Sumitra Balu: A Journey Through Art and Expression
“A portrait is more than just conveying the likeness of a person. It captures the personality of an individual, telling a story and communicating emotions to the viewer. By observing and understanding the finer aspects of human expressions, I strive to bring every characteristic feature to life.”
From a fascination with shapes and colours as a child to becoming a celebrated portrait artist, Sumitra Balu’s journey in art has been one of perseverance, passion, and self-discovery. With a background in Mathematics and Computer Applications, her intellectual pursuits were once her primary focus. However, her true calling was always art—a realization that inspired her to dedicate herself to her craft.
Artistic Journey:
Sumitra’s artistic journey truly began when she sought mentorship under Mrs. Nimi Ravindranath, a renowned artist, in 2014. Under her guidance, Sumitra gained the confidence to explore her potential and establish herself as a professional artist. Over the past decade, she has honed her skills, mastering the use of dry mediums like graphite and color pencils. Portraits remain her favorite subject, as they allow her to study and express the nuances of human emotion and personality.
Her journey has not been without recognition. Sumitra’s portraits of 25 Indian musicians have received widespread appreciation, including personal recognition from the musicians themselves. This blend of art and music showcases her unique ability to capture the essence of her subjects. Sumitra also happens to be a trained Carnatic vocalist.
Exhibitions:
Sumitra’s work has been showcased in prominent art exhibitions across India, including:
Akanksha Mega Women’s Art Show (2016) at Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bengaluru, India.
Art Marathon (2016) at Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bengaluru, India.
Akanksha Women’s Art Show (2017) at Chitrakala Parishat, Bengaluru, India.
Group Art Show (2019) at Chitrakala Parishat, Bengaluru, India.
India Art Festival (2022) at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, India.
Akanksha Portrait Exhibition (2023) at Chitrakala Parishat, Bengaluru, India.
‘Random Expressions’, Akanksha Online Art Gallery (2024)
Sumitra’s dedication to her craft, her passion for studying human expressions, and her love for both art and music come together to create works that are not just visually stunning but emotionally resonant. Every portrait is a story, every still life a moment captured in time—her art is a celebration of life, personality, and the connections we share.