Madhubani Course

In this module of our Madhubani course, you are introduced to Soma Gosh, Librarian and Social Media officer at the Salar Jung Museum. She shares the history of Madhubani painting, providing lesser known insights into its origins, evolution, and cultural significance.

Soma Gosh sheds light on the naming of Madhubani art and shares the fascinating legend that surrounds its creation. She explores the historical roots of this art form and highlights the cultural significance embedded within it.

Soma Gosh discusses the Influentlal artists who have contributed to the development and evolution of Madhubani art. She traces the journey of this art form from its humble beginnings, where it was drawn on the floor, to its transformation into the vibrant and intricate form that it is today.

Soma Gosh delves into the rich themes, diverse styles, and intricate techniques employed in Madhubani painting. She discusses the distinct regional variations and stylistic approaches that artists employ, showcasing the versatility and creative expression within the Madhubani art form.

Dulari Devi shares her joy of travelling for the purpose of recording this series of lectures with Rooftop. She expresses her gratitude for this opportunity which allowed her to share her knowledge and passion for Madhubani painting with a wider audience.

Dulari Devi encourages us to embark on a journey of discovering new Madhubani artists and welcoming them into the vibrant world of this art form. She emphasizes the importance of supporting and nurturing emerging talents, as it contributes to the growth and evolution of Madhubani painting.

Dulari Devi recounts her time at the Mithila Art Institute, a renowned institution dedicated to promoting and preserving the art of Madhubani painting. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow as an artist in such a nurturing and supportive environment.

In this video, Dulari Devi opens up about her artistic inspirations and the themes that have captivated her in her painting journey.

Dulari Devi shares the folk history passed down through generations, unveiling the origin of Madhubani painting as traditionally practiced by women in the community. Her storytelling unveils the layers of folk history, creating a deeper understanding of this cherished art form's cultural significance.

Dulari Devi describes how she finds the inspiration she draws from her daily surroundings. In this heartfelt discussion, she shares how everyday situations and experiences serve as a wellspring of creativity for her paintings. So watch, listen and get inspired.

Dulari Devi warmly shares anecdotes that illuminate the colourful tapestry of Mithila's local culture and traditions. Her stories will transport you to a Mithila community where art, music, and everyday moments intertwine together.

Dulari Devi fondly recounts the publication of her biography, "Following My Paint Brush," by Tara Books. Through captivating Mithila-style illustrations, the book beautifully captures significant milestones from Dulari's life. She also shares her joy in being featured in various publications by different authors.

Madhubani painting has evolved from its traditional religious roots to encompass a wider range of subjects and mediums. While it originated as a sacred art form depicting deities and mythological stories, it has now expanded to include contemporary themes and social issues. This transformation reflects the dynamic nature of the art form and its ability to engage with the changing times.

Madhubani borders are intricate and vibrant patterns that surround the central motif of a Madhubani painting. They are known for their geometric designs, floral patterns, and cultural symbols. These borders enhance the overall beauty of the artwork and have gained international recognition for their unique aesthetic.

In the first module of Madhubani painting, the artist starts by sketching the artwork on the theme of 'Chhath Puja'. Using a pencil, she carefully outlines the composition, capturing the essential elements and details of the traditional Madhubani style. This initial sketch serves as the framework for the vibrant and intricate painting that will follow.

After creating the pencil sketch, the artist proceeds to outline it with a black coloured paint. This step helps define the shapes and forms of the artwork, giving it a distinct Madhubani style. As she shows you how to sketch, Dulari Devi ji also shares the significance of the Chhath festival, highlighting its cultural and religious importance to the Mithila community.

As the outlining progresses, the artist meticulously adds more elements, showcasing the intricate details that Madhubani painting is renowned for. With each stroke of the brush, the artwork comes to life, revealing the rich cultural heritage it carries.

As the artist adds the final elements to complete the image outline, she devotes attention to decorating the border of the painting with intricate patterns. She shares the variety of designs that can be used to embellish the borders of Madhubani paintings.

As Dulari Devi ji artist adds the final few elements to complete the image outline, she carefully selects each element with cultural significance in mind. Every stroke of the brush carries a story and symbolism that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Madhubani paintings.

The artist starts this lesson by rubbing the pencil marks and then proceeds to colour-block, a process of applying solid blocks of colours to establish the overall composition and colour scheme. Learning from a legend in the field is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity.

In this second part, the artist focuses on colouring the various elements of the image. She carefully selects the vibrant colours traditionally used in traditional Madhubani painting and applies them to bring life to the artwork.

In the final part of the process, Dulari Devi ji works on the border of the painting, adding intricate patterns and designs. She pays close attention to every detail, ensuring a harmonious and balanced composition. Then, finishing touches are added, highlighting specific elements and giving the artwork a polished and complete look.

Welcome to the intermediate level of your Madhubani painting course. Here we will explore the creation of a vibrant artworks depicting a regional deity and a festive celebration deeply rooted in folk traditions. Through this module, we will delve into the rich cultural heritage of the region and learn to infuse our artwork with other cultural aspects of these local customs.

