Online Courses
Kalighat Art
Kalighat Painting – Bold Strokes of Tradition and Satire
Born in the bustling lanes near the Kalighat Temple in 19th-century Kolkata, Kalighat painting emerged as a vibrant, expressive art form that captured the spiritual, the social, and the satirical—all on a single piece of cloth. With bold outlines, vivid colours, and striking simplicity, this style marked a break from the intricate narrative scrolls of earlier folk art traditions.
Originally created by patuas—itinerant artist-storytellers from rural Bengal—Kalighat paintings began as depictions of gods, goddesses, and epics like the Ramcharitmanas. Over time, they evolved into commentaries on everyday life, colonial influence, and social reform, making Kalighat one of India’s earliest forms of popular urban art.
The Craft Behind the Art
Kalighat paintings are instantly recognizable for their minimal backgrounds, fluid brushwork, and expressive figures. Artisans use a limited yet striking palette of homemade dyes, typically:
- Red, yellow, green, black, and blue from natural sources
- Gold and silver accents for ornamentation
- Handmade brushes for distinct, sweeping outlines
Each piece is completed with speed, precision, and emotional intensity—turning simplicity into elegance.
Penkraft® Kalighat Painting Online Course
Rediscover the bold beauty of Kalighat art with Penkraft’s structured, 20-hour certified online course—specially designed for learners of all levels.
What You’ll Learn:
- Introduction to acrylic colours and their role in Kalighat art
- Techniques for sketching expressive figures and applying bold outlines
- Step-by-step guidance on using colour and maintaining the genre’s minimalism
- Creating Kalighat paintings on unique surfaces like:
- Canvas
- Cloth tote bags
- MDF photo frames
- Tips, do’s and don’ts for brush care, colour mixing, and traditional themes
- Insights into storytelling through posture, facial expression, and gesture
Each module unlocks progressive techniques and projects—encouraging creativity while staying true to Kalighat's powerful visual language.
Why Choose Penkraft®?
- Learn at your own pace
- Hands-on, immersive lessons
- No prior art experience required
- Expert-led modules with assignments
- Certification upon completion
Bring home the bold elegance of 19th-century Bengal.
Create art that speaks volumes—with the Penkraft® Kalighat Art Course.
