Paintings in South India are famous for their intricate curves and bright colors. There are many schools for painting in South India like the Mysore, Tanjore, Nayaka, Chola and so on.

Mysore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting, originating from Mysore in Karnataka. These paintings are known for their elegance, muffled colours, and attention to minute details. The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu Gods, Goddesses, and events from Hindu mythology.

The making of these unique south Indian paintings involves the making of the preliminary sketch of the image on the base. The base is made of a cartridge paper pasted on a wooden base. A paste made of Zinc oxide and Arabic gum called "gesso paste" is also used in the South Indian paintings.

Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting that is native to the town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. The art form is derived from early 9th century, a period subjugated by the Chola rulers, who encouraged art and literature. These paintings are known for their sophistication and rich colours.

Nayaka Paintings of South India dates back the creations in the Nayak phase of Madurai and Tanjavur that was significant in the Vijayanagara phase. The traces of Nayaka paintings can be seen at the Tiruparuthikundram other than the Vijayanagara paintings. Most of these paintings of Nayaka period dates back to the 16th century and few are from the 17th century.

Hoysala paintings of South India are available in the painted palm leaf manuscripts, which are now well preserved in the Moodhidri library. They are illustrated manuscripts and thus do not contain only paintings but also the writing of the Hoysala period. The mural tradition has been a very vital practice in South Indian painting and images are accurately cut into rocks of the caves.

The Chola paintings of South India have very high significance in the history of Indian art. These paintings come out with great emotion in the faces of the figures. The stately temple of Brihadishvara in Tanjavur is an instance of the great wealth and power of the Chola Empire. The Vijayanagar paintings represent the great revival of Hindu religion and art in South India.

The paintings of South India have introduced a unique kind of art in the country. The bright colors and elaborate curves bestow a rare perfection to the paintings of South India.