My Mandala Sketchbook: Where My Art Begins
Every mural and workshop starts right here. These are the pages where I experiment, find my calm, and develop the patterns that turn into my final art pieces.
This is where it all began. A simple pen, a piece of paper, and curiosity. This post is a throwback to my early days of discovering the calming process of creating mandalas.
A vibrant, multi-colored elephant mandala in my sketchbook. Sometimes I just need to play with color and create for the pure joy of it.
Lost in the details of an intricate black and white mandala. The process of filling a circle with patterns is incredibly calming and familiar to me.
Experimenting with coffee-staining to give this yin-yang mandala an aged, unique look. My sketchbook is a place for play and trying new techniques.
Getting back to basics with a new sketchbook and fineliners. This video shows the process from a simple grid to a detailed, colorful mandala, perfect for beginners.
A burst of rainbow colors in my sketchbook using new fineliners. I love how vibrant colors can completely change the energy of a traditional mandala design.
A unique rectangular composition incorporating partial mandalas and a yin-yang symbol. I love exploring beyond the traditional circular format in my personal practice.
A full-spread, highly detailed mandala that took hours of focused work. There's something so satisfying about filling two entire pages with intricate patterns.
A moment to rewind and slow down with my sketchbook. Even when I'm on the go, I try to find time to draw and center myself.
Prepping for new commissions always starts in the sketchbook. This is where I draft ideas and refine patterns before taking them to a larger canvas.
About My Sketchbook: Where It All Begins
Most people see the polished murals on my social media, but these notebook pages are the real starting point. This is where I draft the grid structures and filler patterns that I teach in my workshops. If you have ever wondered how I get those intricate lines so symmetrical, it is all here—years of doodling, failing, and finally finding a rhythm that feels right.
My sketchbook is not just a collection of drawings. It is my workspace for exploration and a place to decompress. When I am not painting walls, I am here, playing with fineliners, testing new grid layouts, and working out symmetry.
Why I Share My Sketches
I believe in demystifying the process. Many beginners think that creating a mandala requires some secret talent, but it really comes down to understanding basic grid construction and consistent practice.
- Foundational Grids: I spend hours sketching out the geometric frames that support the entire design.
- Pattern Testing: This is where I experiment with negative space and new filler patterns, from basic petals to complex geometric fills.
- Art Therapy: Beyond the final result, this is how I center myself. The repetitive motion of drawing these lines is meditative.
Whether you are looking to join one of my Pune-based art brunches or want to learn via my online sessions, understanding this foundation will make your own art journey much easier. I encourage all my students to maintain their own sketchbook—not to make 'perfect' art, but to have a safe space where they can explore, make mistakes, and find their own creative flow.
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