Painting of Odisha

Paintings of odisha

The history of painting in Odisha dated back to ancient times with rock-shelter paintings, some which are dated to the early historic period (300BC-100AD). Apart from the rock painting sites there are several drawings and etching resembling figures on rock surfaces at Digapahandi and Berhampur in Ganjam district and other places. Many of the cave paintings are tribal and rock shelter painting has continued through the centuries as an Oriya tradition. They are often of a decorative nature mixed with rituals and may contain several motifs. Mural paintings in Odisha as elsewhere in India was an ancient tradition and evidence of mural pigment coatings have been found in the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri dating back to the reign of Emperor Kharavela who ruled in the 1st century B.C.

Odisha Tribal Paintings

The tribal paintings are intimately related to their religious beliefs and drawn to appease their deities. Idital is the ethnic painting of the Saora tribe usually depicting everyday like along -with the concepts of retribution, punishment and rewards. The Saora artists use right angled triangles to cast the anthropocentric world in different moods and emotions. The Kondhs paint the walls of their houses with geometric patterns, called Manji Gunda while the Santal paint the figurative designs. Wall paintings of PaudiBhuyan reflect about agriculture whereas the wall paintings of Juang include animals, birds and flowers.

pattachitra painting

Pattachitra is a term for traditional, cloth-based scroll painting, based in the Odisha. In the Sanskrit language, “Patta” literally means “cloth” and “Chitra” means “picture”. Most of these paintings depict stories of Hindu deities.

These paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava sect.All colours used in the Paintings are natural and paintings are made fully old traditional way by Chitrakaras that is Oriya Painter. Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular Art Forms of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. Pattachitra is thus a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction.The traditions of pattachitra paintings are more than thousand years old.

The painting the ‘pattachitra’ resemble the old murals of Odisha especially religious centres of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar region, dating back to the 5th century BC. The best work is found in and around Puri, especially in the village of Raghurajpur. This old tradition of Oriya painting still survives in the places like Puri, Raghurajpur, Paralakhemundi, Chikiti and Sonepur.In the past professionerise, there was no distinct separation between the master painters and master sculptors; so the possibility of a simultaneous origin of painting and sculptural art in Odisha can not be ruled out. Even today in Odisha, these two crafts are combined inone and these artists and known as Chitrakaras, their title remains mostly Mohapatra or Maharana. Strangely enough, painting appeared in Odisha rather later, several centuries after the construction of the great temples of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark.here exists a good number of paintings from 18th century onwards in many temples and Mathas especially in the southern districts of Odisha. Lord Jagannath in the present from is being taken as the origin of the Patta style. The colour schemes of the deities of Puri are quite similar to those of the Patta style.

The oldest record of Patta Paintings does not probably go beyond the establishment of the present shrine of Shri Jagannath at Puri. It may be due to the fact that paintings do not survive like sculptures. The paints inside the shrines of Lord Jagannath at Puri make the date probable. The oldest classical marble paintings of Sitabanji at Keonjhar do not conform to the present style of Patta painting wholly. The wooden statues of the three deities are also covered with cloth and then overlaid with glue mixed with chalk, and then given paint only with four limited colours of red, yellow, white and black. The deities who are held in high esteem by the Oriyas and who inspire religion, life and activity of the people also carry with them a tradition of art and painting which is as old as the deities themselves. If the Savara origin of Jagannath is accepted, the date of the Patta paintings can be dated back to an earlier period. These paintings were originally substitutes for worship on days when the temple doors were shut for the ‘ritual bath’ of the deity.

