Petrykivsky painting is traditional Ukrainian decorative painting. It is becoming very popular in Europe, US, Canada and many different countries around the world. The patterns are so rich and beautiful that people use them in all spheres of life. Craftsmen make paintings on paper, which are called "mal'ovky"; also they paint on clothes, dinnerware, chests and jewelry boxes, toys, towels and tablecloths, elements of décor etc.
Petrykivsky painting originates from Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine, small village Petrykivka. The earliest samples of it date back to the 17th century.
Nowadays this type of painting is becoming very popular not only in Ukraine, but also in other European countries, US, Canada and many different countries around the world. Many collectors have samples of Petrykivsky painting. A lot of families use housewares or décor elements with Petrykivsky painting at home because they're beautiful and unique.
"Petrykivka" is one of well-known brands of Ukrainian culture and art. It appeared as a peasant household painting in 17th century but later became a widespread painting technique, a big-name in Ukraine and far beyond its borders.
Traditionally Petrykivsky painting was performed only on white background, and a few colors were used. Red color was made from cherry juice, green – from wheat grass and leaves of nightshade, blue – from flowers of snowdrops, yellow – from sunflower petals, onionskin and bark of apple sprouts. But today craftsmen work with all materials and colors. They use gouache and aquarelle. Usually they paint on cloth, wood, pottery and paper.
One of the main features of Petrykivka is the craftsmen's flight of fancy. The paintings are devised and made at once, without drawing outlines by pencil, and without any measuring tools. They use only accurate eye and hand skills. Very often the craftsman decides what the pattern is going to be like in the process of painting.
The characters shown in Petrykivsky painting are either natural (taken from nature, outworld), or mythical (taken from the imagination or legends). So, usually craftsmen perform images of flowers, berries, trees, animals, people, buildings and so on. In most cases in the finished picture every part, every character, every dot or stroke, every color has its meaning. The artist sees her (usually women of Ukraine use Petrykivka painting technique) painting only this way. She puts her soul and her imagination into her work. That's why paintings look so amazing, extraordinary and impressive.
Photos from the exhibition of Petrykivsky painting, Ukraine, Kyiv. All items are for sale
