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Introducing to Cheriyal Scroll Painting Maestro Course
Cheriyal painting is a traditional style of Indian scroll painting that originated in the village of Cheriyal in Telangana, India. It is known for its bright colors and bold lines, often depicting mythological and folk stories. The paintings are made using natural dyes and pigments, and typically feature a central figure surrounded by smaller scenes and decorative elements. Cheriyal painting is usually done on cloth, which is then coated with a mixture of tamarind seed powder and glue to create a smooth surface for painting. The art form has been practiced for over 400 years and is considered an important part of Telangana's cultural heritage.
Artist Introduction Nageshwar Dhanalakota
Nageshwar Dhanalakota is a senior artist from the Nakash family of Cheriyal artists in Telangana. His experience spans over more than 20 years in preserving and promoting this art form.Dhanalakota Nageshhwar introducing the art of Cheriyal
Cheiryal painting, also known as the Nakashi art is a popular kind of scroll painting in India. Used widely for storytelling, this art is famous for its vibrant colours, character design and folk tales.History of Cheriyal
For more than 400 years, the art of Cheriyal has been a vital part of South Asia's scroll painting tradition. Two budding artists of Dhanalakota family - Sai Kiran and his brother will take you through this historical journey.The Story of Cheriyal Paintings
Storytelling methods of Cheriyal painting are unique to itself. The animal motifs, human figures and the scenes are depicted in a way that brings motion to the still images. Here we are showing the Sankranti Festival.Preparation of Cloth
Every art form has its unique set of features and characteristics, Cheriyal is no different. This is where we explain you about the preparation of the cloth canvas.Understanding Traditions Behind Cheriyal Art
Nageshwar Dhanalakota opens a treasure trove of his experience as he speaks briefly about the rich traditions of this art. Know the background before you actually begin the course.Dhanlokota wives
Supporting their husbands in the Cheriyal tradition, these women artist have proven to be a stron pillar in carrying ahead the legacy.Basics of Cheriyal colours
In this module, get to know about the colours used in Cheriyal painting, their source, and also the the technicalities involved to get them ready for the canvas.Two Yellows + Black
The artists distinguish between the two yellows used, and also explain about the black colour.Use of Tirumani Gond
Artists here talk about the natural binder used to keep the pigments stuck on the canvas.Red
The artist explains the making of natural red paint for Cheriyal paintings.Yellow
The artist explains the making of natural yellow paint for Cheriyal paintings.Blue
The artist explains the making of natural blue paint for Cheriyal paintings.White
The artist explains the making of natural white paint for Cheriyal paintings.Black
The artist explains the making of natural black paint for Cheriyal paintings.Mixing Colours
The artist explains the mixing of natural paints to create different colours for Cheriyal paintings.Understanding the different types of Borders in the Cheriyal Painting
The making of Borders: In this module, learn about the importance of Understanding the different types of Borders.Demonstration of Border making process I
The Borders (I): In this module, the artists will show you the first type of border you can use in Cheriyal paintings.Demonstration of Border making process II
The Borders (II): In this module, the artists will show you a second type of border you can use in Cheriyal paintings.Demonstration of Border making process III
The Borders (III): In this module, the artists will show you a third type of border you can use in Cheriyal paintings.Demonstration of Border making process IV
The Borders (IV): In this module, the artists will show you a fourth type of border you can use in Cheriyal paintings.Uses of the different types of the border in the Cheriyal painting
The making of Borders: In this module, learn about the importance of using different types of borders.Learn Sketching and Outline drawing with Shravan Dhanalakota
Getting down to the actual sketching part, Shravana Dhanalakota - your mentor explains how a basic sketch of Cheriyal is completedLearning to Sketch and Outline with Venkat Dhanalakota
Moving further into the sketching part, we have Venkat Dhanalakota, another senior and award-winning artist shedding a light on getting a perfect Cheriyal sketch.Recap to what is Cheriyal painting
The Basic Course: In this module, you shall be guided through the Basic Course on the Cheriyal art form.The theme of the artwork
The theme of the artwork: Here, the artist explains the themes you will be working on.Steps to keep in mind before we begin
Before we start: The artist explains the steps taken to prepare the base before starting a traditional Cheriyal artwork.Measuring the Border
The border: The artist tells you about the need and importance of borders.Part One The figure
Sketching (I): In this module, the artist guides you through creating the basic sketch of your artwork.Part Two Detailing
In this module, the artist adds smaller details to the Cheriyal artwork.Part One Complete Outlining
Background Colour (I): In this module, the artist begins with colouring the background in the conventional Cheriyal tradtion.Part Two Filling in the Background First Coat
Background Colour (II): In this module, the artist continues the application of the first coat of paint in the background.Part Three Filling in the Background Second Coat
Background Colour (III): In this module, the artist applies the second coat of paint in the background.Part One Skin Tone
Character Colour (I): In this module, the artist takes you through the different colours used for the skin for different characters in Cheriyal works.Part Two Clothes Sari
