Indian Folk & Mythological Art Workshops
Explore ancient stories and traditional Indian art styles like Ganjifa, Sohrai, and Pattachitra. Join me in a mindful, heart-centered space to learn and create your own pieces.
This piece is inspired by Shakuntala from Kalidasa's famous play, showing her peaceful life in the forest surrounded by nature. I've used fine ink work and a touch of color to capture the delicate details of the story.
My contemporary take on "Bani Thani," the famous Kishangarh painting often called the "Indian Mona Lisa." I used expressive, semi-abstract brushstrokes to capture the grace of the decked-out lady.
A modern and colorful acrylic painting of Lord Ganesha, created with thick textures to make the art pop. This piece was made for the Ganeshotsav festival, celebrating the elephant god with vibrant energy.
A pen and ink drawing of Buddha, created for a workshop on World Meditation Day. The focus is on serene lines and the calming spiral patterns in his hair, reflecting the peace found in meditation.
When I think of movement, the cosmic dance of Shiva comes to mind. This pen and ink drawing captures the energy of creation and destruction, a powerful theme we can explore through expressive sketching.
Here I am at a workshop learning the beautiful tribal art of Sohrai and Khovar from Jharkhand. It was a satisfying experience to learn this mural painting style, which is connected to harvest festivals and marriage rituals.
These are the natural pigments used in Sohrai and Khovar art, including red and yellow ochre, kaolin clay, and black manganese. Using these earthy materials connects us directly to the ancient traditions of tribal painting.
This is a hand-painted coaster featuring a design from Ganjifa, a traditional Indian card game. I teach how to paint these intricate figures, like this mermaid-like figure, as part of my folk art workshops.
Another Ganjifa-inspired coaster, this one showing a winged figure on a horse. These miniature paintings are a wonderful way to learn the unique styles of folk art from regions like Odisha.
A hand-painted Ganjifa art coaster depicting a dynamic folk figure. Learning to create these small, detailed pieces is a great exercise in precision and storytelling.
About Indian Folk & Mythological Art
In these sessions, we focus on the meditative process of folk art rather than achieving perfection. Whether you are painting intricate Ganjifa motifs on coasters or learning the earthy techniques of Sohrai mural painting, my goal is to help you connect with these traditional stories through your own brushstrokes.
Indian folk art is more than just a technique; it is a way of preserving stories that have been passed down for generations. I find that when we slow down to paint these motifs, we are not just making art—we are engaging in a mindful practice.
What we explore
My workshops are designed to be an accessible entry point into diverse traditions. We often work on:
- Ganjifa Art: Originally a traditional card game from Odisha, this style features miniature, intricate figures. Painting these on coasters is a wonderful exercise in patience and detail.
- Sohrai & Khovar: Aboriginal mural traditions from Jharkhand that use natural pigments to celebrate harvest and marriage. Learning this helps you understand the raw connection between art and the land.
- Mythological Narratives: We translate stories like the tale of Shakuntala or the cosmic dance of Shiva into visual forms, learning how to structure these epic themes on a smaller scale.
The Workshop Experience
My classes are kept small, with batches of 3 to 6 people. This isn't a lecture hall environment; it is a seated table setup in my home studio. The idea is to keep things intimate so I can provide personal guidance on your brush control and pattern creation. If you are in Noida, you are welcome to join me for an in-person session, complete with home-brewed chai and snacks. For those joining online, I make sure the process is just as clear and engaging, regardless of where you are tuning in from.
Anjali Mittal
I'm Anjali, and for me, art has always been about connection—connecting with ancient stories, our shared traditions, and eventually, with each other. I bring my love for folk art into every workshop, keeping things simple, honest, and full of joy, just the way I like it.
Looking for a different art style?
You can search for other workshops or styles I teach, such as acrylics or mixed media.
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