla, sozni, and dori work. Kashidakari stitching is integral to the artistic traditions of Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. The lessons are designed to create the right ambiance for all stages of learners. You will start by learning the basic stitches and motifs used in Kashidakari and gradually progress to creating your own unique pattern.
8) Bikaner Miniature Art
Everything you need to know about Bikaner Art is well-treasured by the last remaining expert, Mahaveer Swami. His experienced hands and his conviction will teach you the basics of color-making as well as the finishing touch that is rendered to Bikaner paintings. Bikaner miniature paintings are a splendid demonstration of the Mughal style, though the subjects vary from court portraits to Bhagavata Purana. With hands-on instruction and guidance from an experienced instructor, you will develop your skills in this intricate and beautiful art form.
9) Cheriyal Scroll Art
Sai Kiran Dhanalakota is an important representative of this 160-year-old generational art form. Cheriyal paintings are a modified version of Nakashi art. Enriched with local motifs Cheriayal is unique to the states of Telangana and Hyderabad. Buckle up to upskill yourself with the artist who is doing his best to keep Cheriyal art alive and relevant in the present time. You will learn to create three different artworks of varying difficulty, starting with the simplest and working your way up.
10) Kavad Art
The Kavad is a mobile story-telling device that serves as a temple for many devotees. Kavad artist Satyanarayan Suthar with his family has actively been creating abundant Kavad works which cannot go unnoticed. The woodwork, the lively colors, and the stories come together to give a distinctive effect. This Kavad masterclass will teach you a range of skills, from creating a Kavad box to sketching out a story, painting characters and outlining the details. Through this hands-on learning experience, you will gain the ability to create your own unique story and translate it onto the Kavad. This class has so much to offer to all the aesthetes out there!
Click here to explore our selection of traditional Indian art masterclasses!
