6 hours of learning with Patua artist Sonali Chitrakar from Naya Village, West Bengal
About the artform:
Patachitra is a unique folk tradition of visual storytelling accompanied by songs performed by the Patuas. Stories are painted on long scrolls by the painters known as chitrakars (family surname) who gradually unfurl them while narrating. Patachitra paintings of Bengal have drawn the attention and interest of artists, art connoisseurs, and researchers. It has been nationally and internationally acclaimed as a very interesting style of painting. To some, Patachitra is the precursor of modern day animation.
The word Pata comes from the Sanskrit word Patta that means a piece of cloth and Chitra means painting. The songs are known as Pater Gaan, which is passed down to next generations. Traditionally, the Patuas would travel from village to village singing and displaying the scrolls to earn a living.
Patachitra art form of Bengal is known for its bold colours, lines, and strokes.
The unfolding or playing of the Pata is called ‘Pat Khelano’, and the song through which the divinely painted narratives are sung is called ‘Pater Gaan.’ This flows in 3 stages – the kahani (story), the mahatmya (glory), and bhavita (introduction).
About the workshop:
This is a Janamashtami special workshop where we create a beautiful Radha and Krishna piece in the traditional style of Kalighat Pattachitra
In the 6 hours of workshop (1.5 hrs each day) we will start learning from the basics, i.e. the construction of face and figure. Then we will sketch the artwork from scratch (freehand)
Going forward, we shall learn step by step process of painting, shading and adding details and decorations to the painting.
About the artist:
Sonali Chitrakar is a state awardee artist from West Medinipur in West Bengal who has learnt the art since the tender age of 6 from her mother, acclaimed artist Swarna Chitrakar. She is a fabulous painter as well as a wonderful singer.
Materials required:
22x28 / 14x22 size sheets
Watercolor/Poster colors/natural colors
Round brushes
Basic stationery
*Natural colors as used by the artist is available can be purchased here: https://thefolkworkshop.com/products/natural-colors-for-artists-by-artists
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