Vijaya Kumar Somanchi (b. 1949, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh) is a self-taught Indian painter, known for his imaginative mountain landscapes that move between realism and fantasy. A graduate from Andhra University, he began developing his distinctive painting technique in 1969, starting out with abstract works before evolving toward surrealism and, eventually, his signature mountainscapes.

His first group exhibition was held in Guntur in 1978, alongside three other artists. The group later became known as the Guntur Kala Pandavas, after a fourth artist joined them, and exhibited together for close to two decades until 1997.

Somanchi's mountain paintings are recognised for their luminous colour and structured forms, evoking a sense of mystery and quiet reflection rather than depicting specific, identifiable places. His work is shaped more by memory, imagination, and atmosphere than by direct topography.

Beyond his studio practice, he is active in art education and mentorship: he guides research scholars in their doctoral thesis work, is frequently invited to give demonstrations at art centres and institutions (including for BFA and MFA students), and supports the development of study material for MFA distance-education courses affiliated with Karnataka State University. He also serves as an honorary jury member for the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad, and as a visiting faculty member at the Annapurna International School of Film and Media (AISFM).

He continues to work and exhibit, with his mountainscapes remaining the defining feature of his artistic identity.