The theme of Oriya painting centres round the Jagannath and the Vaishnava sect. Since beginning of Pattachitra culture, Lord Jagannath who was an incarnation of Lord Krishna has been the major source of inspiration. The subject matter of Patta Chitra is mostly mythological, religious stories and folk lore. Themes are chiefly on Lord Jagannath and Radha-Krishna, different “Vesas” of Shri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, temple activities, the ten incarnations of Vishnu basing on the ‘Gita Govinda’ of Jayadev, Kama Kujara Navagunjara, Ramayana, Mahabharata.The individual paintings of gods and goddesses are also being painted. The Pattachitra style are mix of both folk and classical Elements but leanings more towards folk forms. The dress style has Mughal influences. All of the poses have been confined to a few well-defined postures. These are not free from monotonous repetitions, though at times this is necessary to accentuate the narrative character of the style. The lines are bold and clean and angular and sharp. Generally there are no landscapes, perspectives and distant views. All the incidents are seen in close juxtaposition. The background on which the figures are represented, is delineated with decorations of flowers and foliages and is mostly painted in red colour. All the paintings are given decorative borders. The whole painting is conceived in the form of a design on a given canvas. The themes may be classified into following categories:

Jagannath paintings
Vaishnav Paintings a)Bhagabat paintings b)Ramayana paintings
Saiva paintings
Shakta paintings Paintings as legends Ragachitras
Bandhachitra
Yamapati and yatripatas (sketches of puri temple)
Ganjapa playing card paintings and other socials themes on paintings.
Navagunjara

Traditionally the painters are known as chitrakars. A patta painter’s home with all the members of family is his studio. Woman members prepare the glue, the canvas and apply colours what we call the fill-in, and give the final lacquer coating. The master hand, mostly the male member, draws the initial line and gives the final finishing. Patta paintings are done on small strips of Cotton cloth. The canvas is prepared by coating the clothe with a mixture of chalk and gum made from tamarind seeds. Then it is rubbed by taking the help of two different stones and then the cloth is dried.The mixture of gum and chalk gives the cloth’s surface a leathery finish on which the artists paint with vegetable, earth and stone colours.The painters do not use pencil or charcoal for the preliminary drawings. They are so expert in the line that they simply draw directly with the brush either in Light red or yellow. Then the colours are filled in. The final lines are drawn and the patta is given a lacquer coating to protect it from weather, thus making the painting glossy. This process of glazing or varnishing is quite interesting. The painting is held over a fireplace so that the back of the painting is exposed to heat. On the surface of the painting fine lacquer is applied.

Palm leaf pattachitra which is in Oriya language known as Tala Pattachitra drawn on palm leaf. First of all palm leaves are left for becoming hard after being taken from tree.Then these are sewn together to form like a canvas. The images are traced by using black or white ink to fill grooves etched on rows of equal-sized panels of palm leaf that are sewn together. These panels can also be easily folded like a fan and packed in a compact pile for better conservation.Often palm-leaf illustrations are more elaborated, obtaining by superimposing layers that are glued together for most of the surface, but in some areas can open like small windows to reveal a second image under the first layer.

Odisha Rock (Rock Shelter) Paintings

The findings of rock paintings and pictographic writings in Western part of Odisha, Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda, Manikmada and Ushakothi in Sundergarh, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Jogimath in Nuapada district indicate existence of prehistoric art in Odisha. The paintings range from small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs and human figures are shown hunting, fighting, dancing and doing domestic chores. Most on the walls follow a sequential, horizontal pattern. Colours used are red extracted from iron, brown from copper and white from lime compounds. The characters of the pictographic writings appear to be a mix derived from Mohanzdaro and Brahmi scripts. The Ravana Chhata Rock at Sitabinji in Keonjhar district contains a painting of very high order, depicting the procession scene of a king riding a caparisoned elephant with soldiers holding shafts and banners, followed by a female attendant. This painting carries reminiscence of Ajanta murals. Splendid murals adorn the inside of the Jagannath Temple, the Buddha Vijay painting in the jagamohana of the Lakshmi Temple and the Kanchi Vijay in the jagamohana of the Jagannath temple.,

Odisha is a state in eastern India that is home to a rich and diverse culture. One of the most important aspects of Odishan culture is its art, which includes a variety of painting styles.

Pattachitra is one of the oldest and most well-known painting styles in Odisha. It is a traditional form of storytelling that uses painted scrolls to depict religious and mythological scenes. Pattachitra paintings are typically made on cloth or paper with natural dyes, and they are often decorated with gold and silver leaf.

