Batik: what is it, history and types of painting on fabric

Many creative personalities who have created a lot of masterpieces on canvas, who have blinded countless clay figures, who have created many subject compositions on wooden surfaces are ready to show their gift in other directions. For some, it will be interesting to work in the scrapbooking technique, others will appreciate calligraphy, and still others will be delighted with batik.

Batik is a generalized term that implies several ways of hand drawing on various types of fabric material. The described technique is based on the principle of redundancy. In simple terms, a pattern is applied to the fabric, the outline of which is covered with a reserve composition that prevents the spreading of dyes over the surface of the base. Thanks to this feature, craftsmen create patterns of any complexity.

As a boundary separator, a special composition of the fixative is used, which is called a reserve in the art world. The main components in its manufacture are gasoline, paraffin and water base.

The batik technique is based on the fact that the constituent parts of the reserve, namely paraffin wax, rubber glue, various resins, do not allow the dye composition to pass through. For the work itself, cotton material, silk, woolen and synthetic fabrics are used as the basis of the working cloth. Most often, creative people try to transform clothes, for example, T-shirts or jeans.

For renewing old wardrobe items, kitchen towels and rag accessories, the technique of hand painting on fabric is considered indispensable, while in batik there are several types of performance that allow you to work with different types of fabrics and dyes.

When creating a creative masterpiece, artistic natures are laid out to the maximum. The finished work turns out to be unique, bright and inimitable. It is worth noting that many artists professionally engaged in painting on fabric have managed to create their own clothing line, which is not possible to repeat.

The birthplace of hand-painted fabric painting is the island of Java. The very designation "batik" literally means "wax drops". The presented painting technique has been known to the Indonesian people for a long time. Many of them still adorn their clothes, costumes of relatives and fabric household items with unique designs.

In principle, humanity has long been engaged in the creation of images on fabric canvases. Various methods of applying a dyeing material to fabric were known in Sumeria and were used in Japan and Peru. In Sri Lanka and in parts of the African continent, special attention has been paid to the technique of applying dyes to fabrics.

Despite the fact that the technology of drawing images on matter was familiar to different peoples, the Indonesian masters were the first to comprehend the many subtleties of technology and reached unprecedented heights in the work of dyeing matter. In a short period of time, they managed to turn ordinary indoor craft into a whole area of ​​art.

The masters spent not a single month on drawing up the image of one canvas. Some rather complex drawings were created by artists for several years. And this has nothing to do with the laziness of the master. Basically, everything is tied to the multi-stage stages of preparing the main material. To begin with, it was necessary to soak it, and then boil it. The snow-white fabric, which was most often used to create masterpieces, needed to be bleached. Then a sketch was applied to the fabric, along the contour of which the wax was processed.

After it had dried, the artist could start creating colorful masterpieces. The last stage of the work was the drying of the canvas. Due to the long and painstaking process of creating drawings, painted clothes were originally worn only by aristocrats and representatives of noble families.

The masters of the island of Java did not want the technique of drawing on fabric to be forgotten after several decades. For this reason, they passed on the secrets of the creative craft to their offspring. Creative Javanese have even experimented with trying to reproduce the same designs on identical types of fabric. Only nothing came of it. The finished works had similar features to each other, and yet the difference in the execution of the drawing by different people was clearly visible.

In those ancient times, novice batik masters initially used floral ornaments, the execution of which did not require much work. Having gained experience, the task of painting on fabric should be complicated with images with geometric patterns, and then proceed to the execution of plot lines from mythological stories.

Even in the dowry of the future bride, there should have been at least one thing decorated using the batik technique. It could be curtains, panels, any wardrobe items. And since then, this rule has hardly changed.

Today, hand-painted wardrobe items are especially popular among the Indonesian people.Due to the increased demand, clothes began to be made for sale with the aim of making a profit. It is important to note that in the 17th century, batik began to be exported from Java to European countries. The Europeans appreciated the method of applying images to fabric and in order to simplify the work of the craftsmen, they invented a special unit - a batik pin. It helped keep the wax liquid for an extended period of time.

And already in 1801, an automatic device with punch cards was created, thanks to which a person could create canvases with ready-made sketches of images. Such a breakthrough played a significant role in the history of batik, because the technique of execution began to rapidly climb the steps of the craft, and acquired its maximum peak of popularity in the countries of the European continent in the 19th century.

Batik is a general name for the technique of applying various images to fabrics, which implies several methods of execution, on which the objects used and the steps of work depend. The peculiarity of each separate type of batik is that the first method is ideal for working with synthetic fabric, the other is indispensable for creating masterpieces on silk. In order for a novice master to understand the intricacies and nuances of the work, it is proposed to carefully study each individual type of painting technique.

This method uses a wax-based reserve composition. It is applied to the fabric by chanting. It penetrates deeply into the fibers of matter and dries quickly, thereby creating a strong border beyond which the coloring composition cannot spread. The wax itself, used for edging the images, is pre-melted. Coloring compositions are applied in several layers so that the color scheme of the picture is bright and saturated.

The last stage of work is the removal of the reserve mass. In most cases, the hot method of drawing a pattern is used for painting cotton fabric.

