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Madhubani Course

Madhubani Course

Welcome to the enchanting world of Madhubani painting!

Duration 10 Hours
Level Multi-Level
Language Hindi, English

About Maestro Course

Welcome to the Madhubani Painting Course! The name Madhubani derives from the local language, where 'Madhu' means honey and 'bani' means forest, reflecting the rich and vibrant essence of this art form. Madhubani paintings beautifully depict day-to-day experiences, beliefs, and elements of Hindu mythology. From worshipping Hindu deities to portraying episodes from popular mythologies, these paintings showcase the land's social structure and cultural identity. Join us to learn the techniques, themes, and symbolism of this vibrant art form. Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the beauty of Madhubani painting!

Lessons

Artist Introduction

Introduction to the Artist

Dulari Devi's journey with Madhubani painting began as a domestic servant in the home of Madhubani artist Mahasundari Devi. She begins learning here and sets off on a journey that would get her international acclaim.

Phase of Learning

Dulari Devi shares her journey of learning Madhubani painting, starting with the fundamental task of drawing borders and lines. She reflects on the obstacles she faced during the early stages of her artistic development.

Padmashree Award Story

Dulari Devi recalls the surreal moment when she received the phone call informing her about being chosen for the prestigious Padma Shri award. She remembers her disbelief and happiness at the recognition bestowed upon her.

Present for the Prime Minister

Dulari Devi reminisces about her memorable meeting with the Prime Minister, where she had the honour of presenting a Madhubani painting that she had created.

Overcoming Challenges

Dulari Devi reflects on her humble beginnings as a domestic servant and the challenges she encountered along the way.

Artistic Journey

Dulari Devi opens up about her artistic journey and the significance that Madhubani painting holds in her life.

Hobbies and Teaching Experience

Dulari Devi shares some intriguing glimpses from her life's journey. She recounts the moments of uncertainty and perseverance and reminisces about her experiences as a teacher. She speaks about imparting her knowledge and skills to aspiring artists, nurturing their creativity, and witnessing their growth.

Musical Performance

Dulari Devi graciously shares a folk song from the enchanting region of Mithila. With each verse, her voice resonates with the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the land.

History of the art form

Introduction of the Historian

In this module, we are introduced to Soma Gosh, Librarian and Social Media officer at the Salar Jung Museum. She will share the history of Madhubani painting, providing insights into its origins, evolution, and cultural significance.

Origin of the art form

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.

Development in art form

Soma Gosh discusses the influential 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.

Theme of the art form

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.

Artist Experience

Travel Experience

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.

Discovering Artists

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.

Mithila Art Institute

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.

Themes

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

History of Artform - Dulari Devi

01 - History and Culture

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.

02 - Composition & Themes

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.

03 - Mithila Experience

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

04 - Biography of Dulari Devi

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.

05 - Contemporary Forms

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.

Basic Course

Lets begin with Sketching

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.

Step 1 - Outline of Main Image (Outlining)

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

Step 2 - Adding elements (Outlining)

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 embedded within it.

Step 3 - Decorating Borders (Outlining)

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.

Step 4 - Finishing Touch (Outlining)

As the 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 embedded in Madhubani painting.

Part 1 - Colouring Main Image and Background (Detailing)

The artist starts by rubbing the pencil marks and then proceeds to colour-blocking, applying solid blocks of colours to establish the overall composition and colour scheme.

Part 2 - Colouring Elements of the Image (Detailing)

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

Part 3 - Border and Finishing Details (Detailing)

In the final part of the process, the artist 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. The finishing touches are added, highlighting specific elements and giving the artwork a polished and complete look.

Intermediate

What will we learn

In the intermediate level of Madhubani painting, we will explore the creation of a vibrant artwork depicting a regional deity and a festive celebration deeply rooted in folk traditions. Through this project, we will delve into the rich cultural heritage of the region and learn to infuse our artwork with the essence of these local customs.

Intermediate Sketching

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.

Step 1 - Outlining the Main Image

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.

Step 2 - Outlining the Borders

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.

Step 3 - Outlining the other Details

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.

Let's start with Greens

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.

Paint it red

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 is the new black

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.

Bright Yellow

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.

Adding the colour details

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.

Part 1 - Detailing & Outlining

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.

Part 2 - Detailing & Outlining

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.

Part 3 - Detailing & Outlining

Part 4 - Detailing & Outlining

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.

Adding the Finishing Touches

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.

Advance Course

Advance - What will we learn

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.

Advanced Sketching

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.

Step 1 - Outlining the Animal

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.

Step 2 - Outlining the Pot and Sita ji

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.

Step 3 - Creating the borders

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.

Step 4 - Outlining the villager

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.

Step 5 - Drawing Janak ji and few details

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.

Step 6 - Finishing touch

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.

Let's Begin the Magic of Colours

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.

Add finer details

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.

Material Includes

Artventures of Madhubani - Art Kit by Rooftop (1)
Set of 12 Poster/Acrylic colours (1)
Brushes (2, 4, 6,8) (3)
Basic Stationery (Pencil, eraser, ruler) (1)
Palette and Water (-19)

About Artist

Dulari Devi

Dulari Bai is an Indian artist and illustrator, who lives in the village of Ranti, in the State of Bihar, India. As a young girl, she worked as a domestic servant for prominent Madhubani painter Mahasundari Devi, who encouraged her to follow her own artistic path with painting. Dulari Bai's choice of motifs and characterization has been cited as an example of women's increasing expression of empowerment. Her works have also been described as "combining community traditions with modern themes".