Petrykivka Painting: Ethnic Style – Make Your Home Distinctive!

Embracing ethnic heritage in home decor is becoming popular, with styles like Petrykivka painting adding unique and vibrant touches. Originating from the decoration of whitewashed peasant houses in Ukraine, Petrykivka painting is characterized by its colorful and intricate designs, which were traditionally used to adorn walls, stoves, windows, and doors. Over time, these motifs expanded to household items and paper, creating a rich cultural tradition.

One of the most distinctive tools in Petrykivka painting is the “kotiachka,” a homemade brush crafted from a small bundle of cat hair, typically trimmed from under the paws of a short-haired cat and tied to a stick. This brush allows for smooth, dynamic lines and intricate floral patterns. Artists also use their fingers to draw flowers and create berries, especially viburnum bunches, which are often marked with the artist’s fingerprint to signify authenticity.

Early Petrykivka paints, known as “tempera,” were made from natural ingredients such as herb decoctions and the juices of colorful vegetables and fruits. Red was derived from cherry juice, green from wheatgrass and nightshade leaves, and blue from snowdrop flowers. These pigments were mixed with egg yolk and milk, and fixed with cherry glue or beet sugar. Today, artists use a variety of paints, including gouache, watercolor, and acrylic.

A hallmark of Petrykivka artistry is the ability to paint freehand without pre-marked outlines. While beginners may use pencil sketches to guide their work, experienced artists create their designs spontaneously, showcasing their skill and creativity.

In 2013, the cultural significance of Petrykivka painting was recognized by UNESCO, which included it in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the importance of preserving and promoting this unique art form.

To explore Petrykivka painting, you can try creating your own designs using online coloring pages. For more information, visit Petrykivka Art or the Wikipedia page on Petrykivka painting​​.