Born and raised in the pink city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Riyazuddin started painting at the age of fourteen having been influenced by his father Abdul Shakoor. During his early years Riyazuddin was surrounded by architecture, and influenced by centuries of history, seeing colors which were made from natural stones and antique knowledge passed on by his father. So it is of no surprise that influence undeniably found its way in his work. Being trained under the watchful eye of his father, he grew an inclination towards the Indian school of paintings, specifically the Rajput Painting school under which he got more inclined towards the Pahari Paintings, the influence of which is visible in each brushstroke.

In 1988 he started his own studio, converting western paintings of Tarot cards to Indian miniature in 1993. Which gave birth to a style which was completely juxtaposed to his earlier style of work but without any hesitation he went on to incorporate a new surreal element that has become a signature element in his work.