About the Artform

Pichwai or pichvai is a style of painting that originated around 400 years back in the town of Nathdwara near Udaipur in Rajasthan. They are made by the members of the Pushti Marg sect, founded by Shri Vallabhacharya in the 16th century. 'Pich' means back and 'wai' means textile hanging. That is why these paintings are hung behind the idol of the deity are made on cloth.

Lord Krishna is usually depicted as Srinathji, the 7-year old manifestation of the Lord. The paintings also depict Radha, gopikas, cows and lotus flowers. Making a Pichwai painting takes time and precision. Each painting can take up to several months to get completed. It is also a dying art and efforts should be made to conserve it as much as possible.

About the workshop

The Canvas

Overall Details

This 2-day workshop will introduce you to the intricate art of Pichwai and its techniques. You will learn to create the traditional motifs that are used in these paintings. You will also learn to draw Srinathji's face in steps and study all his features in detail. Along with this, you will get to create a unique composition around his Mukharvind using the Pichwai motifs. On Day 2, you will color your composition using colors that are traditionally used in Pichwai paintings.

At the end, you will have made a stunning painting of Lord Srinathji after the workshop.

The colours in the palette

Elements you will learn

Day 1

• Introduction to the traditional form of Pichwai
• Difference between the traditional and contemporary Pichwai made clear
• Learning about Pichwai motifs, creating Shrinath ji 's face step by step
• Studying the features and His Shringar in detail
• Creating a unique composition around his Mukharvind using those motifs
• Downloadable pre-drawn composition to print and color

Day 2

• Coloring the painting using different color mediums
• Completion of final artwork
• Review of final art piece by participants

Materials Required

• Pencil, eraser, scale
• A4 size - 300 GSM Watercolor paper - 2 sheets
• A4 size Cartridge paper / sketchbook sheet - 2 sheets
• 0 and 6 number round brush
• A bowl of water and paper towels
• Basic watercolor set
• Pencil colors
• Sketch pens or brush pens
• Golden color paint (poster or watercolor)
• Black waterproof pen - micron - 0.1 number
• Compass

Brands that you can use:

• Watercolor - Camlin / Brustro
• Sketch pens - Luxor
• Brush pens - Camlin
• Golden color- Camlin poster color / Kuretake Gansai Tambi Starry Colors / brushtro metallic gouache colors

Who is this workshop “just right” for?

• If you are inspired by traditional painting styles of India, this workshop is perfect for you!
• People with a basic level of drawing knowledge can join this workshop.
• Beginner friendly workshop (age 10+)

The scope of creativity

Further prospects and application of what you will be learning

With this workshop, you will learn the techniques of the intricate art of Pichwai in a simplified manner. Ranging from the colors used to all the features of Srinathji's face, every small detail will be explained. This will equip you with the skills required for you to make more Pichwai art in the future. You can decorate the walls of your house with this beautiful art!