Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #1
Petrykivka — the Art of Free People
The village of Petrykivka was founded in 1772 as a free Cossack settlement — it never knew serfdom. Researchers believe this freedom was the main reason for the flourishing of a unique folk art — Petrykivka painting.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #2
The Secret — a Cat Hair Brush
Unique Petrykivka brushes are handmade from cat hair by the masters themselves. Such a brush allows painting thin lines and creating characteristic elements found only in Petrykivka painting. No cats were harmed! Before trimming a bit of fur, the cat is treated with milk or sour cream.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #3
Viburnum Berries Painted with a Finger
Juicy viburnum berries and round fruits in Petrykivka painting are traditionally painted not with a brush, but with a finger. Tetiana Pata, the founder of the modern style, used this technique as an essential element in her works.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #4
First Documentation — 1913
Systematic study of Petrykivka painting began in 1911–1913: artist Yevheniia Evenbakh, commissioned by academician Dmytro Yavornytskyi, made watercolor copies and commissioned works from local masters. Unfortunately, no earlier examples of the painting have survived.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #5
Oleksandr Statyva — Founder of the Painting School
In September 1936, the School of Decorative Painting opened in Petrykivka — the first educational institution where Petrykivka painting was taught as a profession. This was made possible by the initiative of Oleksandr Statyva, who did everything to ensure the art would not decline but thrive.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #6
Natural Paints and Egg Yolk as a Base
Petrykivka artists used to paint with homemade paints from herb, fruit, and vegetable decoctions, mixed with egg yolk for strength and brightness. Today, Petrykivka painting uses various paints — watercolor, gouache, acrylic — with PVA glue as a base.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #7
Black Background — a Result of Soviet Standardization
Petrykivka painting on black lacquered backgrounds of souvenir plates and boxes became popular in the 1960s. This was introduced at the Druzhba Petrykivka painting factory for industrial-scale convenience. Before that, painting was traditionally applied on white walls and paper.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #8
92 Years of Creativity
Tetiana Pata (1884–1976) lived 92 years and painted almost until the end of her life. Her creative career spanned over 60 years. Her most famous students — Vasyl Sokolenko, Fedir Panko, Marfa Tymchenko.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #9
2013 — Inscribed on UNESCO List
On December 5, 2013, Petrykivka painting became the first Ukrainian element inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Interesting fact about Petrykivka painting #10
Living Art, Not a Museum Piece
Petrykivka painting is alive and thriving today: the Center of Folk Art and Tetiana Pata School operate in Petrykivka, studios and children's clubs are open across Ukraine, and exhibitions and masterclasses are held regularly around the world.
