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Thursday, October 1, 2009

PAINTING ON PEEPAL LEAF

ABOUT:  In India Hindus hold the great spiritual regard for the peepal tree and this tree has great importance among the Buddhists,  as Lord Buddha attained enlightenment mediating under the Peepal tree.  From bark of the Peepal tree reddish dye is extracted. Peepal leaves are used as ear drops and used to heal the wounds.

Painting on Peepal leaf is one of the oldest form of art, and shows the patience of the artists.
It is a delicate work of art originated in the southern India that is in Kerala.  Its done on dry Peepal leaves.
This art form originated because the leaves of the peepal tree have a beautiful shape as they traper to a needle point.  Nowadays only a few arists are left who practice this leaf art.  Peepal Leaf Painting is great for making cards, wall hangings, book marks, gifts etc.  Typically themes are painted in peepal leaves are Religious Indian figures, Animals, Scenery.  But we can experiment with modern abstract art also.

MATERIAL REQUIRED:
1)Peepal leaves.   2)Oil paints.   3)Back ground sheet for leaf



































Method:

The method is divided into 2 process
1. Drying the leaves 
2. Painting on leaves

1 .Drying the leaves:
Place a few leaves in a bowl full of water for15 days or a month .Do remember to check it once every few days to see the condition of the leaves. The purpose of soaking the leaves is to remove the outer layer of the leaves. After being in water for long, the leaves get a film over them, which you need to clean by washing it off or use a brush periodically. Do remember to change the water with a fresh one periodically. Once the outer skin is lost, it leaves behind a beautiful bony structure and usually it will be off-white in color.Now dry it for a day and you get a leaf for painting.

2.Painting on leaves :
Use oil paints to paint your favorite design on the peepal leaves.  Usually brown, green colors for leaf and related colors to the design are used.  Use a color that will enhance the effect of the painting.The background is usually kept because Peepal leaves are very fragile and may rupture.  Put a colored sheet for background.

TIPS:
1)The most important tip is to be patient, while drying peepal leaves and handle them with care.
2)Add glitter to enhance the look of the painting.
3)Can also paint the peepal leaf in two colors to give half and half look.
4)Use golden color to make a border or highlighting or making jewellery
5)Cover with transparent sheet to protect the work.
6)Many wedding cards are decorated with dry peepal leaves.

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