Russian Mandalas - Folk Art Acrylic Painting for Beginners

The goal in this course is to teach you in a simple and structured way the basic techniques of traditional Russian folk painting style Khokhloma to start creating your own art works.

Khokhloma is one of the oldest Russian folk art style which is recognised all over the world and in the process you will learn:

- history of Khokhloma style, how people did it centuries ago, which materials they used and how can we adapt the Khokhloma factory production process for making this painting at home; and why even Russian tsars used to buy wooden dishes with Khokhloma paintings for their imperial palaces;

- basic elements of Khokhloma painting that create a basis for painting in other Russian Folk styles (Zhostovo, Mezen, Palekh etc.);

- main canons of any composition in Khokhloma and general rules for any ornament;

- what a hidden symbolic meaning is in this style.

I would recommend this class for:

- beginners without any experience in painting, because we will start from basic elements;

- arts and crafts enthusiasts,

- people who like handicrafts to decorate their homes and create interesting souvenirs for their family and friends; to make unique personalized gifts with symbolic meaning;

- experienced painters, illustrators and teachers who want to learn new techniques and ideas to expand the range of their skills;

- entrepreneurs who would like to start a local or online business selling original interior painting, beautiful home decorations or decorated accessories.

Materials we are going to use:

- paper (black or white);

- acrylic, vinyl, tempera, gouache paint or watercolor: only black and red;

- acrylic gold paint (optional);

- squirrel brush or synthetic brush N2 or N3;

- ruler, compass (optional), eraser, pencil;

- cotton buds, napkins, glass of water.

By the end of this class:

1. You will be able to paint the Russian folk art composition called "Pryanik" – “Gingerbread” in Russian, because of its round shape. Centuries ago it was traditionally located at the bottom of a bowl or plate. It is one of the oldest compositions in Khokhloma, but looks very interesting and modern. You can do it on paper or canvas and hang it on a wall. You can create postcards, and also decorate boxes, accessories, furniture, clothes and other things. And it can be a stylish decoration with symbolic meaning for your space.

2. I called the composition "Pryanik" for myself “Russian mandalas”. When you will start to draw it with me you are going to understand why. For me it is not only a fantastic creative process, it is also amazing relaxation and connection with your inner. Its effect can be compared with a deep meditation improving your mind concentration and reduce stress and you will feel it definitely.

3. It is a nice simple way to get to grips with Russian folk art, because we can see the basic elements of Khokhloma in all the other decorative Russian styles and even on Russian icons. So it will help you to move further in your decorative art practice if you wish to continue.

How to learn painting the composition "Pryanik":

1. Download a grid to get started with practise of basic elements of Khokhloma.

2. Once you are comfortable with basic elements, you can move to the next step. (Please share your achievements with us and I will give you my feedback on your progress!)

3. Create a circle composition “Pryanik” as I show in my course.

4. Take a photo and share your artwork with me on Instagram @idv_gallery. I will be happy to see it and give you my comments and likes!

5. Present your masterpiece to your dearest person with your explanation of its symbolism!!!

See you in the class!

Sincerely,

Irina De Vicente