A distinctive technique: workshop on Tagil tray painting was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

A workshop on Tagil tray painting, organised by the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA, took place on May 24. Participants were introduced to the hallmark of the Sverdlovsk region — the art of Ural lacquer painting, which originated in the 1740s.

The practical session was led by decorative painting artist Nadezhda Lobanova, who has over 30 years of experience. She came specially from Nizhny Tagil.

"During the workshop, I demonstrated the basics of makhovaya painting. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is created in a single sweep. We use a metal tray that has already been prepped — degreased, primed, and painted black. Then, we paint flowers, fruits, and berries on it using oil paints," explained Nadezhda Lobanova.

She noted that Ural painting uses the double-stroke technique, where the brush picks up two colours at once, creating a three-dimensional effect. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Tagil lacquer painting is a traditional folk craft of the Sverdlovsk region, reflecting the culture and traditions of the Urals. Bright colours and varied patterns make it instantly recognisable.

Participants of the workshop created their own miniature hand-painted trays.

"I was born in Nizhny Tagil, so this traditional craft has been familiar to me since childhood. I wanted to show it to my children, which is why I brought them here. I found out about the event on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA — I follow the updates regularly," shared Yulia Khorkova.

Darina Morozova and her son Nikita had already visited the National Centre RUSSIA in January, when they took part in the family rclass "Paint Like Shishkin." 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"Today we painted two trays. Both mine and my child’s turned out really well. We enjoyed it very much and will gladly attend more events like this," said Darina Morozova.

Olesya Borisova and her daughter Yelizaveta visited the National Centre RUSSIA for the third time — their previous visits were to the exposition "Journey Across Russia" and the guided tour "Russian Skyscraper."

"We were thrilled! The event was wonderful, and so was the artist who led it. It was very engaging. We tried this painting technique for the first time — and we succeeded," shared Olesya Borisova.

In March, the space of the Department Store at the National Centre RUSSIA was updated — it became larger, and the interior was redesigned in a spring style using elements of traditional Mikhailovskoye lace, a folk craft from the Ryazan region. In addition, a new "Fashion" section opened in the Department Store. It features works by fashion artist and PhD in Art Studies Sergey Sysoev from the Autumn-Winter 2024/25 collection, as well as by students of the SERGEY SYSOEV Fashion School at the Kosygin Russian State University.