A surgeon’s repertoire of artistic expressions on social themes

Tirupati: He is a reputed orthopaedic surgeon by profession, but this Doctor is also carving a niche with the brush. His panache is reflected in vivid expression of social themes through creative strokes. Dr B Sukumar, director of a private hospital in Tirupati, has been pursuing his childhood passion and imbibing skills by observing the painting techniques of Masters like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci Ravi Varma and Gherhad Richard, showcased on YouTube tutorials. His spectrum of oil paintings mostly comprises portrayals of social themes like gender inequality, water crisis, health protection, Swachh Bharath, pollution, and other subjects.

The orthopaedic surgeon has created more than 200 oil paintings. He has graduated from his skill in pencil drawing techniques during his earlier days to evolving as a versatile artist with the brush and oil colours. The Doctor spends four to six hours in a week for painting apart from his regular medical practice.

Narrating his foray into painting, Dr Sukumar told The Hans India mentioned that he had learnt the basic skills during his childhood. Later when was doing his MBBS, these skills helped him draw the human anatomy diagrams in the college records. “Later my wife, Dr R Sudharani, who is the present TDP district health wing president, encouraged me to focus on painting themes related to various social issues. I have been learning new painting skills through internet online sources and practicing these techniques. I use all my leisure time on my passion and hobby and I personally enjoy every moment of it,” Dr Sukumar.

K Nethaji