PATACHITRA PAINTINGS :

The technique for painting a pata chitra requires skill and dedication. The artist uses fine brushes made from the hair of a mongoose or rat or coarse brushes made from the buffalo’s neck. Keya plants were also used for drawing thick lines.

It is created using a cotton cloth. The cloth piece is given a coating of gum that is derived from tamarind seeds. Another piece of cloth is given a coating of gum. On the front portion of the dried cloth, a layer of soap stone powder and tamarind paste mix is applied. Then, the canvas is burnished by rubbing coarse grain and polished stones.Once the cloth pieces dry, they are cut into the desired size and smoothened on both sides, which render a shine.

The painting is then done on the surface by using colors that are derived from vegetables and minerals. Once completed, a protective lacquer glaze called Jausala is put on the painting.