We first begin by creating the first sketch that narrates the captivating story of the folk deity. Through careful strokes of the pencil, the artist brings to life the essence and symbolism associated with this revered figure. Each line and curve holds significance, capturing the mythical tales and cultural beliefs that surround the deity.

In this step, the artist carefully outlines the main image using a fine brush or pen. This helps to define the shape of the subject, giving the artwork a clear and distinct appearance. The artist pays attention to the intricate details and ensures that the outline enhances the overall composition of the piece.

In this step, the artist focuses on outlining the borders of the artwork. Using a steady hand and a fine brush or pen, she creates bold and defined lines along the edges of the painting. The border outlines add a finishing touch to the artwork, framing the main image and giving it a polished look.

In the third step, the artist proceeds to outline the details with the main image. By outlining these details, the artist brings clarity and definition to the overall painting, elevating its visual impact.

In the fascinating world of Madhubani painting, colour is an essential element that brings vibrancy and life to the artwork. We embark on our colourful journey by exploring the lush greens. With each stroke of the brush, we infuse the canvas with the refreshing hues of nature, creating a harmonious backdrop for our composition.

Next, we immerse ourselves in the captivating power of red. This passionate color evokes strong emotions and adds a dynamic energy to our artwork. As we carefully apply the rich red tones, our painting begins to come alive, capturing the viewer's attention and igniting their curiosity.

Orange takes its turn on the canvas. This warm and vibrant colour brings a sense of warmth and radiance to the composition. With each delicate brushstroke, we layer the orange hues, creating depth and dimension, and infusing our artwork with a captivating glow.

Lastly, we embrace the brightness of yellow, like rays of sunshine illuminating our creation. This cheerful colour symbolizes joy and optimism, and it adds a sense of playfulness to our Madhubani masterpiece.

The artist then focuses on adding intricate color details to enhance the overall composition. This involves carefully selecting and applying different hues and shades to specific areas, bringing depth and dimension to the artwork.

The next steps involve detailing and outlining different parts of the artwork. This meticulous process adds fine lines, patterns, and textures to further enhance the visual appeal and bring the artwork to life. It is typically done in multiple parts to ensure attention to detail throughout the painting.

We continue with the detailing and outlining of different parts of the artwork. This meticulous process adds fine lines, patterns, and textures to further enhance the visual appeal and bring the artwork to life. It is typically done in multiple parts to ensure attention to detail throughout the painting.

We continue with the detailing and outlining of different parts of the artwork. This meticulous process adds fine lines, patterns, and textures to further enhance the visual appeal and bring the artwork to life. It is typically done in multiple parts to ensure attention to detail throughout the painting.

We complete the detailing and outlining of different parts of the artwork. This meticulous process adds fine lines, patterns, and textures to further enhance the visual appeal and bring the artwork to life.

Lastly, the artist adds the final touches to complete the artwork. This may include adding any remaining details, refining the outlines, and making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired aesthetic effect. The finishing touches bring the artwork to its final form, ready to be admired and appreciated.

In the advanced level of our Madhubani painting journey, we delve into the story of King Janak's discovery of Sita while ploughing the field. With this enchanting theme as our inspiration, we embark on a creative exploration of intricate details and expressive storytelling.

Using the techniques mastered in the previous levels, we begin by sketching the key elements of the narrative, capturing the essence of the scene. We carefully outline the figures, capturing the emotions and dynamics of the characters involved. The lines are refined, ensuring clarity and precision in every stroke.

The artist's creative process in Madhubani painting begins with the crucial step of outlining the main animal in the composition. With meticulous precision, the artist carefully traces the contours of the animal, capturing its essence and bringing it to life on the canvas. This initial outline serves as a foundation, guiding the subsequent layers of colours and details.

Next, the artist turns their attention to outlining the pot and the figure of Sita ji. These elements play significant roles in the narrative of the painting, and the artist's skilful outlining ensures that their shapes and forms are clearly defined. The careful placement of lines and curves brings out the graceful curves of the pot and the elegance of Sita ji's figure.

In this step, the artist focuses on creating decorative borders around the main image. These borders add an aesthetic element and enhance the overall composition of the artwork.

The artist proceeds to outline the villager in the painting, capturing the details of their attire and features. This step brings the character to life and adds depth to the narrative of the artwork.

In the next step, the artist draws Janak ji and adds further details to the painting. This may include intricate patterns, accessories, or elements that contribute to the overall story being depicted.

The final step involves adding the finishing touches to the artwork. The artist ensures that all the outlines are refined and precise, making any necessary adjustments to create a visually appealing and cohesive composition.

The artist begins by adding colours to the main image. This involves filling in the different areas with appropriate colours to bring the subjects to life. The artist carefully selects and applies colours that align with the desired visual representation of the image.

After completing the base colours, the artist moves on to add finer details. By carefully layering colours and adding subtle variations, the artist brings out the nuances in the artwork, creating a visually captivating and engaging piece. This stage of colouring adds the final touches that bring the image to its full vibrancy and appeal.