A suitable method for creating decorative images on silk. For high-quality work, it is necessary to use dyes, made on the basis of aniline. The reserve composition used for the cold process can be thick or liquid.

The thick consistency suggests that its composition is based on rubber elements. In the liquid reserve, the base is the gasoline component. In this case, the thick mass is stored in tubes with a thin spout, through which the substance is applied to the contour of the pattern. The liquid substance is poured onto the fabric using a special glass tube.

This type of batik is widely used on natural silk and synthetic fiber fabrics. Masters use oil paints or dyes based on aniline as coloring compositions.

Quite an interesting and very common way of performing unusual images on fabric. The fabric is tied in several knots, each of which is sequentially tied with a thread. Dyes are applied on top. After complete drying, the threads are cut, and the knots are untied.

The presented method of performing extraordinary images on fabric can be used by anyone, even without an artistic streak, although creative notes are present in every individual personality.

The prepared material is initially crumpled, then twisted, then pulled and unwound. After these manipulations, the canvas is immersed in the dye composition.Having unfolded the fabric after drying, the performer of the work will surely be speechless. In this way, you can dye any fabric materials, clothes, bags and much more.

Despite the seeming ease of making a pictorial drawing on fabric material, batik involves the use of a variety of tools and materials that must be present in the artist's arsenal.

The material for painting can be very different, although natural fabrics, such as silk, are most preferred. It is better for novice craftsmen to use artificial materials, for example, chiffon or crepe de chine... The canvas chosen for work should first be washed, then fixed to the frame, slightly stretching it.

Thanks to this, the dye composition penetrates deeply into the fibers and dyes the fabric as much as possible.

Unfortunately, this item cannot be dispensed with. After all, the fabric chosen for work should expect to be dyed in a taut state. Batik stretchers in appearance resemble window frames, where there is a bevel on one side of the plane so that the stretched fabric does not touch its base. If there is no subframe, the sliding frame can be used. You can buy it in a specialized boutique.

An important advantage of the extendable subframe is in the ability to change the length and width of the working area. Experienced craftsmen, highly skilled in the batik technique, use the hoop.

For performing work in the batik technique, they are considered the most important and basic tools. Therefore, you cannot save on them. And it is undesirable to purchase budget sets of brushes of different sizes. When applying the coloring composition, the tip of the brush should move smoothly and subtly along the base of the canvas, and the irregular shape of the pile can spoil the artistic idea.

The same applies to the hairs emerging from the bundle. Brushes designed for painting on fabric are quite expensive. Only the masters will have to spend money once to complete several hundred works.

Turning to any art boutique, a novice master will be able to get acquainted with the variety of colors intended for batik. It is only best to purchase acrylic-based paints and water-soluble dyes. Moreover, water-soluble ones are much better suited for fine types of matter. Acrylic paints resemble gouache in consistency and are used for working with dense fabrics.

A tool used to reserve the contour of a pattern on canvases. When purchasing a glass tube, you need to pay attention to the diameter of the spout. The thinner it is, the narrower the separation strip between colors will be.

These materials are used in the performance of hot batik. Some masters prefer to work exclusively with a wax substance, others mix it with paraffin. This is because pure wax is very difficult to clean at the end of the work. It is impossible to say for sure how much reserve will be required for work.

Typically this material is used for cold batik work. They are purchased in the same place as the coloring compositions. Contours, as a separate material, are offered to masters in various variations of effects and colors.

A tool designed to work with liquid wax.

Used to secure the stretched fabric to the frame. You can purchase in any stationery store. They can be oblong in shape or metal with a round head. In this case, you can use any fasteners that are convenient for the master himself.

In this case, simple pencils are assumed, a palette that allows you to mix different coloring compositions, tracing paper, an eraser, felt-tip pens, thanks to which it will be possible to circle the pattern of the conceived pattern, twine or ordinary threads that allow you to create knotted batik, alcohol, hair dryer and water, preferably without impurities.

Today, art stores are constantly being replenished with various materials and tools that make it easier for the master to work. The presented novelties make it possible to turn the artist's most complex fantasies into reality. One of these innovations is phantom marker... After applying the image to the fabric and processing it with a reserving compound and dyeing elements, the marker evaporates. Strong demand among artists began to use durable claws holding the base on stretcherswhile they do not damage the fabric or leave holes.

Technology lovers will appreciate hot batik steam bath for wax with electrical connection... For creative people who are professionally engaged in batik, created airbrush with a number of features, allowing you to spray the dye composition over the fabric surface in large quantities. A distinctive feature of the airbrush is the uniform application of paints to the work surface. After drying, there are no gradient spots and streaks in the finished drawing.

Novice craftsmen, as well as those who do not have an art education, but who want to prove themselves in art, will be able to create extraordinary masterpieces by using the most interesting kind of batik technique to decorate linen or clothes.

The presented version of painting on fabric is suitable for people with patience, since the process of work itself is quite laborious and takes a lot of time. Compounds that should not be heated or melted are used as a reserve.

Next, you need to prepare the necessary tools:

• pencil;
• reserve;
• glass tube for applying a reserve;
• columnar brushes;
• buttons with a stretcher;
• fabric (silk will be the most suitable).