Character Colour (II): In this module, the artist takes you through the colouring of the character's clothers.Part Two Clothes Blouse
Character Colour (II): In this module, the artist takes you through the colouring of the character's clothers.Part Three Adornments Pot
Character Colour (III): In this module, the artist will guide you through filling in the colours for the character's adornments.Part Three Adornments Ornaments
Character Colour (III): In this module, the artist will guide you through filling in the colours for the character's adornments.Part Three Adornments Detailing with White
Character Colour (III): In this module, the artist will guide you through filling in the colours for the character's adornments.Part One Border
Final Colour (I): The artist will show you how to fill in the base colours in the borders.Part Two Facial features
Final Colour (II): The artist will now take you through painting the facial features and other details.Part One Complete Outlining
Outline (I): In this module, the artist will take you through the remaining details needed in this Cheriyal work.Part Two Detailing
Outline (II): In this module, the artist will take you through other finer details.Detailing the Border
Outline Border (I): Here, the artist will begin with outlining the borders.Border Design
Outline Border (II): Here, the artist will add design to the borders.Final Touches
The artist will show how to add finishing touches to the piece to give it a lively and vibrant appearance.The theme of the artwork
The Intermediate Course: You shall be guided through the Intermediate Course on the Cheriyal art form in this module. The artists begin by explaining the theme.Measuring the cloth and Sanding the cloth
Before we start: The artist begins with the preparation of the canvas to be used.Measuring the Border
The Border: Here, the artist then continue by marking out the borders.Step 1 Drawing Krishna and the cow
Sketching (I): In this module, the artist begins with sketching the characters.Step 2 Drawing the tree and the Gopi
Sketching (II): In this module, the artist continues to sketch the other characters.Uses of colours
The Colour: Here, the artist goes through the colours that will be required for this particular artwork.Part One Background outline
Background Colour (I): In this module, the artist begins with carefully adding the background colour around the characters.Part Two Filling in the Background First Coat
Background Colour (II): In this module, the artist continues to apply the first coat of the background colour.Part Three Filling in the Background Second Coat
Background Colour (III): In this module, the artist applies the second coat of the background colour.Part One Tree
Colour (I): Now, you shall begin with adding colour to the tree.Part Two Krishna Blue Skin
Colour (II): The artist guides you through adding colours to Krishna.Part Three Gopi in Yellow
Colour (III): The artist guides you through adding colours to the Gopi.Part Four Dresses
Colour (IV): In this module, the artist goes through the process of filling colours to the clothes of the characters in your painting.Part Five Cow and other embelishments
Colour (V): In this module, the artist shows you how to colour-in the cow and painting on other embellishments in the work.Part Six Detailing
Colour (VI): Post colouring, in this section we will look at adding finer details into the artwork.Outlining
Outlining: The artist guides you through the process of adding fine outlines in this module.Part One Detailing
Detailing (I): Watch carefully and patiently as the artist is now focusing on adding minute details on the artwork. This is something where you cannot afford to go wrong.Part Two Final touch ups
Detailing (II): Learn how to add final touch-ups to your paintings. Just a few more steps and your artwork will be ready.Part Three Borders
Detailing (III): In this final module of the Intermediate Course, the artist will guide you through the finer details on the borders of this Cheriyal work.The Theme of the artwork
It is important to know the art before actually creating it. Hence here's the story of the artwork that you will be creating in this module.Preparing the base
Prepare the base with necessary ingredients as a preliminary step.Step 1 Making the outline for the Swayamwar scene
For the artwork as intricate as Swayamwara it is necessary to have well demarcated outline. Learn how to do it here.Step 2 Making the outline for the Wedding scene between Ram and Sita
Now that we have an outline for the scene, let's create an outline for the main characters for the theme.Colouring the Background First Coat
In this section, you will learn about applying the first coat of colour for the background.Adding the second Coat
For the rest of the sections, we will be applying the second coat of colour.Colouring the Figures
After applying the two coats of colour in the background, start colouring the human figures.Colouring the Dresses
Another step in completing the artwork is adding colours to the garments of our human figures.Colouring the backdrop
A few final steps before completing the artwork are painting the final backdrop with flat colour.Colouring the accessories
Watch the video carefully to understand how the accessories are painted.Colouring Ornaments
The artists demonstrate how to colour the traditional ornaments in Cheriyal art using vibrant colours.Highlighting Ornaments
Artists show how the ornaments of the Gods, Goddesses and other characters are highlighted through vibrant colours.Adding colour to the borders
The artist shows how borders are created and painted for the Swayamwara theme. It is necessary to appropriate colour combinations.Top Half
Adding outlines and details is the most difficult and intricate part of the entire process. Make sure you practice is on a rough paper, before implementing it.Bottom Half
Here we continue outlining at the bottom half of the artAdding the final details
