![Western Painting - Body Painting](http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT56WFJ5imFELoGmJB1-LuP3yCgMaCk7Vp8aWoPJCrBn705oug&t=1&usg=__mm6kxFEeCz0C57EHvP-qmndTXio=)
![Western Painting - Body Painting](http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSYzj2ObMmK66Z2oux-gIkIw3E6tqQYooNJ4orAC5y8dPDGToI&t=1&usg=__Sy4IK9IXzi9mCIg28XrKJcpd5Zs=)
![Western Painting - Body Painting](http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlD761F2a7kYYy3FzZjVtTV8wca-7QZ8UmOu51qO1dVDHMhlE&t=1&usg=__g0AErm3xKWDiz0IOVuMmsRbbdoA=)
Body Painting - The Intricacies
The origin of body painting is unknown, but its use has been widespread - sometimes as an art form, sometimes as a part of tradition, and the other times, as a necessity. The evidence of body painting is found in ancient practices across various cultures and remains a popular fashion statement in the present times. There is no set style or technique for body painting. It can be a localized design or a fuller one, covering the entire body in some cases. The color pigments used can be natural or synthetic. Similarly, it can be a work of an expert or an amateurish hand of a novice. However, unlike permanent tattoos, body paints are temporary or semi-permanent in nature.