Born in 1977, Appanna obtained his AMGD and then PG Diploma in Painting Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat Bangalore in the year 2003-2004. He received Best Student Award in VAI Gadag, 1999-2000, All India Art exhibition award organized by Ayantika New Delhi, 2001, Parisar Sahasraman award in Gadag, 2000, State Level Award Tesmiya Art House, Shabad 2001, 15th All India art exhibition organized by SCZCC Nagpur, 2000-2001, Annual show awarded best student in Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, State Level first award by Chitra Art Gallery Dharwad in 2002, 20th century Icon competitive award in 2004, 35th Annual exhibition award in 2006 organized by Lalitkala Academy Bangalore.

He has participated in group shows and camps held throughout Karnataka and other states and now has his own terrakota studio and also teaches to corporates during sparetime in Star Hotels on a freelance basis.

His collections have already been displayed in Gadag, Dharwad, Bijapur, Hampi University, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, Lalitkala Academy, England, Germany, Swizerland, lot of prominent places in India and Abroad.