20 Most Popular Painters or Artists in India and the World

Art is a way of expressing beauty sentiments, and feelings. It can help us make sense of the world we live in. The ancient Greeks thought that the arts were only useful in stirring our emotions and overindulgence might lead to a certain imbalance.

Historically, artists become famous either for their unique style or the character they exude to the world of art. Art was transformed, it elevated the value of art and produced a respect it from a society that was not there in the past. Artists became known everywhere, their work were studied during and beyond their lifetime.

Between the millions of artwork that are created and shown in galleries and museums all around the world, a very trivial quantity transcend time and make history.

Ask the question to art historians and art critics “who is the best artist ever?”, and the answer will differ from person to person. Why? Because there is no single standard by which to measure who is the greatest painter or sculptor: Fine art is too subjective. So trying to decide who is the best artist of all time, is close to impossible! But we can always select a group of famous artwork from all over the world and of all ages and will probably continue to echo and leave impressions in the minds of people in the centuries to come. Below is a list of some of the most famous artists and their work around the world.

List of 20 Most Popular Painters or Artists in India and the World

Popular Painters and Artists in the World

01. Pablo Picasso

• Professions: Painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, stage designer, poet, and playwright.
• Residency: Spent most of his life in France, leaving a lasting impact on the French art scene.
• Legacy: Considered one of the greatest 20th-century artists, he co-founded Cubism and pioneered constructed sculpture.
• Innovations: Known for co-inventing collage, Picasso explored a wide variety of artistic styles.
• Cultural Impact: His work provides insights into the culture of the time through symbolism, colors, and constituents.
• Cubist Movement: Picasso’s significant role in co-founding the Cubist movement reshaped the art landscape.
• Constructed Sculpture: He revolutionized sculpture with the invention of constructed sculpture.
• Collage Pioneer: Picasso’s contributions include being a co-inventor of the collage technique.
• Artistic Exploration: Picasso’s wide-ranging styles reflect his constant exploration and development in the art world.

Achievements & Work:

• He received Stalin Peace Prize and conferred twice for Lenin Peace Prize.
• In 1907, he along with his friend George Braque came up with a remarkable work that no one has made up ever. They included sharp geometric shapes, ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’, abstracted and distorted with glaring blotches of blues, greens and grays. The work became the precursor and inspiration of Cubism, an artistic style that the two invented.
• Some of his neoclassical works that depict his return to realism include ‘Three Women at the Spring’, ‘Two Women Running on the Beach/ The Race’ and ‘The Pipes of Pan’.

Some of his work:

02. Leonardo Da Vinci

• Multifaceted Interests: His areas of expertise encompassed invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography.
• Versatility in Contributions: Regarded as the father of paleontology, ichnology, and architecture, highlighting his diverse impact on various disciplines.
• Artistic Brilliance: Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest painters of all time, his artistic legacy remains unparalleled.
• Innovative Mind: Leonardo’s contributions extended beyond art and reflected interest in scientific and technological innovation.
• Pioneer in Multiple Fields: From anatomy to astronomy, his pioneering work laid the groundwork for advancements in various scientific and artistic domains.

Achievements & Work:

• He got recognition for his work like “Virgin of the Rocks”,”Vitruvian Man”, “The Last Supper”, “Mona Lisa” etc.
• The ‘Leonardo da Vinci Award’, was established in 1975 by the Rotary Club of Florence and is presented to young people involved in the study of arts, technology, literature and the sciences.

Some of his work:

03. Michelangelo

• Educational Background: Despite little interest in academics, his passion for drawing led him to be introduced to painter Domenico Ghirlandaio.
• Fresco Technique Exposure: At the age of 13, he was apprenticed to Ghirlandaio’s workshop, exposing him to the technique of fresco painting.
• Ghirlandaio’s Recommendation: After a year, Ghirlandaio recommended Michelangelo to the palace of Lorenzo the Magnificent, where he delved into the study of classical sculpture in the Medici gardens.
• Versatile Talent: Michelangelo’s talents extended across various artistic forms, showcasing his prowess in sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry.

Achievements & Work:

• He got famous for his work ‘Pieta’, a sculpture in which Mary supports the dead Christ across her knees. It was created from a single piece of Carrara marble.
• His most ambitious project was the design of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling which contains over 300 figures.

