Warli Art

Origin and Overview :

The Warli is an enthralling, earthy and soothing art form from the south-western part of India. Its origin dates back to 3000 B.C. The paintings depict the social life of the Warli tribe. The central theme of all the paintings is about the harmony between nature and man. The unassuming Warli figures tell us myriads of vivid stories. While ancient Warli art was created on the inside walls of village huts, modern Warli painting has moved onto paper, canvas, earthenware, wood, metal and more.

Characteristic Elements :

This art form uses basic graphic elements such as a circle, triangle, and square to represent the lofty principles of life in this universe. Forms of men, women, sun, moon, houses, trees, animals, birds, carts, ladders, pottery and musical instruments are built out of these very simple geometric shapes.

       Basic Shapes :

 Circle – Representation of sun and moon.

Triangle – Representation of trees and mountains.

Square – Representation of human possessions.

       Borders :

Find commonly used border patterns in the following illustration.

 Motifs :

Find commonly used motifs in the following illustration.

Getting Started :

Choose a medium such as paper, canvas or earthenware to paint on. Traditionally, Warli art was painted over clay walls using a white pigment made from rice paste and gum. To retain the rustic charm, use a background color of red ochre, indigo, terracotta, brown or black. And paint or draw on it in white. Pick a border and set the frame. Within this frame, create a scene using a combination of these soulful motifs.

Paint on paper using watercolors and watercolor brushes. Paint on canvas or earthenware using acrylic colors and acrylic brushes. Use a big flat brush for the background and a small round brush for the motifs. Make your designs with pencil first and paint over it with a brush.

To draw a Warli man, draw an X and connect the free ends. Finish with head, hands, and legs. To make a Warli woman, add a bun to the head. Similar drawing technique can be employed to create figures of animals and birds as well. Repeat the same to create intricate patterns.

In the modern day, Warli art can be adapted to adorn walls, lamp shades, pots, coasters, mugs, bookmarks, bags, cell phone covers, tablet sleeves, clocks, cards, and envelopes. This form of art reflects environmental consciousness and minimalism, reminding us of the simple joys of life. Enjoy creating this classic two-tone painting and let them pull at your heartstring.

Why it’s Important to Frame your Art

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, framing your drawing, painting, or artwork is as important as the piece of art itself. The face that this comes last after finishing your masterpiece doesn’t in any case mean it’s less important. The framing you use on your art can either make or break your finished drawing or painting. You should choose a framing and matting that compliments your masterpiece and never tries to draw the attention of viewers away from the art itself. Learn more about the importance of framing your art with this helpful post!

Enhance your Art

As mentioned, a good frame shouldn’t get your viewers’ attention away from the masterpiece but rather complement your work. The idea is to make sure the frame and artwork work together “as one.” You can enhance the shapes and specific colors in your artwork and make it stand out by using custom framing and matting. With matting and mat boards, you can custom fit your masterpiece with unique dimensions that make it more of an extension within the frame.

Protect your Masterpiece

Drawing, coloring, and painting are interesting arts and crafts activities that enhance a person’s creativity. Whether or not you think of yourself as an artist you want to care for that painting, drawing, or piece of art properly. And the best way to preserve your artwork is to frame it. Remember all types and forms or artwork, regardless of the medium used, are bound to experience adverse changes and damage if exposed to extreme weather conditions or elements.

Framing provides protection against dirt, fumes, moisture, humidity, harmful UV rays, pollutants, chemicals, fluctuating temperatures, pests and insects, heat, and more. Consider framing using acid-free materials so your artwork can be preserved in a stable environment. Avoid hanging your works over sources of heat and placing them too close to direct sunlight and directly lights. Consider not hanging them on recently plastered and damp walls as well. Framing is a great way to protect your memories, artwork, and memorabilia.

Make your Thoughtful Gift Stand out More

Well, it’s not a bad idea to create a DIY holiday gift in form of a drawing, painting, or any other artwork. After spending hours or even days thoughtfully creating that unique gift for your loved one, go ahead and frame your art so it can stand out even more. Not only will framing complement your masterpiece but also add an entirely new dynamic to it whether it’s a painting, drawing, coloring, print, or photo.

In conclusion, framing allows your artwork to show its full potential and helps your work stand out. When selecting a frame for your work be sure to choose one that suits and matches your style. You might want to consider a suitable color and composition as well. Take your time to try different framing options before making a final choice. Think about where you intend to display your piece of art, the decoration of the space, and how you want the frame to suit the setting.