Phad Painting

Phad painting is a beautiful specimen of Indian cloth painting, which has its origin in Rajasthan. This painting can be simply described as a large painting on Khadi, which venerates the deeds of a hero. The smaller version of phada is known as phadakye. Phada painting has come to be regarded as one of the most sought after folk paintings in the world of art and culture, for their unique beauty and chronicling character.

Generally, the life events of the Rajasthani heros like Goga Chauhan, Prithaviraj Chauhan, Amar Singh Rathor, Tejaji, and many others were illustrated on the Phadas in the earlier times. However, nowadays, the stories from the life of Papuji, and Narayandevji are primarily depicted. Paintings transcend time to recreate the story of the brave Rajput warrior Pabuji. Adorning a 30 feet long scroll, these paintings show Pabuji`s victory and the life style of his time. The colors employed are generally vegetable dyes and are used in a fixed order starting from orange-yellow to brown, green, red and finally black.

Traditionally only vegetable colors were supposed to be used, as these colors remained fast and fresh for a long duration. However the scarcity of these colors was seen as an overwhelming threat to this art form, so the artists were compelled to make innovations. Innovation evolved in the form of waterproof earthen colors. The pounding the natural earthen colors with gum, water and indigo produce the desired colors. The specificity in the use of colors in Phad Paintings is remarkable. Only one color can be used at a time and specific colors are used for different things- orange for limbs and torso, yellow for Phad Paintingornaments, clothing and designs, gray for structure, blue for water and curtains, green for trees and vegetation and red, prominently for dress. All these are outlined with bold black strokes, which give definition to these forms.

The unique beauty of these paintings has fascinated art connoisseurs around the world. No wonder that today Phad Painting has come to be regarded as one of the most sought after folk paintings in the world of art and culture.

I have used Poster Colors on handmade paper. Design inspiration from the internet.

Source of content :Phad Painting

Madhavi