Born into modest circumstances in Kerala—specifically, a small riverside village called Kattoor in Thrissur District—Kannan Chithralaya’s early years were shaped by both hardship and inspiration. Raised by a caring grandmother and mother after his parents separated when he was just four, Kannan found solace in art from a tender age. He vividly remembers the joy of receiving his very first watercolor kit in 4th grade and the unwavering support of his grandmother, who preserved his pencils and notebooks in a small plastic cover—symbols of early encouragement and hope.
Despite financial struggles that prevented formal training, Kannan’s passion carried him forward. He started by painting advertisements, banners, and hoardings to support his family, even quitting school at age 14 to help them survive. Yet, he never gave up his artistic ambition. Drawing, painting, and deep observation became his education. He credits his artistic initiation to his elder sister, his first mentor, whose drawings sparked his experimentation, with strong support from his mother and sister fueling his passion.
Kannan’s breakthrough arrived when contemporary artist Asif Ali Komu noticed his early works, inviting him to exhibit. That exhibition marked the turning point—he left commercial hoarding art and dedicated himself to fine art painting. His signature style emerged through focused efforts on watercolor portraiture, a medium he grew to love, though he has explored many others.
A versatile and prolific creator, Kannan works across a wide spectrum of mediums—watercolor, oil, acrylic, charcoal, soft pastels, pencil, color pencil, pen & ink, and more—skirting the boundaries between realism and abstraction. His work demonstrates a fine balance of technical mastery and expressive nuance.
His style, particularly in watercolor portraiture, evolved organically through constant practice rather than premeditation. His watercolors are praised for their expressive color use and emotionally resonant qualities. While oil paintings are often more commercially demanded, he continues to favor watercolors, citing their ability to convey delicate expressions and visual poetry.
Kannan’s commitment and talent have earned him numerous awards—both national and international—including honors like the Abu Rawash Prize (2019 International Watercolor Contest), Rang Sang Award (2018), Gandhi Smrithi Special Aadaravu (2019), and others. His exhibitions and features span across art platforms and media, boosting his visibility and reputation. kannanchithralaya.com
He embraced the internet not just as a tool for expression but for survival. Early recognition came through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where his paintings went viral and attracted art lovers globally. With digital support and commissions flowing in, Kannan was able to establish a studio in Thrissur—thanks in large part to a generous benefactor, Mr. Anto Chittilappilli, who sponsored his first exhibition and studio setup.
For Kannan, painting is not only a livelihood but an addiction, a source of daily joy and spiritual sustenance. He views realism and impressionism, grounded in strong sketches and vivid coloring choices, as pathways to meaningful art. His advice to aspiring artists is clear: pursue art with passion, dedication, and humility.
Kannan Chithralaya stands as an embodiment of resilience, talent, and self-belief. From drawing with rudimentary tools in a remote Kerala village to winning international accolades, he has forged a remarkable journey. His signature watercolor portraits, born of struggle and nurtured by passion, now draw admiration across continents. Today, he continues to teach, create, and inspire—one vivid stroke at a time.
As he joins the Spenowr family, artists like Kannan gain a platform that not only celebrates their work but also expands their opportunities globally. Spenowr.com empowers artists by:
Showcasing their profiles, portfolios, and biographies to a worldwide audience.
Providing a marketplace to sell original artworks, prints, NFTs, and merchandise.
Offering tools for collaborations, networking, and exposure among peers, galleries, and collectors.
Enabling custom commissions and direct client connections.
Featuring artists in blogs, interviews, and promotions to strengthen their digital presence.
For an artist of Kannan’s caliber, Spenowr becomes not just a gallery but a global stage, helping him preserve his legacy while inspiring upcoming generations of creators.
