Birds

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The present painting is devoted singularly to birds in different forms. Parrots, peacocks etc., symbolise fertility and hence, are part of wedding paintings. In Indian context, the peacocks symbolise the lovebirds and they feature constantly as images of the bride and bridegroom. They are inseparable elements in Madhubani paintings, representing happy lovers. The images of these birds are agile and vital. Their tails, especially in the middle segments, are long and tapering, giving the birds due grace.

Here horizontal space arrangement is such as to divide the scenes of activity in order to convey the sensuality, it anyways intend to express. It is a casual collection of bird images aimed at general radiance. Colors have been minimised to achieve intensity through line. This emerges, not from vivid color sensibility but form sensibility essentially linear. In fact, the most important element is the precision and energy of the bounding lines.

In this painting we witness a development of geometric energy. These geometric distortions make the forms acquire a strange tone of potent dignity. The painter may be revealing the mysterious forms in a recognisable shape, but the bent of his own empathy twists the forms.

Designs in Madhubani paintings are invariably blended with human as well as superhuman associations. What we find in these traditional motifs and themes are pristine qualities and values as well as a kind of artistic maturity where art becomes a means of communication.

This description by Renu Rana.

Colors of Tradition: Exploring the Artistry Behind Madhubani Paintings

Madhubani painting is also known as Mithila art as it is practiced in the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It has specifically originated from the Madhubani district of the state of Bihar. Traditionally, the women of this region created these paintings and in recent years, it has become a widely practiced art and has now become renowned throughout the world. This art expresses the creativity and culture of the people of Mithila and is passed from one generation to another. In this way, the heritage of Madhubani art has been preserved for many decades. The subjects of these paintings are usually religion, love, and fertility. Sometimes, social events like festivals, weddings, and royal court are also depicted in the paintings. The most commonly painted designs and themes are the forms of Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Ganesha, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Krishna, and Ram. The characteristic features of Madhubani paintings are their vibrant colors and eye-catching geometrical patterns. The empty spaces are filled with traditional motifs such as floral and foliate patterns, animals, birds, geometrical structures, and other designs. The local artists create these paintings using a variety of items such as matchsticks, twigs, brushes, pens, or even their own fingers. The paints are usually made with natural dyes and pigments.
As simple as it may seem, the making process of the world-famous Madhubani paintings is certainly not easy and requires lots of hard labor.

Traditional Madhubani paintings are done either on cloth, handmade paper, or canvas. Select the medium of painting as per your choice. If you have chosen cloth, attach it to cardboard to make a solid base. The making of the painting begins with making a double-lined border. This is a very important step because the border is filled with various geographical shapes and patterns or other motifs. The average width of the border is 1.5 - 2 cm. Now that the border is created, you will be left with a blank middle space. This is the main workspace. Start drawing your choice of figure, designs, and shapes. These must be relevant to the Madhubani painting themes.

When the key design has been made, the empty spaces in between are filled with some designs.
Now is the time to color the painting using vivid shades and hues. Colors in Madhubani are sourced from nature; Indigo is used to produce blue, flower juice produces red, turmeric gives yellow, leaves produce green, cow dung mixed soot gives black, and rice powder gives white.

To paint these colors, the artist uses a bamboo stick and wraps cotton around it. This acts as a traditional brush.
The entire painting is now painted using this special brush with natural vibrant colors. · However, in modern times, the common brush is used and instead of natural colors, artists prefer to use acrylic paints.

Since the entire painting is made with natural materials and colors, it appears simple yet enriching. Originally, this art was created on mud walls or soil grounds but when it evolved over many years, the people of Madhubani started to make it on fabric and paper. Today, this art has become globalized and is receiving worldwide attention and appreciation.