Tiger & Deer - Gond Painting

In any forest or village for that matter, wild animals are not an uncommon sight. This painting depicts the archetypal wildlife in forests for which the central Indian states are well-known around the world. Featuring a ferocious tiger and its naive prey the deer, this painting perfectly captures the emotions of both the creatures in a well-set avenue.

Both the deer and the tiger, in the painting are depicted around a colossal tree, again a usual sight in the forest areas. The painting is well sketched and filled with colours and elaborate patterns. Also, the symmetrical figures of both the animals are shown in the best possible manner. Just like every other Gond painting, this one too features fine linear patterns and detailed spots that make up the bodies of the creatures as well as the tree. While the horns of the deer are further beautified with an impressive blue shade, the trunk of the tree features uniform motifs for a wonderful affect.

This painting is a sure eye-candy for people who can make out the difference between fine art and tribal art. The latter is much appealing though, just like this painting. Use it around your living space or as a gift idea to a loved one who is passionate about collecting masterpieces.

About Gond Painting

While for some, Gond Painting is an art form, for others it is a way of living the village life with contentment and satisfaction in all that they have been bestowed with. Practiced by the Gond tribes of Madhya Pradesh, the Gond painting is one of the oldest forms of wall painting art. It was first found in the caves of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh, one of the World Heritage Sites as declared by the UNESCO. Overtime, the clan widespread across several Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

The common themes of Gond painting may range from religious festivities, activities and hobbies to marriages and supernatural entities as well. However, the main idea of the Gond painting is to symbolize the deities of the tribes in the form of trees and animals.

Just like other types of tribal painting, Gond portraits too make use of naturally found colours. In order to provide a rustic touch to the paintings, non-synthetic materials such as wooden coal, Chui soil, geru, sem leaves, sap of the tinsak plants and red soil is used. Soil is the main ingredient and freely available in the localities of the artists.

Though the painting looks easy to draw and simple to further decorate with patterns, Gond Painting has its own limitations and cannot be practiced properly unless an expert executes it.