The Art of Mural Painting - History & Techniques

Mural Painting is art made directly on walls, ceilings or other large fixed surfaces. No frames, no canvas - just paint meeting architecture. The word mural comes from the Latin word murus, meaning wall. These artworks do more than decorate. They tell stories, reflect culture and share powerful messages. From public spaces to sacred buildings, murals turn plain surfaces into something meaningful. They're bold, expressive and hard to ignore. That's what makes them so special.

Mural painting has been around for thousands of years. Long before books or buildings, people were already telling stories on walls.

• Prehistoric Beginnings - The earliest known murals go back to around 30,000 BC in the Chauvet Cave in France. These cave paintings showed animals and hunting scenes, giving us a glimpse into how early humans saw the world around them.
• Ancient Civilisations - In Ancient Egypt, murals were painted inside tombs. They showed scenes from daily life, religious rituals and beliefs about the afterlife. Every image had a purpose. In Pompeii, part of the Roman Empire, homes were decorated with detailed frescoes. These murals featured landscapes, myths and social scenes - adding colour and life to everyday spaces.

Traditional mural artists didn't rely on store-bought paints. They worked with what nature gave them - stones, soil, minerals and plant extracts.

• Yellow Ochre came from clay rich in iron. It gave warmth to the walls and was often used for skin tones and sunny backgrounds.
• Persian Blue was made by grinding stones like lapis lazuli, giving murals their rich, deep blues.
• Burnt Sienna had a reddish-brown tone, created by heating certain types of clay. It added depth and was perfect for earthy backgrounds.
• Sap Green, made from crushed leaves or plant extracts, brought in nature - used for trees, vines and patterns.
• Scarlet Lake, a bright red that stood out. It came from minerals or natural dyes and was often used in details to grab attention.

These pigments were mixed with natural binders like lime, tree gum or egg yolk to help the colours stick and last longer. Every shade had a purpose and nothing went to waste. Traditional mural art was simple but thoughtful. Made with care, using what was around. That's what gave it life.

India's mural traditions are as diverse as its people. Each region has its own distinct style, rooted in culture, beliefs and local materials. Here's a closer look at a few of the most recognised ones. Kerala murals mostly revolve around Hindu mythology. You'll often find depictions of Krishna, Shiva, Saraswati and other deities. These artworks are known for their bright colours, detailed patterns and symbolic elements. They're usually seen on temple walls - Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and Mattancherry Palace in Kochi are prime examples. These paintings began in Tamil Nadu during the rule of the Nayakas and Marathas. They stand out for their bold use of colour, heavy religious themes and the use of real gold foil. The style gives a rich, three-dimensional look, often showing gods and goddesses framed in decorative arches. Kaavi is different - it's etched, not painted. Artists use a red background made from laterite soil and scratch out designs with precision. Common motifs include geometric shapes, flowers and mythological figures. The technique is simple but striking, mostly found in temples along the western coast. Created by the Saura tribe in Odisha, these paintings reflect everyday life, rituals and tribal deities. They feature basic human and animal forms arranged in neat patterns. Though minimal in design, each artwork carries cultural meaning and spiritual value.

Mural painting isn't just for walls anymore. Today, it's making waves in both fashion and interior design, bringing vibrant, artistic flair to textiles and home decor. Mural-inspired designs are increasingly popping up on sarees, kurtas and other garments, blending traditional artistry with modern fashion. Designers are finding creative ways to incorporate the intricate, storytelling elements of mural painting onto fabrics, adding depth and personality to everyday clothing. Fashion schools like the Waves Institute of Fashion Designing are even offering courses on how to apply mural art to textiles, helping students bridge the gap between ancient art forms and contemporary fashion trends. Murals are also becoming a popular choice in interior design, turning plain walls into personalized pieces of art. Whether it's a bold, abstract design or a more traditional scene, murals allow homeowners to express their unique style. Contemporary artists are experimenting with new techniques, offering a wide range of options that suit various tastes - from geometric patterns to modernist takes on nature. Murals are no longer just a nod to the past; they've become a versatile way to bring art into everyday living spaces.

You don't need a degree to start mural painting. There are plenty of short-term courses and workshops for beginners and fashion students. These cover traditional techniques, how to prepare materials and ways to apply designs on different surfaces. You'll learn hands-on - from mixing paints to working on walls, canvas or even fabric. It's practical, simple and easy to follow. Once you've learnt the basics, there's a lot you can do. Paintings can go on pottery, textiles or canvas. Many students use these skills in fashion, adding mural-style designs to clothes or accessories. It's a creative way to preserve tradition while adding your own twist. Whether it's a wall, a bag or a fabric piece, mural painting lets your ideas come to life.