15th century is considered to be the period of origin of the Rajasthan painting art. There has been a tradition of wall paintings, pothi (Book) paintings, board painting and miniature paintings in the Rajput period. Different styles of paintings emerged in accordance with socio-political and basic environment of different states.

A few important paintings styles are: 

1. Me war Style: 

In fact the early and original style of the Rajasthani art of painting can be seen in the Mewar style. It had its maximum evolution during the period of Maharana Amar Singh. Main features of this style are liberal use of yellow- red colour, eagle like nose, eyes like straight slice of Parval, long spiral fingers, excessive embellishments and tight faces. Main subjects of the Mewar style were Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Sursagar, Geetgovind, Krishanlila, Court scenes, hunting scenes etc. The main artists of paintings were Manohar Gangaram, Kriparam, Sahibain and Jagannath. The paintings of Raja Amar Singh period show the Mughal impact on the Mewar style.

2. Marwar Style: 

This style of paintings developed during the period Roomaldev in Marwar. This style was prominent in robust males, stout females, almond like eyes, type Rajasthani costumes and use of yellow colour. The subjects of the paintings were Natheharitar, Bhagwad, Panchtantra Dola-Maru, Mumalde, Nihalde, folk tales etc. The prominent painters were Veerji, Naraiandas, Bhaari Amardas, Chhajju-Bhati Kishandas and Kaluram.

3. Bikaner Style: 

Its real development period was Maharaja Anup Singhs’s rule. Its characteristics are application of red, violet, grey and almond colours, scenes of sand dunes, slim and attractive females, landscape, hills, floral leaves etc. Main subjects comprised hunting, Rasikpriya, Rangmala, embellishments etc. It bears the impact of Punjab Kalam, Mughal style and Marwar style.

4. Kishangarh Style: 

It is the most attractive style of the Rajput period paintings. Its maximum development took place during the Rajnagaridas period. Main features of the Kishangarh style paintings are protruding chin, wagtail, structural eyes, arrow shaped eye brows, elegant sarovars etc. Bani-Thani is the superb piece of this painting style, which is also known as the Monalisa of the Indian art of paintings. It was painted by Nihalchand. This style of painting has a fine blend of art, love and devotion.

5. Jaipur Style: 

This paintings style developed between 1600 to 1700 BC. It had the maximum influence of the Mughal paintings. Its main characteristics are application of white, red, yellow, blue and green colour, use of gold and silver, robust males and delicacy of females etc. Main subjects of paintings are royal Chariot, Mehfils, Raag-Rang, hunting, Barahmasa, Geet-Govind, Ramayana etc.

6. Bundi Style: 

It began with Rao Surjan, was influenced by Mewar and had * achieved all heights of development by the times of Umed Singh. Its main features are richness in red and yellow colours, short height, seven colour portray of Nature etc. Its main subjects were Rasikpriya, Kavipriya, Bihari, Satsai, Nayak-Nayika discrimination and description of seasons. It is also known as the animals-birds painting style. Its prominent painters were Surjan, Ahmad Ali, Ramlal Shri Kisan and Sadhuram.

7. Kota Style: 

It is a fine blend of the Bundi and the Mughal styles. Main characteristics are females as puppets, broad eyes, short nose, broad forehead, high lehangas, straightened Veni etc. subjects of paintings are hunting, festivals, Shri Nath Katha, portray of birds, animals etc.

8. Nathdwara Style: 

It is known for its own unique style of paintings. Pichhwai paintings portray Shrinath in different forms.