Urban Sketching and Plein Air Art in Delhi
From the red sandstone of the Red Fort to the quiet corners of Lodhi Garden, I capture the soul of the city in my sketchbook. Let’s turn your favorite local memory into a hand-painted piece of art.
A Sunday morning spent sketching the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. This piece was created on the spot using pen and watercolor to capture the monument's grandeur against the morning sky.
Capturing the beautiful architecture of Safdarjung Tomb. This video shows me working on-site with my art supplies, and the finished A4 size painting of the monument.
Holding up my finished painting of Safdarjung Tomb against the real thing. This is the magic of plein air painting, capturing the light and atmosphere of a location directly.
A collection of pen and ink sketches from a day spent at the Qutub Minar complex. I focused on capturing the intricate details and strong shadows of the historical architecture.
More scenes from my sketching session at Qutub Minar. It's a place full of inspiration, and I love capturing its different angles and textures with my fellow urban sketchers.
A watercolor painting of a vintage train at the Rail Museum in Delhi. This piece captures a sense of nostalgia and the beauty of old machinery, created during a visit with my sketching group.
Sketching the magnificent Buddha statue at the National Museum in Delhi. Museums are a treasure trove of inspiration, and I enjoy studying and drawing these historical artifacts.
Painting the vibrant tulips at Lodhi Garden in Delhi. I used watercolors to capture the bright colors and delicate forms of the flowers during their full bloom.
A fun day of sketching with my group at the Lodhi Art District. The area is full of amazing murals and public art, providing endless inspiration for an artist.
A video showing our group of artists sketching at Defence Colony market, and my finished soft pastel painting of the colorful scene. I love capturing the energy of Delhi's local markets.
About Urban Sketching: Capturing Delhi & Beyond
When I sketch on-location, I’m working with live light and changing crowds, which gives the art an energy you won't get from a studio photo. If you have a specific spot in Delhi or a travel memory from a place like Ladakh that you want on paper, I use archival-grade ink and watercolors to bring that scene to life as a piece of custom art.
My process is rooted in 'plein air' painting, which means I don't work from screens. I show up to the location, set up my sketchbook, and capture the scene as it happens. This approach brings a sense of life to the paper that a photograph just cannot replicate. Whether you are looking for an intricate pen and ink rendering of the Qutub Minar or a colorful watercolor piece of a local market scene, my goal is to document the character of the place.
How We Work Together
If you want to commission a piece, we start by discussing the vibe you are after. Do you want the crisp lines of an architectural sketch using micron pens, or the soft, layered look of watercolors? I work primarily on acid-free 300 GSM paper to ensure the artwork lasts. I also provide one rough pencil layout for your approval before I commit to ink or paint, so you know exactly what the composition will look like.
Why Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is about more than just drawing buildings. It is about capturing a moment in time. My portfolio includes everything from the vintage trains at the Rail Museum to the flower vendors at Mehrauli. If you have a sentimental connection to a specific street, a monument, or even your own society garden in Noida, I can translate that view into a piece of original art that serves as a unique reminder of your personal history.
Preservation
Every commission is finished with professional-grade materials. For pastel and charcoal works, I apply a matte fixative spray to prevent smudging. For larger pieces, I ensure they are packaged securely between hardboards so they arrive ready for you to frame.
Dikshita Jain
I’m Dikshita, a self-taught artist who believes my sketchbook is my best sidekick. You’ll usually find me sitting on a bench at a monument or a local market, brush in hand, trying to catch the vibe before the sun sets. I don't just paint buildings; I paint the life happening around them.
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