As we move to the final stages of the art, in this video we will learn how to add details to the painting.Decorating the Borders
Post adding the details, with the help of a fine brush let's learn how to decorate the borders.History of Cheriyal Mask
The Bonus Course - Mask Making in Cheriyal In this module, you shall be guided through the Mask making in Cheriyal. You shall be introduced to their significance in the local culture and how the artisans have evolved the art with the requirements of the time.Introducing the materials
Introduction to the materials: In this module, the artists will tell you about the materials that are required for making traditional Cheriyal masks.Step One Making Tamrind Seed Paste
Mask Base (I): The artist begins by making the tamarind paste.Step Two Heating the paste
Mask Base (II): The artist continues working on the tamarind paste for the mask.Step Three Adding sawdust to the prepared paste
Mask Base (III): The artist adds sawdust to the paste as the final step for the preparation of the mask base dough.Process Preparing the Shell
Mask Base (IV): The dough is given a basic facial shape.Making features on the mask Female
Facial Features (I): In this module, the artist adds features to the mask base for a female character.Making features on the mask Male
Facial Features (II): In this module, the artist adds features to the mask base for a male character.Facial features I
Facial Features: Here, you shall be guided through the addition of facial features to the masks.Facial features II
Facial Features: Here, you shall be guided through the addition of facial features to the masks.Process Pasting cotton cloth
Pasting Cotton Cloth: The artist will now teach you how to put cotton cloth pieces on the mask, and reason behind this step.Step one final Appplication of Tamrind paste mixed with White Chalk Powder
Final Base (I): In this module, the artist shall now add the final ground on the mask.Step 2 on drying
Final Base (II): In this module, the artist shall explain the need for this final ground on the mask, and the next step.How to begin colouring
Colouring (I): The artist gives a brief overview of the next steps.Step One Female Mask Base colour First Coat
Colouring (II): The artist applies the first coat of the base colour for the female mask.Step Two Male mask Base colour First Coat
Colouring (III): The artist applies the first coat of the base colour for the male mask.Step Three Base colour Second Coat
Colouring (IV): The artist applies the second coat of the base colour for the female mask.Step Four The headpieces
Colouring (V): The artist applies the second coat of the base colour for the male mask.Step Five Male Mask Decorating the turban
Colouring (VI): In this module, the artist starts decorating the male mask's turban.Step Six Male Mask Adding earrings and making the eyes
Colouring (VII): In this module, the artist paints over the earrings and eyes of the male mask.Step Seven Border making
Colouring (VIII): In this module, the artist paints the details on the male mask.Step Eight Female Mask Adding the details
Colouring (IX): In this module, the artist adds details to the female mask.Step Nine Male Mask Outlining and Detailing
Colouring (X): Here, the artist adds outlines and final details to the male mask.Step Ten Female Mask Outlining and Detailing
Colouring (XI): Here, the artist shall add outlines and final details to the female mask.Varnish
Varnishing: In this final module of the Mask Making Course, the artist applies varnish to keep the mask paints last longer.Rapid Fire
Here's a quick glimpse into an amazing interaction with our artist.Significance of Dolls in Cheriyal
Dolls in Cheriyal art serve as visual elements that enhance storytelling, convey symbolism, represent culture, and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the artwork. They are an integral part of this traditional art form, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region and captivating audiences with their charm and narrative significance.Dhanalakota Venkataramana Venkataramana is a master artist from the Dhanalakota family and is known for his exceptional skill in creating Cheriyal paintings. He has devoted his life to preserving the traditional art form, teaching the younger generations, and promoting Cheriyal paintings both nationally and internationally. His contributions to the art world have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards for his outstanding work. Dhanalakota Deepika Deepika, the wife of Venkataramana, is also an accomplished Cheriyal painter. She has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the art form alongside her husband. Deepika's work focuses on the intricate details and vibrant colours that are characteristic of Cheriyal paintings, and her paintings often depict stories from Indian mythology and folklore. Dhanalakota Nageshwar Nageshwar is another talented artist from the Dhanalakota family. He has honed his skills under the guidance of his elders and is committed to carrying forward the family's artistic legacy. Nageshwar's paintings often portray scenes from Indian epics and are known for their captivating visual storytelling. Dhanalakota Padma Padma, the wife of Nageshwar, is also a skilled Cheriyal painter. She works closely with her husband to create mesmerizing paintings that showcase the traditional art form. Together, they have participated in various exhibitions and art fairs, raising awareness about Cheriyal paintings and inspiring a new generation of artists. Dhanalakota Sai Kiran Sai Kiran is a young and promising artist from the Dhanalakota family. Trained by his elders, he is dedicated to preserving the ancient art form and has already started making a name for himself in the world of Cheriyal paintings. Sai Kiran's work is a fusion of traditional techniques and contemporary themes, reflecting his commitment to both honouring the past and embracing the future.