Some of his work:

04. Andy Warhol

• Educational Background: Obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the ‘Carnegie Institute of Technology.’
• Specialization in Pictorial Design: During his 4-year course, specialized in Pictorial Design, laying the foundation for his distinctive artistic approach.
• Criticism for Commercialization: Faced criticism for commercializing art, with some arguing that his work was more aligned with commerce than traditional artistic expression.

Achievements & Work:

• The U.S Postal Service issued an 18-inch stamp in 2002, as a tribute to Andy Warhol’s achievements.
• A few years after his death, the ‘Andy Warhol Museum’ was opened in Pittsburgh, in honour of the artist. A whopping $12 million was spent to keep the artist’s works alive. Though Andy worked on numerous print advertisements for various products, he is known for his films. His most noted celluloid work is the 1966 experimental film, ‘Chelsea Girls’.

Some of his work:

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05. Claude Monet

• Effective Use of Light: His work is renowned for the skillful and impactful use of light, a hallmark of Monet’s artistic style.
• Art Education: Pursued arts education at the ‘Le Havre secondary school of the arts,’ laying the foundation for his future success.
• Caricature Works: During his studies, Monet created numerous charcoal caricatures, showcasing his versatile talent and even sold them for financial support.
• Charcoal Caricatures: Gain recognition for his charcoal caricature works, highlighting his early artistic achievements.

Achievements & Work:

• One of Claude’s works which have made him one of the legendary artists of all time is the ‘Impression, Sunrise’. This painting showed how ‘Havre’s Harbor’ looks during the morning fog. The work seemed like an incomplete sketch, compared to the other paintings of those days. This work of Monet’s, was considered unusual by many critics, who coined a new term for such kind of art, known as ‘Impressionism’.

Some of his work:

06. Rembrandt Harmenszoon

• Versatile Artistic Era: Worked during a vibrant period in Dutch history, contributing to the acclaim of Dutch art on the global stage.
• Rise to Fame: Rembrandt gained fame for his highly creative, sincere, and empathetic approach to art.
• Revered Legacy: Today, he is revered as one of the greatest artists ever to have existed, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
• Dutch Cultural Influence: Rembrandt’s work reflects the cultural richness and artistic brilliance of the Dutch Golden Age.

Achievements & Work:

• His painting ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’ (1632) is a much-discussed one among the medical fraternity. In the oil painting he depicted Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, a famous Dutch surgeon, explaining the musculature of the arm to medical professionals.
• His 1642 painting, ‘The Night Watch’ is one of his more ambitious works. Considered to be a world renowned example of Baroque art, the painting is famous for the effective use of light and shadow, and the perception of motion in what would have traditionally been a static military portrait.

Some of his work:

07. Raphel

• Prolific Artist: Despite his untimely death at 37, Raphael left behind a vast collection of paintings, displaying his prolific output.
• Madonna Paintings: Best known for his exquisite paintings of Madonna, reflecting his mastery in portraying religious themes.
• Palace of the Vatican: Contributed large figure compositions in the Palace of the Vatican in Rome, adding to his legacy in both art and architecture.
• Legacy of Influence: Raphael’s impact on the art world endures, and his works continue to be studied and admired for their beauty and significance.

Achievements & Work:

• The ‘Stanze di Raffaello’, in the Apostolic Palace in theVatican, is considered to be his greatest masterpiece. A part of the work was to decorate the Pope’s private library, the paintings he made include ‘The School of Athens’, ‘The Parnassus’ and the ‘Disputa’ which reflect the themes of philosophy, theology, jurisprudence and poetic arts.

Some of his work:

08. Johannes Vermeer

• Ultramarine Technique: Renowned for using ultramarine, derived from the costly lapis lazuli stone, a unique and expensive choice during the seventeenth century.
• Exclusive Usage: Vermeer was the sole artist of his time to extensively use ultramarine, showcasing his innovation and dedication to his craft.
• Golden Age Style: Adopted the style of the ‘Golden Age’ artists, focusing on portraits and everyday scenes, contributing to the cultural richness of the era.
• Diverse Subjects: Explored a wide range of subjects in his paintings, including allegorical works and landscapes, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Achievements & Work:

• One of the best works ever produced by this distinguished artist is considered to be his ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. The oil painting on canvas was signed by the artist as ‘IVMeer’, and is presently housed in the ‘Mauritshuis’ museum in The Hague, Netherlands.

