Story-Driven Conceptual Art & Cultural Paintings
Art isn't just decoration to me; it is a way to capture the stories, parables, and cultural quirks that define our lives. Let’s collaborate to turn your favorite memory or concept into a visual piece.
This painting illustrates the ancient parable of the 'Six Blind Men and an Elephant'. Each part of the elephant is depicted as the men perceived it: a snake, a fan, a tree trunk, a brick wall, a rope, and a spear. It was a fascinating conceptual challenge commissioned by a client.
An abstract piece titled 'I am Many'. It represents the infinite layers of experiences that shape us as human beings, from the pure, raw center to the complex outer layers we show the world.
'ScapeLand' is an abstract landscape created with a palette knife. It's an invitation to break from monotony and see the world differently, reimagining a familiar sunset over water with texture and unconventional patterns.
My entry for an art event with the theme 'Water wise Garden city thrives'. This painting depicts the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, showing how our city can only flourish when we embrace and protect our natural resources.
Created for an Independence Day event, this painting is a tribute to India's rich heritage. A wandering sadhu walks past a backdrop filled with doodles of our nation's cultural, architectural, and artistic treasures, all within the colors of our flag.
A closer look at the watercolor illustrations depicting the quirks of Bengaluru's auto rickshaws.
Detail of the 'Meter mele ippatu kodi' (Give 20 rupees over the meter) scene, a familiar negotiation for many in Bengaluru.
The classic 'Baralla' (Won't come) refusal, a moment of frustration for commuters captured with humor.
This illustration shows two auto drivers having a mid-road chat, a common cause of traffic jams that I find amusing.
Another detail from the auto rickshaw series.
About Art with a Story: Cultural & Conceptual Pieces
When I work on a conceptual piece, we start by mapping out the narrative behind the image. Whether it is a philosophical story like the parable of the blind men or a humorous look at local life, I focus on the 'why' before I even pick up a brush. We will go back and forth on sketches until the composition hits that perfect note of meaning and visual balance.
Conceptual art is a conversation between the viewer and the painting. I often use heavy-body acrylics for a tactile feel on canvas, especially for pieces that need to hold a room's attention. If you want something smaller, I use archival-grade paper for watercolor illustrations that bring out lighter, more whimsical stories. My process is iterative. I do not just paint and finish. I share updates as I work, so you see the layers build up. If we are working on a larger 3ft by 5ft statement piece, expect a timeline of about 6-8 weeks to allow for the drying and varnishing stages. My goal is not just to produce a painting, but to create a permanent visual reminder of the stories that matter to you. From cultural motifs to abstract ideas that are hard to put into words, I am here to help you translate those thoughts into high-quality, gallery-wrap canvases or detailed illustrations.
Varun N Rao
I am Varun, an engineer by day and an artist by heart. I do not just paint subjects; I paint narratives, like my series on Bangalore’s quirky auto rickshaws or meaningful philosophical parables. If you have a story, a memory, or a specific concept in mind, I would love to help you bring it to life on canvas.
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