Mithila Painting - How to Madhubani Art for Kids and Beginners

Madhubani art, undoubtedly one of the famous form of Indian art that has gained attention globally. Madhubani art represents rich Indian heritage and dates back to time immemorial.

The images in Madhubani art form are two-dimensional and are done based on the observation skills of the artists. The creativity and complexity are shown by making intricate patterns and heavy details.

The art form is believed to be originated during Indian epic Ramayana period where King Janaka hired artists to decorate and paint the town with this art form for the auspicious wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita Mata.

The art form is practiced even to this with majority of the theme representing rich Indian culture. The famous topics being Ram-Sita vivah, Krishna Radha, Krishna Raas Leela, Kohbar, Tree of Life, Hindu deities, scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata and other mythologies.

The art in modern times is created on handmade paper, canvas, silk cloth. Traditionally it was created on floors or walls of huts which is primarily prepped with clay and then layered with a coat of cow dung. Then images are drawn and colored using black lamp suit and natural colors derived from vegetable/plant dyes.

For beginners, here are few tips to adapt.

Observation skills become very helpful here. Observe the style and the way the theme is depicted.
Drawing the main character with double lines using black ink
Dividing the space to filling up with dots, lines and patterns.
Choose a natural color for background.
Characters to be colored with bright natural colors.
No space to be filled blank. Repeated patterns to be used to fill up space.
Madhubani paintings are always accompanied by borders, heavily detailed brightly colored intricate patterns.