Some of his work:

09. Henri Matisse

• Academic Training: Attended the Académie Julian in Paris in 1891, studied with arch-academician William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Symbolist Gustave Moreau.
• Impressionist Influence: Studied contemporary art, particularly that of the Impressionists, enriching his artistic palette and understanding of diverse styles.
• Key Works: Produced sensational canvases like Luxe, calme et volupté, Open Window, and Woman with a Hat, showcasing his artistic brilliance.
• Fauvism Phase: Initially labeled a Fauve (wild beast), Matisse eventually developed his distinctive style, breaking away from Fauvism.

Achievements & Work:

• In 1904, Matisse painted Luxe, Calme et Volupté in the neo-Impressionist style, using the Divisionist technique advocated by Impressionist painter, Paul Signac.The painting’s title comes from the poem L’Invitation au voyage.
• He created one of his major works La Danse especially for the Russian art collector Sergei Shchukin between 1909 and 1910. Dance is commonly recognized as “a key point of (Matisse’s) career.

Some of his work:

10. Frida Kahlo

• Self-Taught Artist: Despite lacking formal art education, Kahlo was a self-taught artist, shown her innate talent and dedication.
• Tragic Incident: Initially, painting was not her chosen career path; however, a tragic incident profoundly impacted her life and led her to pursue art.
• Injury Impact: The tragic incident left her severely injured, shaping the trajectory of her life and influencing the themes in her artworks.
• Symbolic Self-Expression: Kahlo’s paintings served as a medium for symbolic self-expression, reflecting her emotions, experiences, and cultural identity.

Achievements & Work

• In 1946, she received the National Prize of Arts and Sciences, which was conferred upon her by the Ministry of Public Education.
• Her self-portrait ‘Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird’ is one of her seminal works. In this painting she depicted herself as a victim, wearing a necklace of thorns. This has been showcased in over 25 museums in the United States and also in countries like Australia, Canada, France, and Spain.
• Her painting, ‘The Broken Column’, painted right after she underwent spine surgery, is one of her most important works and was a metaphorical depiction of the suffering. This painting is symbolic of her physical and psychological struggles.

Some of her work:

Popular Painters and Artists in India

1. Neeraj Goswami

• Color Palette Expertise: Utilizes tones of Celadon Porcelain and Onyx Styrations, infusing his canvases with a gentle radiance and unique color palette.
• Precious Stone Aesthetic: Neeraj’s paintings are noted for their resemblance to precious stones, exhibiting a translucence that is rarely seen in the art world.
• Distinctive Glow: Achieves a remarkable luminosity in his artworks, making them stand out with a distinctive and glowing quality.
• Artistic Transcendence: Through his mastery of oils and a unique color palette, Neeraj Goswami transcends traditional boundaries, creating artworks that captivate with their brilliance and luminosity.

Achievements & Work:

His works feature in prominent collections, which includes:

• National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi
• Apollo Group
• Hero Honda
• Ranbaxy Group
• Max India
• Adidas
• Somdatt Group
• Reliance Group
• Mural for Shivaji Stadium station on Delhi Metro,
• Airport Express line

Some of his work:

2. Suresh Choudhary

• Art Education: Suresh Choudhary studied at the Fine Arts College in Indore, laying the foundation for his artistic journey.
• Degree from Sir J.J. School of Arts: Furthered his education and artistic skills by earning a degree from the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai.
• Prolific Artist: Known for his prolific output, Suresh Choudhary has actively participated in numerous solo and group shows across India.
• Notable Exhibitions:
  • IV Bharat Bhawan Biennial of Contemporary Indian Art, Bhopal.
  • Aifacs Golden Jubilee 7th International Contemporary Art Exhibition, New Delhi.
  • Combined camp of painters, sculptors, graphic artists, and ceramic artists organized by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi.
  • All India artist camp organized by MP Kala Parishad, MP.
  • Gujarat Lalit Kala Academy Group show of young painters, among others.
• Diverse Participation: His involvement in exhibitions and camps reflects his active engagement in the contemporary Indian art scene, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the arts.

Achievements & Work:

• He was the recipient of numerous awards and accolade including the Amrita Shergil Fellowship by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
• The Fellowship in a Creative painting by the Government of India.
• His works are found in many private collections in India and abroad (USA, France, Norway, Dubai, England, France, West Germany, USSR, Canada). Many corporate houses such as the Air India, Bharat Earth Movers, Cipla, Union Carbide, Indian Oil and HUDCO also house his works.

Some of his work:

3. Ajit Keshari Ray

• Art Specialization: Ajit Keshari Ray pursued specialization in sculpting, wood engraving, and graphic art at the Anglo-French Art Centre in London.
• Notable Achievement: Received the first Lalit Kala Akademi award for modern painting, specifically for his acclaimed work titled “The Flight.”
• Leadership Role: Served as the former president of Lalit Kala Academy, contributing to the promotion and recognition of contemporary Indian art.
• Dharmapada Award: Recognized for his artistic contributions, Ajit Keshari Ray is a recipient of the Dharmapada award, adding to his accolades.
• Educational Background: A scholar from Doon School and Shanti Niketan, he was guided as a creator of modern art, showcasing a strong foundation in both academic and artistic spheres.

Some of his work:

4. Ram Kumar

• Academic Background: Initially studied Economics at St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, showcasing a diverse intellectual foundation.
• Artistic Pursuit in Paris: Traveled to Paris to further his artistic skills, where he studied painting under the guidance of renowned artists Andre Lhote and Fernand Leger.
• Global Influence: Exposure to the European art scene in Paris influenced Ram Kumar’s artistic style, adding an international dimension to his work.
• Multifaceted Education: The combination of economics and formal art education in Paris reflects the multi-faceted nature of Ram Kumar’s intellectual and artistic journey.

Achievements and Work:

• John D. Rockefeller III Fellowship, New York
• Padmashree, Government of India
• Premchand Puraskar, Government of Uttar Pradesh
• Kalidas Samman, Government of Madhya Pradesh
• Officers Arts et Letters, Government of France
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Government of Delhi
• Padma Bhushan, Government of India
• Fellowship of the Lalit Kala Akademi
• Ram Kumar has participated in various exhibitions in and out of India, including the Venice Biennale and the Festival of India shows in the then USSR and Japan

Some of his work:

5. S H raza

• France Connection: Moved to France in 1950, where he continued to live and work, establishing a strong artistic presence on the global stage.
• Dual Cultural Influence: Maintained strong ties with India despite residing in France, showcasing a harmonious blend of cultural influences in his art.
• Vibrant Color Palette: Raza’s artworks are characterized by a rich and vibrant use of color, creating visually engaging and emotionally resonant pieces.
• Indian Cosmology and Philosophy: Incorporated icons from Indian cosmology and philosophy into his works, adding depth and cultural significance to his abstract creations.

Achievements & Work:

• Silver Medal, Bombay Art Society, Mumbai
• Gold Medal, Bombay Art Society, Mumbai
• Prix de la critique, Paris
• Padma Shri; the Government of India
• Fellowship of the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi
• Kalidas Samman, Government of Madhya Pradesh
• Padma Bhushan, the Government of India
• Padma Vibhushan, the Government of India

Some of his work:

6. Badri Narayan

• Informal Art Training: Narayan started his painting without any formal training.
• Debut in 1949: His first public showing was in 1949, followed by a solo exhibition in 1954, marking the beginning of a prolific artistic journey.
• Prolific Solo Shows: Conducted over 50 solo shows, reflecting the consistent evolution and growth in his artistic style over the years.
• Presence in Prestigious Collections: His works are featured in several esteemed collections, including the National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Museum in New Delhi.
• Artistic Evolution: Initially worked on tile and ceramic, influencing his later watercolors. Subsequently, he explored ink, pastel, and watercolor, displaying versatility in his artistic expressions.

Achievements & Work:

• Padma Shri in 1987
• The Maharashtra Gourav Puruskar in 1990.
• His made Illustrations for The Mahabharata by Shanta Rameshwar Rao
• The Ramayana by Laxmi Lal

Some of his work:

7. Srihari Bholekar

• Educational Background: Graduated from Osmania University, showcasing a foundation in academic studies.
• Diploma from Sir J.J. School of Arts: Obtained a diploma in Drawing and Painting from the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Arts in Bombay, honing his artistic skills.
• Specialization in Mural Techniques: Furthered his artistic education by specializing in Mural techniques in New Delhi, indicating a focus on large-scale and impactful art forms.
• International Presence: Bholekar’s recognition extends beyond national borders, reflecting his achievements and influence on the global art scene.