Kalamkari is another important painting style from Odisha. It is a type of block printing that uses intricate designs to create colorful patterns on cloth. Kalamkari paintings are often used to decorate textiles, such as saris and bedspreads.

Madhubani painting is a folk art form that originated in the Mithila region of Bihar, which is located just north of Odisha. However, Madhubani paintings are also popular in Odisha, and they are often used to decorate homes and temples. Madhubani paintings are typically made on cloth with rice paste and natural dyes, and they feature intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs.

Miniature painting is a type of painting that is characterized by its small size and detailed craftsmanship. Miniature paintings were popular in Odisha during the Mughal period (16th-18th centuries), and they often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or courtly life. Miniature paintings are typically made on paper with opaque watercolors, and they are often framed in gold or silver.

Tribal painting is a type of folk art that is created by indigenous peoples of Odisha. Tribal paintings are often used to tell stories, express religious beliefs, or decorate homes and objects. Tribal paintings are typically made on cloth, wood, or bark with natural dyes, and they feature bold colors and geometric patterns.

Modern painting is a term that refers to a wide range of art styles that emerged in the 20th century. Modern paintings are often abstract and non-representational, and they explore a variety of themes, such as the nature of reality, the human condition, and the role of art in Society. Modern paintings are typically made on canvas with oil or acrylic paints, and they are often displayed in museums and galleries.

The painting styles of Odisha are a rich and diverse testament to the state’s cultural heritage. Each style has its own unique history and characteristics, and they all play an important role in Odishan culture.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about painting:

What is painting?
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or another medium to a surface (such as paper, canvas, wood, or even fabric) to create a work of art.
What are the different types of painting?
There are many different types of painting, including oil painting, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, and fresco painting.
What are the different styles of painting?
There are many different styles of painting, including realism, impressionism, expressionism, and cubism.
Who are some famous painters?
Some famous painters include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso.
What are some famous paintings?
Some famous paintings include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Starry Night, and Guernica.
What are some of the most important painting techniques?
Some of the most important painting techniques include perspective, color theory, and composition.
What are some of the most common painting materials?
Some of the most common painting materials include oil paint, watercolor, acrylic paint, and canvas.
What are some of the most common painting tools?
Some of the most common painting tools include brushes, knives, and palette knives.
What are some of the most common painting mistakes?
Some of the most common painting mistakes include overworking the paint, using too much paint, and not using enough paint.
How do I get started with painting?
If you’re interested in getting started with painting, there are a few things you can do. First, you’ll need to gather some supplies, such as paint, brushes, and canvas. Once you have your supplies, you can start practicing by painting simple shapes and objects. As you get more comfortable with painting, you can start experimenting with different techniques and styles.
What are some tips for improving my painting skills?
There are a few things you can do to improve your painting skills. First, practice regularly. The more you paint, the better you’ll become. Second, study the work of other painters. Pay attention to their techniques and styles, and try to incorporate them into your own work. Third, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new things and see what works for you.
What are some Resources for Learning more about painting?
There are many resources available for learning more about painting. You can find books, websites, and even online courses that can teach you the basics of painting. You can also find local art classes or workshops that can help you improve your skills.
What are some common challenges faced by painters?
Some common challenges faced by painters include finding the time to paint, dealing with criticism, and staying motivated. It can also be difficult to find a balance between creating art that is both personal and marketable.
What are some of the rewards of being a painter?
Some of the rewards of being a painter include the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, the opportunity to express yourself creatively, and the chance to connect with other people through your art.

Which of the following is not a type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Painting of Odisha
Which of the following is the most common type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above
Which of the following is the oldest type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Cave painting
Which of the following is the most expensive type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting
Which of the following is the most difficult type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting
Which of the following is the most popular type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting
Which of the following is the most versatile type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting
Which of the following is the most durable type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting
Which of the following is the most forgiving type of painting?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting
Which of the following is the most difficult to repair?
(A) Oil painting
(B) Watercolor painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the painting