A. Ramachandran was born in Kerala in 1935. He graduated with a degree in Malayalam literature from Kerala University and then pursued a diploma in fine arts and crafts from Kala Bhavan, Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan. Ramachandran is heavily influenced by Nandalal Bose and uses classical Indian images in his paintings. For years, the artist painted in modernist style and later switched to archetypal Indian imagery. His early works show violence, oppression and war because he was deeply affected by the socio-political situation in Kerala.

Ramachandran considers Yayati, his impressive painting, a turning point in his career as an artist. With this painting, he began to use elements of classical proportions and postures in his work. He was attracted towards the imagery of Indian mythology and used it in the contemporary art form.

The Government of Kerala conferred the Raja Ravi Varma Award to Ramachandran in 2003. This was followed by the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2005.

The artist lives and works in New Delhi and Kochi.