Achievements & Work:

• National Academy Award Conferred by Lalit Kala Academi, New Delhi
• Gold Medal All India Exhibition Hyderabad Art Society
• Gold Medal All India Exhibition, MahaKoshal Kala Parishad, Raipur
• Senior Fellowship Visual Art Graphics, Government of India, Ministry of Culture, New Delhi
• Millennium Award – All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, New Delhi – 2000.
• SCZCC Award – All India Art Exhibition, Nagpur.
• India Academy of Fine Arts Award, Amritsar.
• Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad Award, Bangalore.
• AP Cyclone and Tidal Wave Exhibition Award, Hyderabad.
• Miniature Biennale Award.
• Hyderabad Art Society Awards, Hyderabad – 1964,1974, 1975.
• Chitrakala Samsad Award, AP State Art Exhibition, Machilipatnam.
• Bharath Kala Parishad Awards, Hyderabad – 1979,1985,1988,1990.
• Vishakapatham Chitrakala Parishad Award.
• All India Contemporary Miniature Biennale Award – 1975.
• Youth Cultural Festival Award, Hyderabad.

Some of his work:

8. M F Hussain

• Progressive Artists Group: A founding member of The Progressive Artists Group of Bombay, a collective that played a significant role in shaping modern Indian art.
• Versatile Artistic Endeavors: While primarily known for his paintings, Husain showcased versatility as an artist, engaging in drawings, printmaking, photography, and filmmaking.
• Multifaceted Talent: Recognized not only for his mastery in traditional art forms but also for his contributions to various visual mediums, showcasing a multifaceted artistic talent.
• International Acclaim: Enjoyed widespread acclaim beyond India’s borders, solidifying his position as a global figure in the art world.

Achievements & Work:

• National Academy Award Conferred by Lalit Kala Academi,New Delhi,
• Gold Medal All India Exhibition Hyderabad Art Society,
• Gold Medal All India Exhibition, MahaKoshal Kala Parishad, Raipur,
• Senior Fellowship Visual Art Graphics, Government of India, Ministry of Culture, New Delhi
• He received the National Film Award for Best Experimental Film for Through The Eyes of a Painter.
• He was also a winner of following awards:
• Padma Shri
• Padma Bhushan
• Padma Vibhushan

Some of his work:

9. Amrita Sher Gil

• Legacy in 20th-Century India: Acknowledged as an important woman painter of 20th-century India, contributing to the cultural and artistic landscape of the nation.
• Parallels with Bengal Renaissance: Her legacy stands on a par with that of the Masters of Bengal Renaissance, highlighting her influence and impact on Indian art.
• Most Expensive Woman Painter: Amrita Sher-Gil holds the title of the “most expensive” woman painter in India, a testament to the value placed on her artistic contributions.
• Cultural Significance: Recognized for her cultural significance and artistic prowess, Sher-Gil remains an influential figure in the history of Indian art.

Achievements & Work:

• During the start of the 1930s, while in Paris, Amrita Shergil painted more than 60 canvases. Majority of them were portraits and self-portraits. Some of them were also landscapes and still life. Some of the popular works during that period include “The Professional Model“, “Portrait of a Young Man“, “Marie Louise“, “Young Girls” etc.
• Some of her paintings of her can be seen at National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.

Some of her work:

10. Tyeb Mehta

• Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group: A member of the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group, alongside influential artists like F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, and M.F. Husain.
• Post-Colonial Generation: Tyeb Mehta was part of the first post-colonial generation of Indian artists, marking a departure from the nationalist Bengal school.
• Artistic Innovation: Contributed to the evolution of Indian art by incorporating modern and innovative styles, breaking away from traditional approaches.
• Influence on Indian Art: His association with the Progressive Artists’ Group and commitment to Modernism played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of contemporary Indian art.

Achievements & Work:

• Padma Bhushan
• Kalidas Samman
• Prix Nationale at the International Festival of Painting in Cagnes-sur-Mer,France
• He got famous for his work Kali and Celebration.

Some of his work:

We at Graphic Design Institute compare artwork, which offers different perceptions, and gives us a comprehensive way of looking at events, situations, and people. By analyzing artworks from the past and looking at their details, we can rewind time and understand how it was a different time period from the present scenario.

Looking at art from the past contributes to who we were as people and the present contributes to who we are and what we follow in the present scenario. By looking at what has been done before, we gather knowledge and inspiration that contribute to how we speak, feels, and views the world around us. Hope you have enjoyed reading the article and gained some insights about some of the famous artists and their work. Our graphic design experts have collected these artists names and their work and put above in no order, so we haven’t put this list in any order.

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