Bharni Style of Madhubani Painting: A Timeless Blend of Culture and Creativity

Bharni Style of Madhubani painting is a treasure that has paralleled civilization. It has captured the attention of art enthusiasts from the Mithila region of Bihar and it uniquely stands out for its detailing, bold patterns and vivid colour of ‘Bharni motifs’ hands on creative pursuits.

It is almost certain that if one appreciates traditional art, Bharni style could be the next obsession. Traditionally practiced by women on the walls of their homes during festivals, weddings and other special occasions, today Bharni style of Madhubani folk art has gradually transformed into a celebrated art form on paper and canvas.

Do you wish to learn more about its history, techniques, and how you can try it? What is our key focus? It is to explore what makes Bharni style an enduring masterpiece of cultural artistry.

A brief history of Bharni Style in Madhubani Painting

   The Bharni style of Madhubani Painting originated in the region of Mithila in Bihar and is considered as the most vibrant and colourful form of folk art. It is decorated with vibrant bright colours and bold patterns. Bharni style is among the five accepted styles within the Madhubani painting tradition.

This style was distinctively practiced by women of Brahmin community in centuries past. It was to depict Hindu deities along with epics and mythological tales. Over the years, Bharni has transcended its origin, becoming an art form accessible to all.

Bharni is literally “filling” – it is a hint towards its main characteristic of filling shapes with rich surface patterning and bright solid colours. At the moment Bharni style is incredibly sought after, not only for its greater cultural perception but for its aesthetic appeal. This artform is well known and popular for their symbolic representation where every element holds deeper cultural, traditional and spiritual importance.

For example, the trees in this art form symbolize growth and regeneration, the sun and moon represent balance and harmony. this artform has been used to express Hindu deities and their mythological importance.

Bharni Techniques and Tools

Bharni style has its own unique and stunning appeal alongside being eco-friendly by hand-making it from all-natural materials from the earth. Here is what you need to know on the tools and techniques of Bharni:

Materials You’ll Need

Canvas or Paper – With Bharni’s expansion over time, it is now accepted that instead of just painting on floors and wall, modern artists can do it on handmade paper, cloth and canvas.

Brushes – As a staple, cotton nibs allow for thick stroke, while thin brushes and bamboo sticks are common for detail work.

Pigments – Bharni is known for its high-quality natural dyes coming from: flowers plants and minerals including: 

Yellows from turmeric.

Green from leaves.

Red from hibiscus flowers.

Other tools – nib pens and cotton work great for outlining details and colouring larger areas.

Techniques To Keep in Mind

Patterns- Bharni artists are skilled in symmetry and intricate line work.

Filling Spaces- As the name suggests, Bharni style focuses on filled background spaces with detailed motifs.

Flat Colours – This technique is practiced by artists in which they use hues without gradients, ensuring every stroke has maximized intensity and vividness.

Doubling Lines – The outline of an image is often drawn with two lines instead of one in order to create a 3-dimensional feel.

For an experienced artist or even someone who has just picked up a brush, Bharni style leaves a lot of space for imagination while remaining easy to grasp because of its simple techniques.

Themes and Motifs in Bharni Style Painting

Bharni style is defined by its thematic diversity. Most of it is based on Indian history and its spiritual theme gives every piece a story behind it.: 

Hindu Mythology – Events from epic stories such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and even portrayal of gods and goddesses such as Lord Krishna, Maa Saraswati and Maa Lakshmi.

Nature – Animals, birds, flowers and trees are painted in vibrant colours, and most notably, peacocks, fish, and the sun motif are used to depict prosperity and fertility.

Everyday Life – Rural imagery, weddings, and harvest festivals encapsulating the villager’s way of living.

Religious and Cultural Significance  

Lotus flowers tell of purity and divinity while fish signify abundance and fertility. These motifs give great insight into Indian society, their values, and traditions. Each motif holds deep meaning within it. Through its intricate designs, Bharni style reflects these stories.

A Quick Method on How to Paint Bharni Style

Wanting to create your own should not be so difficult. To create Bharni step by step, follow these simple instructions:

Step 1: Get Your Materials Ready

Make sure to collect the items you will need, including canvas, brushes, pigments, and a pencil. If you don’t have a lot of experience, premade colours and markers could be helpful.   

Step 2: Decide on a Subject Matter

Select a subject or theme that you want to portray. For example, a peacock with flowers or Krishna dancing can work. 

Step 3: Draw the Shape

Using a pencil, sketch the drawing softly. Make sure to add clean edges and symmetrical forms which go with the Bharni style. 

Step 4: Add Extra Outlines 

Use black ink or a black pigment pen to outline the sketch. Add a second line around the edge of the design which will add more detail to the Bharni style. 

Step 5: Add Designs 

Fill the larger areas of the work with repeating designs like circles, stripes, or vines. These designs will add balance and movement to the work. 

Step 6: Paint the Design 

The design should only be filled with bright, solid colours. For a more unique Bharni style, natural earthy colours should be used.

Step 7: Finishing Portrait Details

Once the paint dries, you can sketch outlines or add any details necessary to complete your masterpiece.

And that’s all! You have now crafted an eye-catching Bharni-style Madhubani art piece.

Showing Off Masterpieces of Bharni Style Works of Art

The Bharni painting art history is filled with many artists who have done wonderful works including painting. Sita Devi and Mahasundari Devi are also artists who have made significant contributions to the development of the popularity of this art theme. 

New age artists, however, have started incorporating traditional motifs with modern styles, there is modern shapes and colours experimentation, and there are clicks, and it’s still intriguing to the Bharni art lovers.

For ideas, check out the works presented in the exhibitions, such as those in Mithila Art Institute India and even international galleries in Paris and New York.

International Influence of Bharni Art Style

Although difficult to miss India’s distinct influence in the Bharni style, it’s awarded great recognition for its mysterious and enchanting beauty. Presently, Bharni art pieces can be found from museums to pieces of art in fashion and even to home decoration around the world. 

Bharni style art has a uniquely high visual attractiveness due to its bright primary colours paired with careful craftsmanship of each detail. People have a cultural connection to every piece of art because it provides a sense of India’s heritage spiritual and cultural history.

The touch and finish along with the eco-friendly materials are appealing to the world’s quest for sustainability. Bharni patterns are being infused into artworks by many artists around the world, demonstrating its place in modern art. 

Concluding Remarks

Bharni style of Madhubani is more than just a painting style. It is a pathway into India’s rich culture, an outlet of creativity, and a call to tell beautifully woven stories using a brush. Where you’re an expert at your craft or just trying to find means to explore, look how Bharni’s rich history and bright details are alluring enough for every artist. 

Shall we begin your Masterpiece today? Do not hesitate to share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media. Your next creation could be the one that keeps this tradition alive.