Featured Art & Custom Portraits by Varun Rao
From detailed color pencil sketches to unique paintings on ceramic plates, this collection highlights the range of styles I explore. Whether you're looking for a personal keepsake or a quirky caricature, here is a glimpse into the art I create from my studio in Bangalore.
This is one of the most satisfying portraits I've had the joy of creating. Capturing the innocent smile and chubby cheeks of a baby with color pencils is a special process. I use high-quality Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils to bring out the soft textures and warm tones, creating a timeless keepsake for the family.
Turning a family into a fun, sweet caricature is always a delight. This digital artwork was created on an iPad, imagining the family as ice cream cones to capture their fun-loving spirit. It's a perfect, quirky piece for a unique family portrait or a special gift.
I had the wonderful opportunity to create these custom portraits for celebrity journalists Vir Sanghvi and Seema Goswami. What makes them unique is the medium: they are painted on bone china porcelain plates using special ceramic paints. This is a truly distinct way to display a portrait, turning it into a decorative masterpiece.
Watch the process behind my digital tribute to the legendary Ratan Tata. This timelapse video shows how I build up layers, from the initial sketch to the final details, all hand-painted on an iPad using the Procreate app. It’s a look into how a digital portrait comes to life, stroke by stroke.
This painting holds a special story. The couple didn't have a wedding photo, so their family asked me to create one for them. Using old family photos for reference, I painted this acrylic portrait on canvas, imagining them in traditional wedding attire. It was a challenging and deeply rewarding project to bring a cherished memory to life.
Some artworks are just pure joy, like this one capturing the unmistakable bond between a person and their furry companion. This commissioned watercolor painting was created to celebrate that pure, unconditional love. I focus on capturing the emotion and connection that makes pet portraits so meaningful.
I was incredibly honored to receive the first prize for my portrait painting at the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens flower show. This acrylic on canvas piece pays tribute to the late Dr. Rajkumar and Puneeth Rajkumar. Moments like these inspire me to keep pushing my creative boundaries.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at me working on a portrait with ceramic paints. Using a porcelain plate as my canvas is a unique process that requires a steady hand and different techniques than paper or canvas. It's a medium I've grown to love for the beautiful, glossy finish it produces.
About Featured
I don't just copy a photo; I like to tell a story with it. Whether we are blending memories from old family albums into a new acrylic painting or turning your pet into a watercolor piece, I work closely with you on the composition to get the mood right. If you have an idea, let's chat about how we can bring it to life.
My Approach to Custom Art
Being a self-taught artist means my style is constantly evolving. I enjoy the challenge of working with different mediums because each one captures a different emotion. Color pencils are my go-to for capturing the fine details in a child's smile or a person's eyes, while acrylics on canvas allow me to create bold, textured compositions for larger family portraits or tribute pieces.
The Commission Process
Collaboration is at the heart of what I do. When you reach out for a commission, we start by discussing your vision.
- Photo Reference: You provide the photos, and I can help you decide which style—realistic pencil, acrylic, digital, or ceramic—suits your vision best.
- Storytelling: For those unique projects, like reconstructing a wedding portrait from old, grainy photos, I work on getting the composition and traditional attire details accurate based on your family references.
- Review: I keep you involved during the initial sketching or drafting phase to ensure the final piece aligns with what you imagined.
Unique Mediums & Logistics
Beyond traditional canvas and paper, I specialize in painting on ceramic plates using cured paints. These are strictly for display and offer a beautiful, glossy finish that stands out on a wall.
I ship across India from my studio in Bangalore. Every physical artwork is carefully packed—reinforced hardboard or protective tubes for paper, and secure padding for ceramic pieces—to ensure it reaches you safely. If you have a specific deadline, like an anniversary or a birthday, please mention it early so we can plan the timeline accordingly.
Varun N Rao
I am Varun—a Bangalore-based artist who balances a day job as an engineer with a lifelong love for drawing. I am entirely self-taught, which means my work is not about achieving perfect, rigid lines, but about capturing real emotions, quirky expressions, and the stories that matter to you.
Looking for something specific?
Explore different art styles and mediums available for custom commissions.
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