Петриківський розпис / Petrykivka painting Петриківська селищна громада

This style of ornamental painting is characterized by flowers and several other natural elements; in fact, it is based on careful observation of flora and fauna. In addition to flowers, mystical birds are often depicted (such as the phoenix or typical birds of Slavic mythology). Household walls or other everyday objects (especially plates) are used for painting. Traditionally the background of the painting had to be white but some contemporary artists renewed the old custom by using other backgrounds: black, green, red etc. The overall style is built around one or more plant stems, to which all the key elements of the composition cling. Figures other than flowers are usually represented in profile, while flowers are painted frontally. In addition to the paintbrush, for some elements such as berries, fingers are often used.