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
- Pablo Picasso
- Leonardo Da Vinci
- Michelangelo
- Andy Warhol
- Claude Monet
- Rembrandt Harmenszoon
- Raphel
- Johannes Vermeer
- Henri Matisse
- Frida Kahlo
- Neeraj Goswami
- Suresh Choudhary
- Ajit Keshari Ray
- Ram Kumar
- S H Raza
- Badri Narayan
- Srihari Bholekar
- M F Hussain
- Amrita Sher Gil
- Tyeb Mehta
Popular Painters and Artists in the World
01. Pablo Picasso
Pablo Ruiz y Picasso, aka Pablo Picasso, was a versatile Spanish artist, a maestro of innovation, sculpted the art world with Cubism’s bold strokes and redefined creativity in every medium he touched.
- 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
Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian polymath, excelled in an extensive range of fields. He was a master of diverse realms, painted the canvas of knowledge with strokes of invention, artistry, and groundbreaking exploration.
- 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
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, known as Michelangelo, was an Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet. Considered one of the greatest artists of the High Renaissance, Michelangelo’s influence resonates in art history.
- 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
Andy Warhol revolutionized art in the United States during the 20th century. He introduced the concept of ‘Pop Art,’ a movement that transformed traditional perceptions of art.
- 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:
05. Claude Monet
Claude Monet, a celebrated French painter, immortalized daily moments on canvas. Recognized as an inspiration to aspiring artists, he holds a prominent place in the art world.
- 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
Rembrandt, a Dutch painter, is regarded as one of the greatest European painters in history. He lived during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, marked by excellence in trade, science, military, and art.
- 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
Raphael, an Italian, excelled in both painting and architecture, showcasing his diverse talents. Recognized as a major figure of the High Renaissance, a period celebrated for its artistic achievements.
- 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
Johannes Vermeer, a legendary artist, created only thirty-four masterpieces in a career spanning fewer than twenty years. Despite the limited output, Vermeer holds a legendary status in the history of art for his exceptional talent.
- 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
Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse, a French artist, had a career that spanned over six decades. Influenced by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, he adopted a “Pointillist” style characterized by small dots of color instead of traditional brushstrokes.
- 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
Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican painter, gained fame for her distinctive self-portraits. She blended traditional Mexican folk art with surrealism and created a unique and symbolic form of self-expression.
- 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
Neeraj Goswami is a prominent Indian artist, recognized for his contributions to contemporary painting and sculpture. He specialized in the use of oils, shown a unique brilliance and vibrancy in his artworks.
- 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
Suresh Choudhary, a master of visual poetry, paints narratives that transcend canvas, echoing the vibrant stories of his artistic journey across prestigious exhibitions and camps.
- 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: