Khokhloma Painting

Khokhloma painting is the name of a Russian wood painting handicraft style and national ornament, known for its curved and vivid, mostly flower, berry and leaf patterns. Often the Slavic mythical figure of Russian fairytales Firebird is also a part of Khokhloma painting. When painted on wood, in most cases red, black, green, yellow and orange are used over a gold background. The effect it has when applied to wooden tableware or furniture, making it look heavier and metal-like. The Khokhloma painting symbolizes the high importance of forests and nature in Russian culture and its history. Russia comprises the world’s largest forest area.

Middle school students learned about this style of painting as part of a global friday focus on Russia. We then adapted this style of painting and made our own original artworks.