Having chosen a suitable drawing, the master needs to transfer it to paper, like a template. The entire contour of the image must be closed. Subsequent application of the reserve must be carried out without delay, but also not in a hurry. To avoid mistakes, it is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the correct sequence of actions.

• Initially, the canvas selected for work must be washed, pulled onto a stretcher.
• A backing agent is drawn into a glass tube and then applied to the outline of the sketch.
• To increase the number of shades on the palette, you will need to dilute the same color with different amounts of water. You can use small yogurt jars or disposable cups to create large quantities of them.
• When applying paints, it is important to initially apply light colors with a smooth transition to dark shades.
• After applying paints to the surface of the finished image, you need to pour a little salt, let the paints dry, then shake off the salt grains and remove the canvas from the stretcher.
• After finishing the painting work, the rest of the reserve must be removed from the tube, otherwise it will harden.
• After a day, the fabric should be boiled, then washed in warm water.
• When rinsing, add a little vinegar to the water. Then squeeze the material out of the water and iron it.

Painting on everyday clothes looks not only beautiful, but extremely impressive. Artists looking to transform their wardrobe should take a close look at the hot batik technique. This method is very convenient, since it does not require painstaking work with staining individual pieces of the canvas. Many creative personalities, wanting to have unique things that have no analogues, initially buy fabric, then decorate the canvas, and then sew clothes from it.

The only thing that needs to be done with caution is with the melted wax. For the rest, the most standard tools are used. The most suitable fabric for work is cotton, wool or silk.

An important stage in the work is the preparation of tools.

• matter;
• paper stencil;
• paints;
• Cup;
• chanting;
• brushes;
• cellophane and newspapers;
• hairdryer and iron;
• wax.

Before starting to create a masterpiece, the master needs to change into a working uniform.

• First you need to take chanting. It resembles a miniature watering can with a thin spout. Although it is much more convenient to use brushes with a thin bristle, thanks to which it turns out to apply even drops to the canvas. And only after that the coloring composition is used.
• Further paints are applied... If necessary, you can reapply the wax on some areas of the work surface and paint with other dyes in composition.
• After the paint has dried, remove the wax. To do this, you need to put the canvas on newsprint and iron it with an iron. Then change the newspaper sheet and iron again.

Free painting with soaking in saline is considered the most common today. The peculiarity of the technique lies in the fact that the stretched fabric must be saturated with a water-salt liquid, after which a coloring composition is applied to it. Drawing such beauty is a pleasure, since the finished result will appeal to even the most fastidious artists. To understand the intricacies of free painting, it is proposed to study several options for its execution. First you need to prepare working accessories:

• aniline-based dyes;
• salt liquid;
• silk cloth;
• sketch;
• brushes;
• pencil.

First of all, beginners will be going to prepare a saline liquid. To do this, you need to take a few tablespoons of salt and dilute it in a glass of hot water. But here there is an important nuance - the hot liquid must be poured into an enamel container or glassware, so that it is more convenient to stir, and then applied to the fabric. Then, with a pencil, a sketch of the prepared image is made on the canvas.

• In the first case should be familiar with wet painting. Before starting work, the fabric is soaked in salt water, and then, without waiting, until the fabric dries, they start to work. By the way, even to dilute the dyes, you must use salt water. When drawing, use a wide brush and make rough strokes with it. Thanks to this, the drawing will receive an unusual design.
• In this case, it is supposed to paint on semi-dry matter. While the silk is still slightly damp, salt crystals appear on it, due to which the applied dye composition does not spread in different directions, although a bright trace remains from the brush,which after a while creeps a little. This method is ideal for creating an imitation of natural contours.
• The third way is about working with dry matter. After the fabric is dry, the fabric becomes crispy and the coloring matter only slightly spreads over its surface. The drawing procedure should be continued by applying rare strokes.

Today, all handicrafts, such as knitting or embroidery on fabric, are very expensive. The same applies to canvases created using the batik technique. The creator of a colorful masterpiece puts a lot of effort and time into his works of art, whether it is worth talking about materials and tools.

In the first case, it is proposed to consider a finished canvas made using the technique of cold batik. Each brushstroke is accompanied by a smooth transition from dark to light shades. A close examination reveals a clear line of the reserve composition, due to which there are boundaries in each element of the picture. The background part of the scarf is executed in the most unusual and smooth transitions of light colors of the palette, with which the artist worked for more than one hour.

People without art education will not be able to tell the difference between hot and cold batik techniques. This can only be done by experienced masters of their craft. In this case, it is proposed to consider a version of the drawing, drawn in the technique of hot batik. Its main distinguishing feature lies in the possibility of using the finest lines of wax, which are hardly noticeable in the finished painting.

The third version of the work is done in free technique. And this can be seen with the naked eye. Looking at the flower, the silhouette of the artist immediately arises in the thoughts, who applies the coloring compositions to the canvas with neat strokes. And the saline solution used in the work only helps to create smooth transitions between colors of similar shades.

In the next video you can familiarize yourself with the secrets of the work of an experienced craftsman when creating a painting.