The Artist Baba is originally from Tamil Nadu, in South India. He lives now with his adopted son, Sonu, and works at the Surya Studios in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Sonu is following in his father’s footsteps, working as an apprentice after school.
He calls himself ‘the Elephant of Artists’ and other artists who work with him at the studio agree. When you pick up artwork from Baba, an admiring often crowd gathers.
Baba used to paint the large canvas signboards that hung outside the movie palaces of South Asia through the early ‘80’s. These colorful hand-painted advertisements have all disappeared, having been replaced with generic computer-generated posters.
His detail and wonderful color-sense has made him a favorite with Danger Dog supporters.
Baba was one of 10 artists chosen to paint portraits of President Obama in November, 2008, after the historic election. Nepali artists have a tradition of political portraiture. They all called him ‘Barack Hussein Obama’, and were cautiously optimistic that he would be a good president and help the world. Baba’s portraits of Obama were the first I saw, and after seeing his work, I knew the Obama Art project would succeed.
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Quick ViewBasenji by Baba
$200.00The ‘barkless dog of Africa’ is well represented in this ‘Beware of Basenji portrait by Baba.
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Quick ViewBe Aware of Bo Obama
$200.00Of course, Bo Obama could not be left out of the Danger Dog project. Here, as painted by Baba, he looks adorable. Be Aware of Bo Obama, indeed !!!
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Quick ViewBeagle by Baba
$180.00This lovely Beagle named Annie Hall apparently has a weight problem, hence her moniker ‘The Royal Fattie’. This little beagle looks just right to me.
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Quick ViewBichon Frise by Baba
$220.00This folk art beware of Bichon Frise sign is handpainted by Baba – who modestly calls himself the ‘elephant of artists’. Charlie the Bichon Frise is a fine example of this.
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Quick ViewBlack Chihuahua by Baba
$160.00This portrait of Gustavo, a long-haired Chihuahua from Colorado, is by Baba. Big and bold with its bright blue background, this is a fun one.
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Quick ViewBlack Rescue Dog by Baba
$200.00This one is very soulful. Denver was a beautiful dog and this does him justice.
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Quick ViewBlue Heeler by Ram Krishna
$170.00Bert the Blue Heeler by Ram Krishna highlights this colorful breed.
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Quick ViewCatahoula Leopard by Baba
$175.00This is an early portrait by Baba when he was still working with Birju’s studio. This portrait of the Catahoula Leopard Cur is of Daddy.
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Quick ViewCheerleader Cattle Dog by Baba
$150.00Roxy the Cattle Dog in her cheerleader costume is hand painted by Baba. What a growl! Eat ’em up, eat ’em up, rah! rah! rah!
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Quick ViewChoc Lab by Baba
$250.00This portrait of a Chocolate Lab is by Baba. The dog’s name is Grace and she is the mascot for a fabulous store in Brentwood called Grace’s Home Furnishings. Grace is featured in all of the store’s advertising.
The colors on this one are amazing.
