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This art form is not something new; in fact
it is as old as the hills. The only point is that decorative painting
was initially never known as such. It was taught as a craft with a
proper technique and in a very systematic manner. It is a very popular
form of painting all over the world because it is fulfilling, meaningful
and perhaps most importantly this form of painting is a skill which can
be acquired with practice.
Decorative painting magically transforms ordinary objects into objects
of art. Various materials are used, various techniques are applied and
the end result is a superb piece of art. To go one step further,
decorative painting helps creativity to surface and what follows is
personal ex-pression. In fact even folk art, country art and rustic
painting fall within the purview of decorative painting. Objects can be
decorated and embellished as desired and the more one practises , the
easier it comes.
Having said that, it can be seen that decorative painting can be done on
a 2 dimensional surface or on a 3 dimensional object. The most common
objects used are glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, paper-mache, ceramic
----in fact it can be done on almost anything. Even furniture, clay
pots, flower pots, trays, boxes can be decoratively painted on. So what
can you paint on these objects? Almost anything, ---the sky is the
limit---birds, animals, bears, flowers, fruits, people and things,
patterns and designs ---all this and more can be transferred with ease,
The big advantage here is that it hardly requires any artistic skill. So
decorative painting appeals to people who feel creatively challenged and
also to people who are at best sticklers for rules.
Acrylics and oils can be used in decorative painting, but a water based
medium is very popular not only because it is easy to clean and easy to
use but also because it dries faster and is not toxic. To obtain
specific effects, gels, extenders, thickeners or texture paste are used
in combination with the acrylic paints.
Decorative painting came into vogue in the early part of the twentieth
century. The artists of that time wanted to blend fine arts and
decorative arts. Bonnard, Vuillard, Denis, Roussel started painting
murals, screens and began to draw designs for stained glass. Wooden and
tin plates, ceramic ware were all decorated in pleasing designs. Clocks,
ornaments, tables, chairs, toy boxes and many everyday items became
objects worthy of decorative painting.
India is home to many decorative paintings and Indians
have surrounded themselves with all sorts of art. Wall paintings are
prevalent in the homes of ancient Indian tribes. These were a form of
self ex-pression and also a form of decoration. The Madhubani
paintings of Bihar are classic examples .Cave paintings etched
on the walls of the caves depicting men and animals are windows through
which one can glimpse the trials and tribulations which man undergoes.
The Bhimbetka caves which are in Madhya Pradesh are treasure troves of
decorative paintings.
Apart from this, cloth, glass and palm leaves have always been
considered excellent mediums for paintings and Indians have exploited
this fact to the full. What is distinctive about Indian decorative
paintings is the vivid colors used, the exquisite styles and the varied
themes. Miniature paintings are thoughts expressed in color, and Indian
folk art converts the ordinary into something exquisite. Banality
becomes divinity with the magic hand of the artist. Whatever be the
medium, be it ivory or wood, leather or marble, the end result is
artistic and well defined. These decorative paintings not only
compliment the owner but also the place where they are housed.
As we have seen, the extent of contemporary decorative painting is only
limited by the extent of imagination. Blending of techniques and styles
onto present day materials have almost created a revolution of sorts.
Stenciling, bronzing, gold leafing, graining----the vision is just
enormous. The best part is that without being exceptionally gifted or
talented, one can make a dent into this colorful world of decorative
painting.
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