K.S. Kulkarni was born in Karnataka and completed his education from Sir JJ School of Art, Bombay (now Mumbai). His solo exhibitions were held in various cities, including New Delhi, Zurich, Mexico, Kolkata, New York, Cairo, London, Tokyo, and Bhopal. He also participated in various group exhibitions across the world. He was the founder of Triveni Kala Sangam and Delhi Shilpi Chakra. He had interest in the Mayan and Inca art, so he travelled to Brazil, Peru, Mexico and Guatemala to learn more about these art forms.

The artist received the National Award from Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi in 1955, 1962 and 1965. From 1972 to 1976, he served as the Vice Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.

K.S. Kulkarni passed away in 1994.