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Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting from Rooftop’s Maestro Courses

Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting, a 400-year-old South-Indian Folk Art

Are you a fan of paintings that weave a narrative through multiple panels? Along with Phad paintings, Cheriyal paintings are also a traditional form of folk storytelling. These art forms have existed for hundreds of years, and while they may include contemporary themes today, their styles and methods remain rooted in tradition. You may believe that in order to learn the authentic traditions of Cheriyal painting, you will have to visit the interiors of the Cheriyal village and learn from the locals. However, you can now learn Cheriyal scroll painting from local artists from the comfort of your home through Rooftop’s one-of-a-kind Maestro art courses.

If you’re looking for a way to learn traditional Cheriyal painting online or are interested in learning the folk and tribal art forms of India, look no further than the Rooftop app.

Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting from Master Artists of the Dhanalakota Family

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Venkat Ramaiya is a master artist of Cheriyal painting who has dedicated his life to preserving the traditional art form. His exceptional skill and passion for safeguarding the art form have won him numerous awards. Dhanalakota Nageshwar is another talented artist in the family whose captivating paintings of Indian epics are famous for their masterful visual storytelling. Dhanalakota Sai Kiran is a young Cheriyal artist who has honed his skills under the guidance of the Dhanalakota elders. His paintings depict contemporary topics through the use of traditional materials and techniques.

The Dhanalakota family is one of the few families that continues to practise Cheriyal art. Rooftop is elated that its learners will learn Cheriyal scroll painting from such experienced artists with generations of cultural heritage.

An Introduction to the History, Origins, and Traditions of Cheriyal Art

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The artist Nageshwar Dhanalakota begins the course by introducing himself. He then introduces the art of Cheriyal scroll painting, which is also known as Nakashi art. You’ll then learn about the history of Cheriyal scroll paintings and their significance to South Asian scroll painting traditions. Sai Kiran will go on to explain the origin of Cheriyal paintings.

You’ll listen to the artist analyse the human figures and animal motifs in a painting of the Sankranti festival. Then, you’ll have a look at how the cloth canvas for cheriyal painting is prepared. Nageshwar Ji will speak briefly about his experience and the traditions of Nakashi painting. You’ll go on to learn about the women artists of the Cheriyal tradition.

Learn About the Borders and Pigments Used in Cheriyal Art

learn cheriyal scroll painting

How are natural paints created for cheriyal painting? The next section will tackle this question. You’ll learn about how natural paints are created, where they are sourced from, and what needs to be done before they can be used on the canvas. You’ll learn about the difference between the two yellow hues used in cheriyal painting and the process of making natural black, yellow, red, white, and blue paint. The artist will then talk about Tirumani Gond, the natural binder used in the paints that makes the pigment stick to the canvas.

learn cheriyal scroll painting

In the next section, the artist will teach you the importance of borders in Nakashi art. Next, you’ll learn Cheriyal scroll painting style borders, their types, and their uses. Then the artist will teach you four different types of borders that you can incorporate into your Cheriyal paintings. 

Also read: Scroll through Events – Cheriyal Scroll

Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting through the Basic Course

learn cheriyal scroll painting

In the basic course, you will learn the steps needed to prepare the canvas before you start the painting process. You’ll learn how to sketch the border and create a basic sketch of a simple Cheriyal composition. Next, the artist will demonstrate how to add in smaller details and apply two coats of paint to the background.

learn cheriyal scroll painting

You’ll learn all about the different colours used to paint the skin of different characters. The artist will teach you how to paint a saree, a blouse, and colour in the adornments of various characters. Next, you’ll fill the borders with base colours and paint in facial features as well as other details. You’ll add final touches and finishing details, outline the borders, and add designs to them.

Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting through the Intermediate Course

learn cheriyal scroll painting

You will be drawing a different theme in the intermediate section. The artist will explain the theme and demonstrate how to measure and sand the cloth canvas. After you draw the borders, you’ll begin sketching Krishna and cow motifs. Follow along with the artist as he sketches a tree and a gopi. You will first fill in the background and then start painting the tree motif.

learn cheriyal scroll painting

After this, you will paint the cow, the clothes of the characters, and the ornaments. You’ll add finer details to the artwork and learn to paint details in your painting’s borders. Then it’s time to add fine outlines and minute details. After some final touch-ups and detailing to the borders, your artwork will be complete!

Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting through the Advance Course

Before you actually begin painting, you’ll learn the story behind the theme and composition that you will tackle in the advance course. Prepare the base using the necessary materials. Since the Swayamvar theme is intricate and detailed, having a well-defined outline will make the painting process much easier. After outlining the scene, you will outline the main characters, Ram and Sita.

The artist will guide you through the painting process of the background and the human figures. You will learn how to paint the elaborate and colourful clothes and ornaments in this scene. You’ll use vibrant colours to highlight the jewellery of Gods, Goddesses, and other characters. Next, you’ll learn Cheriyal scroll painting techniques to add outlines, borders, and details. Finally, the artist will teach you how to use a fine brush to add details to the painting and the borders. Enrol in the course to learn specialised techniques and much more.

Learn Cheriyal Scroll Painting through the Bonus Course Content

learn cheriyal scroll painting

In the bonus course, you’ll learn how Cheriyal scroll painting techniques can also be used to decorate masks. The artist will explain the cultural significance of these masks. First, you’ll learn about the materials required to make these masks. Then you’ll begin preparing the materials yourself. You’ll make tamarind seed paste and then heat it. After adding sawdust to the mixture, it is ready to be moulded into the shape of a face. The course will go through every single step, even the more complicated ones. So don’t miss out and enrol today!

The artist will teach you how to sculpt the facial features of male as well as female characters. After some detailed instructions on how to add features to the mask base, you’ll paint pieces of cotton cloth onto the sculpted masks. You’ll continue by adding a mixture of tamarind seed paste and chalk powder to the mask. You will be preparing two masks in this module—one for a male and one for a female character.

You will add two layers of paint to each mask. Then you’ll paint the headpiece of the female mask and the turban for the male one. Next, you’ll learn how to paint the earrings and eyes on both masks and add finer details to them. After you add outlines and final details, don’t forget to add a layer of varnish to ensure that the paint stays for longer. The Rooftop Maestro Course on Cheriyal Painting ends with a summary of the importance of dolls in Cheriyal painting.

Why Learn Indian Art Through Rooftop Maestro Courses?

Rooftop Maestro course instructors are highly qualified and well-respected artists in their field. They have years of experience and formidable skills. Learning from these artists ensures that you will be able to learn the authentic and traditional techniques associated with the art form. Moreover, did we mention that along with being online, the course is entirely self-paced? So you don’t have to worry about rushing through complicated sections just to finish it by a particular deadline.

Many of our learners express how Rooftop has made it easier for them to access information about tribal and folk art forms. Along with maestro courses, you can also continue your pursuit of knowledge by enrolling in our regular art workshops. You can connect with other like-minded learners and make friends while learning traditional art with friends. Interact with a growing community of artists and learn Indian art on the Rooftop app.

Art Kit And Certification

But wait—there’s more! You will get a curated Art Kit delivered directly to their doorstep. The Art Kit contains a Cheriyal art activity book which is packed with information, exercises, trivia, learning plans, etc. This book is a great learning tool that will assist you in all your Cheriyal art learning endeavours. Along with the activity book, you get a bunch of cool stickers and an awesome tote bag that you can keep all your art supplies in.

You’ll also get bookmarks and postcards with Cheriyal designs printed on them. You can use the painting techniques taught in the Maestro course to colour them in and keep them as souvenirs, or gift them to friends! Of course, along with the Art Kit, you also get a certificate upon course completion. Proudly share your achievement with the world by getting your certificate framed and prominently displayed in your home.

Learn Cheriyal art now to show off your passion for Indian culture and storytelling traditions. Download the Rooftop App from Google Play or the App Store and enrol in the Cheriyal Painting Maestro course today!

By Melissa D’Mello

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