Vasudeo Kamath (born 1956) is an Indian painter and portrait artist known for his realistic style and contributions to contemporary Indian art. In 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India for his significant contributions to the field of art.
Kamath was born in 1956 in Karkala, a town in the Udupi district of Karnataka. He pursued his formal education in fine arts at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he earned his G.D. Art diploma in 1977. During his formative years, he was deeply influenced by the everyday life and spiritual atmosphere of his surroundings, which later became a recurring theme in his work.
Kamath is primarily recognized for his mastery of realism. His body of work spans various genres, including portraiture, landscapes, and mythological themes. He often works with oil and watercolors, focusing on the play of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and life in his subjects.
He has been a vocal advocate for traditional realistic art, conducting numerous workshops and demonstrations to make art more accessible to the public. He believes in the importance of foundational skills and "taking art to the masses" rather than keeping it restricted to elite circles.