Personalized Portraits & Custom Hand-Painted Memories
I turn your photographs into lasting art. Whether it is a family memory, a tribute to a loved one, or a portrait of your pet, I work with you to capture the personality and emotion that a simple photo often misses.
This dual portrait of the legendary Dr. Rajkumar and his son, the beloved Puneeth Rajkumar, was a piece I created for an art competition at the Lalbagh Flower Show. I was incredibly honored to receive the first prize for this tribute to two icons of Kannada cinema.
This painting holds a special story. The couple didn't have a wedding photo, so their family asked me to create one. Using their individual photos and references of traditional Mangalore Brahmin wedding decor, I painted the memory they never had a chance to capture.
Some commissions are pure joy, like this watercolor painting of a man and his best friend. The unconditional love between a person and their pet is a beautiful thing to capture, and I aimed to bring that warmth and affection to life in this piece.
As part of a live art event, I had the privilege of painting Nada Prabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. Set against the colors of the Kannada flag, this acrylic portrait is my tribute to the visionary behind our vibrant city.
This video shows the careful process of building up layers and details for the portrait of my nephew. From the initial sketch to the final brushstroke, each step is taken with care to ensure the final piece truly captures the subject's spirit.
Here I am adding the final touches to the award winning portrait of Dr. Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar. The process of creating a double portrait requires careful attention to the interaction and relationship between the two subjects.
It was a proud moment to stand with my painting at the Lalbagh Flower Show. This event was a tribute to the Rajkumar family, and I was happy my art could be a part of it.
A collection of my portraits honoring the late Puneeth Rajkumar, displayed during the flower show competition. Each piece attempts to capture a different facet of his personality.
Posing with my finished portrait of Nada Prabhu Kempegowda at the Art in the Park event. It's always a great experience to paint live and interact with people who are passionate about art and local history.
Meeting fellow art lovers and patrons at the Lalbagh event. Sharing the story behind the Kempegowda painting and discussing its significance was a highlight of the day.
About Personalized Portraits: Capturing Memories
Every portrait begins with a conversation about the emotion you want the piece to convey, not just the visual likeness. I take time to understand the story behind your photo—whether it is a tribute to a loved one or a cherished family memory—and we finalize the composition and style together before a single brushstroke is laid on canvas.
How I Bring Your Memories to Life
I treat every commission as a story. My process is collaborative and detail-oriented. Because I am an engineer by training, I am methodical about the planning phase. We discuss the vibe, the background, and the people involved before I pick up a brush.
Mediums for Every Style
- Acrylic on Canvas: This is my primary medium for realistic portraits. It is durable, vivid, and allows for that classic 'gallery' finish. I use heavy-body paints to ensure the texture holds up over time.
- Watercolor & Ink: Best for smaller, intimate portraits or caricature-style illustrations. These are light, airy, and perfect for capturing a moment of joy or a pet portrait.
- Ceramic Plates: A unique, tactile option if you are looking for a decorative piece that stands out on your wall or table.
The Process
When you commission a piece, we start with a consultation. I review your reference photos and we decide on the best style—whether that is a straight-up realistic portrait or a creative edit, like the time I recreated a wedding portrait for a couple who didn't have one from their big day. Once we agree on the vision, I create a preliminary sketch for your approval. Only after you are happy with the direction do I begin the painting process. For large-format canvases, I provide weekly updates so you can see your memory taking shape.
Shipping
I am based in Bengaluru, but I have experience packing and shipping artwork across India. Your piece will be bubble-wrapped and crated to ensure it arrives exactly as it left my studio.
Varun N Rao
I am Varun, an engineer who never really put the pencil down. I specialize in turning your photographs into hand-painted stories using acrylics or watercolors. If you are looking for a portrait that captures a real moment rather than a stiff pose, I would love to work with you.
Explore more of my work
Looking for a different style or subject? Search my portfolio below.
More from Custom Paintings by Varun N Rao