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Mprasanna Kumar
Mprasanna Kumar

Mprasanna Kumar

Portrait Artist

M. Prasanna Kumar

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Qualities needed to become a successful leader
Discipline in life. Worshiping work with dedication and determination.
Degree that I recommend
As I'm mainly a self-taught artist I had no degrees or certifications. My work is my certificate for me. However, there are colleges awarding degrees. In chennai, there is a college- GOVT COLLEGE OF ARTS & CRAFTS in Egmore.
Important lesson learned
If one is to become a creative artist like me in India he/she should not depend on it for a living. It should be for passion only. Because, there is no much appreciation for painting, particularly portrait painting in India.







Most of us here think why painting when you can get photographed for lesser expenditure. Their main concern is not art, but the money. On contrary, most of the people in western countries prefer portrait painting over photograph as they are more connected with paintings in galleries and museum. They understand the value, the difference. Unfortunately, it is not the case in India. So,the artist has to have some other source of income,though little, as in my case. One year you may be busy, but next year you may not have work for months together. This is the kind of business.If you are to establish you as a portrait artist you must have other source of income.Or,you will have to leave in the middle and switch over to commercial arts.
My strongest skill
As a portrait artist my strongest professional skill is bringing the likeness in true color.
More about myself
More people should come forward to make use of the expertise and experience of artists like me.They should understand first that portrait painting is a costly affair. But, in India, we do for cheaper prices when compared with the same by our counterparts in western countries.





Many of us should consider portrat painting as an ideal gift for occasions like Wedding Day, Birth Day etc...When many more take interest in our work it is good for both the artist and art lovers. Moreover, we let the art exist which is very important for a civilised society. John Kennedy said: " I see little of more importance to the future and civilisation of our country than the full recognition of the place of the artist".





While people are ready to spend money for many luxury items they should set apart some amount for decorating their beautiful homes and offices with paintings and other art objects. By doing so, they enhance the charm of the interiors.
My achievements
In 1985 I was given appointment to meet the former Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv Gandhi at Raj Bhavan to personally hand over the portrait of Indira Gandhi, painted by me,as my gift.P





It is an achievement because I was one of the nine people to meet him face to face. Except me all others were VIPs.It was a thrilling experience for me.I felt honored.





In 2005, responding to my invitation H.E. Shri. Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamil Nadu, visited my studio. and honored me. Earlier, I met him at Raj Bhavan and impressed him with my portfolios.





Moreover, a few years back I received a mail from 20th century fox, Hollywood asking me if I could sell the portrait of Pope Paul VI painted by me for their requirement.





One leading portrait artist from US invited me to join a portrait seminar in Atlanta. They both have already visited my website and that much impressed by my work.


Influenced by
Artist Raja Ravi Varma, western artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Titan, Raphael Michaelangelo and in India, Maha Kavi Bharathiar, Vivekanandar and so on...
Brief description about me
I'm a self taught portrait artist, aged 75, working in this field since 1964. I started my career as a professional portraitist from 1975. I would prefer to paint from photos for the convenience of both the artist and client.







In fact, I was studying in polytechnic when I took interest in drawing. Seeing my growing interest in art my uncle who brought me up,permitted me hesitatingly to take elementary lessons for 3 months in a local Art School in Nagercoil. Then I pursued by drawing and painting at home for some time. Soon I got the maturity in painting. The portraits M.S.Subbulakshmi and Pope Paul VI were painted by me in 1974 before coming to Madras(Chennai) in 1975. In fact, these portraits gave me the confidence to start my career as a professional portrait artist. I wanted to establish myself as one of the leading portrait artists in India meeting the requirements of art lovers!
Important decision
I should say that one of the most important decisions I have taken was to go to Madras in 1975 and start my career as a professional portrait artist. Another important decision I took was to build my own house. I got it built in 1984. This saved me from paying exorbitant house rent in later years.
Initiative to develop a country
Professionals in India can help by executing their responsibilities honestly and to the best advantage of the people around without compromising the quality of the service.

The professionals here should be capable of receiving the attention of other developed countries by their own merit.It should be appreciated and applauded by other countries! When all do their duties perfectly with devotion it will lead the country to greater heights!
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