Professional Profile

Sunitha’s work operates across three connected areas:

Fine Art Practice: Developing coherent bodies of work in contemporary realism, with an emphasis on structured composition, controlled light, cultural memory, animal studies, and narrative objects.

Commissioned Artwork & Creative Collaborations : Planning and executing bespoke artworks, realism-based commissions, surface-based pieces, and selected creative projects for private clients, interiors, institutions, and brand collaborations.

Studio & Learning Leadership: Directing SUNARTCAFE as an artist-run studio and learning platform offering structured drawing, painting, workshops, mentoring, and portfolio guidance for children, adults, and emerging artists.

Her practice is characterised by clear planning, technical consistency, professional documentation, and reliable delivery.

Education

1. MBA in Operations Management – Manipal University, India

2. BBA in Business Administration – C. V. Raman University, India

3. Diploma in Graphic Design – Cosmos Educational Institution, Dubai

Academic and Teaching Appointments

Guest Lecturer / Adjunct Faculty – BSc Animation Programme, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus (September 2025 – Present)

Courses handled include:

ANI 1101 – Art for Animation - Freehand drawing, perspective, still life, human figure, and pictorial composition.

ANI 1107 – Colour Practice & Painting - Colour theory, colour harmony, painting techniques, warm and cool contrasts, and realism-based painting practice.

ANI 1102 – Traditional Animation - Foundational animation principles, timing, spacing, bouncing ball, pendulum movement, walk cycle, and studio-based animation exercises.

ANI 1110 – Anatomy for Animation - Gesture drawing, human anatomy, figure construction, skeletal landmarks, animal anatomy, quadruped study, and portfolio-based anatomical drawing practice.

Key responsibilities include: Course and session planning aligned with university learning outcomes and assessment rubrics. Delivery of studio-based lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises. Evaluation of student work, portfolio development, and exam-oriented assignments. Preparation of examination papers, assignment briefs, assessment criteria, and academic documentation. Guidance for student portfolios, practical submissions, and foundation-level skill development.

Founder & Director – SUNARTCAFE FZE Sharjah–Dubai, United Arab Emirates

SUNARTCAFE functions as both a fine art studio and a structured learning platform.

Its activities include: Drawing and painting classes for children, hobby learners, and emerging artists. Short courses and workshops in watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, realism, and creative composition. Portfolio preparation and foundational skill mentoring. Fine art commissions, custom artwork, and selected collaborations. Surface-based artwork, including hand-painted bags, objects, and bespoke creative pieces. The teaching approach across MAHE and SUNARTCAFE is syllabus-oriented, process-driven, and organised around measurable skill development rather than informal instruction.

Previous Role

Creative Partner, Aurum Art House Painters & Calligraphers LLC Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 2023–2025

Contributed to concept development, artwork execution, and client-facing creative projects. Assisted in setting up early workflows for quotations, design approvals, project coordination, and delivery within a studio-operations context.

Artistic Practice

Mediums: Oil, Watercolour, Acrylic, Charcoal and graphite , Pastels, Mixed media and surface-based artwork

Focus Areas: Cultural and heritage objects, including doors, vessels, textiles, domestic objects, and architectural details. Animal studies, especially structurally demanding forms such as horses, birds, and expressive animal portraits. Light, tonal structure, stillness, and compositional balance. Portraits, interiors, symbolic objects, and realism-based narrative works.

Working Method

Research and reference development through observational sketches, photographic studies, and visual planning. Structural planning through proportion, perspective, composition, and tonal hierarchy before detail work begins. Layered execution through calibrated values, controlled edges, surface finish, and medium-specific handling. The objective is technically stable, visually clear work suitable for private collections, curated exhibitions, institutional spaces, and interior contexts.

Selected Exhibitions, Awards & Recognitions

1. Qatar International Art Festival 2026, Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar – Selected Artist. Selected for QIAF 2026 under the Exhibition Only – No Personal Presence category, with artwork scheduled for physical display at Katara Cultural Village, Doha.

2. Paper Biennale 2026, Netherlands – Selected artist, “Silent Watch”

3. Masaha Residency, Misk Art Institute, Saudi Arabia – Shortlisted for Cycle 10, 2025

4. Kala Art Institute Artist-in-Residence, USA – Competitive Applicant, 2026–2027 cycle

5. International exhibitions in the UAE, India, and Chile – Group and solo exhibitions, 2021–2025

Workshops & Community Engagement

1. Proud of UAE Campaign – Al Dhannah Painting Workshop, Al Dhannah Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2026. Participated as an artist in the Al Dhannah Painting Workshop held on 25 April 2026, creating a UAE-themed falcon artwork as part of a live community art event. Received a Certificate of Appreciation for valuable efforts and outstanding contribution as an artist.

2. Children’s Art Workshops & Visual Learning Programmes, Dubai and Sharjah, 2024–2026. Designed and delivered structured children’s workshops in drawing, colour, painting, and visual storytelling for schools, nurseries, and private learning groups, with a focus on observation, creativity, confidence-building, and foundational art skills.

3. Adult Art Workshops & Beginner Realism Sessions, UAE. Conducted adult workshops in watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, and beginner-friendly realism, guiding learners through materials, composition, colour handling, and step-by-step practical demonstrations.

4. Structured Art Education Modules & Portfolio Mentoring. Developed learning modules for students, hobby learners, and emerging artists, covering drawing foundations, colour practice, realism studies, creative composition, and portfolio development.

5. Custom Creative Projects & Interior Art Concepts. Created contemporary textured panel works, commissioned artworks, and custom visual concepts for interiors, private clients, and collaborative creative projects.

Professional Affiliations

Founder & Director, SUNARTCAFE / Sunartcafe FZE – Fine Art Studio & Creative Learning Platform, Sharjah UAE

Adjunct Faculty / Guest Lecturer, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai Campus‍ ‍

Executive Member, The Guild, Kerala

Current Focus

From her base in Sharjah–Dubai, Sunitha is currently focused on: Developing cohesive bodies of work in realist painting and drawing for curated exhibitions, collectors, and cultural spaces. Expanding structured learning and mentoring modules under SUNARTCAFE for students, hobby learners, and emerging artists. Building selected collaborations with galleries, cultural institutions, schools, universities, design partners, and brands. Strengthening SUNARTCAFE as a serious artist-led platform for fine art, education, commissioned work, and long-term creative practice.