My Art Journey: Portraits, Exhibitions & Live Painting
I am an engineer by day and an artist by passion. My journey is filled with live painting demos, art camps, and the joy of sharing the creative process with my community.
A fun rapid-fire Q&A session where I share a little more about my art and inspirations. From my favorite medium to my dream exhibition location, get to know the artist behind the canvas.
Join me for a quick tour of my exhibition stall. I walk you through some of my displayed works, including my candlelight series, portraits, and caricatures, and explain the stories behind them.
I was so humbled by these kind words from Jija Hari Singh, the founder trustee of Artmantram, who introduced me as the "Artist of the Week." Her encouragement to pursue my passion full-time means the world to me.
I celebrated my 40th birthday by participating in a 3-day art camp at Wayanad. Here I am giving a live portrait demo. It was an unforgettable experience of learning, sharing, and connecting with fellow artists.
A shot of me doing a live painting at an art showcase at ITC Gardenia. I love painting in front of an audience, as it allows people to see the creative process unfold and connect with the art on a deeper level.
One of the best moments from the Chitra Santhe art festival. This young art lover picked up a portrait of his favorite cricketer. Seeing the joy on a client's face, no matter their age, is the greatest reward.
Here I am at my stall during Chitra Santhe, Bangalore's biggest street art festival. It's an amazing day where thousands of art lovers come out to support artists. My stall features a wide range of my work, from paintings to framed portraits.
Interacting with visitors at my Chitra Santhe stall. I love discussing my techniques and the stories behind my paintings. These conversations are a huge source of inspiration and connection.
I had a wonderful opportunity to exhibit my work at my apartment's clubhouse during a festival. The response from my neighbors, both young and old, was incredibly humbling and encouraging.
Visitors admiring my candlelight painting series at a group art exhibition. It's always fascinating to see which pieces draw people in and to hear their interpretations of the art.
About My Journey as an Artist
Whether it is a live demonstration at ITC Gardenia or a quiet session at an art camp in Wayanad, I love the energy of painting in front of an audience. It transforms the solitary act of art into a real-time conversation, and I am always happy to walk you through my process, from the initial pencil sketch to the final stroke.
Being an artist in Bangalore is about much more than what happens in my home studio. My journey has taken me from street festivals like Chitra Santhe to professional gallery walls, and every event teaches me something new about how people connect with art.
Why I Love Live Art
Painting live, whether it is for a corporate showcase or an art festival, is a unique challenge. You have limited time, curious eyes watching every move, and the pressure of a public setting. But that pressure is where the magic happens. It allows me to explain my techniques, like how I layer colors in my candlelight series, and it demystifies the art-making process for those who think it is reserved for the elite.
Beyond the Canvas
My work often starts with a specific story. You might have seen my tribute paintings to Dr. Rajkumar or the candlelight portraits I exhibited at the Bengaluru Art Gallery. These pieces are not just about technical skill. They are about capturing the light and shadows that define a moment or a person. As a self-taught artist who did not attend art school, I rely heavily on observation and feedback from the community. Whether it is a conversation with a visitor at my stall or an encouraging word from a mentor at Artmantram, every interaction helps me grow.
Commissioning a Piece
If you have followed my journey and are looking to bring a similar style into your home, I am open to commissions. From digital caricatures to custom acrylic paintings on canvas, I work closely with you to ensure the final piece captures exactly what you had in mind. Distance is not a barrier; I ship across India and even internationally.
Varun N Rao
I am Varun, balancing a life between code and canvas. I missed out on art school, but I never stopped drawing, and now I specialize in capturing personality through portraits. I draw to share a bit of my world with yours.
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