One of the most defining aspects of AP Santhanaraj's works is the quality of his line. It is this fundamental element, which sets apart this artists stylistic norm. He uses this element spontaneously exploring it endlessly and creating unique visual compositions with it.
The artist completed his Bachelor of Art degree in 1953. Those formative years at the college shaped his vision as an artist. It was here under Paniker's sway that he developed - the idea of an 'Indian identity' within the parameter of world art. Central to his work from the start was his love for the line; its' meandering through pictorial space. At some point in his interaction with Paniker he had said "a line is a line, it is universal". But later in his career when Panikers' Indian ethos had taken root within him, he qualified this statement to say ..."There was something Indian even in a line". This ethnic sensibility manifested in the primordial quality of his line drawings, giving birth to what could be termed 'the indigenous line'. Colour was secondary to the line; its use was mostly bright and outlandish.