Handcrafted Custom Art & Portraits in Bangalore
I am Varun, an artist and engineer based in Bangalore. I turn personal stories, cherished memories, and cultural inspiration into original paintings and illustrations.
This Kerala mural style painting of Lord Krishna was a beautiful challenge I took on for a client. It was my first time attempting this intricate, traditional art form, and it was a deeply rewarding process to bring this vibrant, divine scene to life on a large canvas.
This is a portrait of my nephew, a piece that is very close to my heart. Capturing the innocence and gentle expression of a child is a delicate process, and I even repainted the face to get it just right. It’s this attention to detail that I bring to every personalized portrait.
Here’s a little glimpse into my process. For this special commission, I painted a portrait of the celebrated journalist Vir Sanghvi on a ceramic plate, a unique and challenging surface. It’s always exciting to experiment with new mediums to create a one of a kind piece.
A tribute to a true Indian legend, the Hindustan Motors Ambassador. This large acrylic painting was a special commission for a client in Germany who wanted to capture the car's iconic presence against the backdrop of India Gate, a piece of home for them to cherish.
I find immense peace and power in painting landscapes like this one, titled 'Mountain of the Gods'. Using acrylics on a large canvas, I aimed to capture the majestic and serene presence of snow-covered peaks, a perfect statement piece for creating a calm atmosphere in any home.
Titled 'The Awakening', this conceptual piece explores the spiritual journey of realizing the divine within oneself. I used deep blue hues and symbolic imagery to represent the path to enlightenment. It’s the kind of art that invites reflection and conversation.
I love playing with light and shadow, and 'The Writer’s Table' is a perfect example. This still life painting captures a quiet, studious moment illuminated by a single candle, creating a warm, nostalgic mood. It’s a celebration of the simple, peaceful moments in life.
As a Bengalurean, I had to capture the city's iconic auto rickshaws. This watercolor series illustrates the funny and unique quirks every local knows, from the classic 'wonendaaf' fare to the firm 'baralla'. It’s art that tells a relatable, everyday story with a touch of humor.
The best part of my job is seeing the joy on a client's face. Here I am with the wonderful couple who commissioned the Kerala mural of Lord Krishna. Creating art that holds personal meaning for you and becomes a cherished part of your home is what my passion is all about.
About Featured
When you commission a piece, you aren't just getting a drawing. I approach every project with the precision of an engineer and the eye of an artist. I often sketch and re-sketch until the expression feels exactly right—like the time I repainted my nephew's portrait because the first attempt didn't capture his true smile. You will be involved in the design consultation, and I share weekly progress updates so you see exactly how your idea takes shape on canvas.
My work covers a wide spectrum, from detailed acrylic portraits and large-scale canvases to watercolor caricatures and even painted bone china plates. Whether you want a realistic portrait for your living room or a cultural piece like a Kerala mural, my goal is to translate your memories into something lasting.
Since I am an engineer by training, I treat every commission with technical rigor. I use high-quality, double-primed cotton duck canvas and heavy-body acrylics for larger statement pieces, ensuring they stand the test of time. For smaller, fun projects like caricatures or illustrations, I shift to archival quality art paper and ink liners.
If you have a story—a classic car you loved, a cultural heritage you want to preserve, or a family moment—I want to paint it. I provide clear consultation on style and composition before I pick up the brush, and I pack everything securely to ship anywhere in the world. Let’s look at the options and find the medium that fits your space.
Varun N Rao
I'm Varun. I spent years in engineering, but my pencil never left my hand. I blend technical precision with real emotion to create portraits and paintings that actually look like the people you love. If you want art that carries a story, let's talk.
Find the right style for your space
Search for specific mediums, themes, or custom requests you have in mind.
More from Custom Paintings by Varun N Rao