From My Sketchbook: Raw Ideas and Creative Experiments
Welcome to my private playground. This collection captures the unfiltered pages of my sketchbook, where ideas are tested, techniques are born, and I find my creative flow without any agenda.
A simple morning ritual of sketching what I see. This is a freehand perspective drawing of my kitchen, a practice that helps me stay present and keep my observation skills sharp.
A page from my sketchbook filled with practice sketches of faces from different angles. This is how I work on understanding perspective and structure, using the Loomis method as a guide.
Sometimes I just need to scribble to find my way back to my body. This is a pattern drawing inspired by starry night, created without any agenda, just for the joy of making lines.
A minimal cat drawing from my sketchbook. The repetitive lines were a soothing way to settle my mind, inspired by another artist's work I saw and reinterpreted in my own style.
A mixed-media piece from my sketchbook, combining a charcoal drawing with textured acrylic finger painting. The contrast between the simple sketch and the vibrant, thick paint creates a feeling of hope.
A messy desk is often the sign of a work in progress. This video shows the journey from a chaotic workspace to a serene, finished ocean wave painting, reminding me that beauty can come from mess.
On days when I can't be by the sea, I invite the ocean to my desk. This is my watercolor setup, with a simple seascape in progress, surrounded by my favorite shades of blue.
My little koi fish friends always find their way into my workspace. This photo captures a moment of play and experimentation with 3D painting and Lippan art elements.
To celebrate a follower milestone, I asked my community to share their favorite pieces of my work. This is a compilation of the top 6, a beautiful reminder of the journey we're on together.
This conceptual piece, inspired by the resilience of koi fish, combines acrylic painting on a slice of wood. The paintbrush is part of the final artwork, symbolizing the act of creation itself.
About From My Sketchbook
My sketchbook is where I test the mediums I use for professional work, from charcoal and coffee to fluid acrylics. When you commission a piece, you are often seeing the result of these daily, low-pressure experiments. If you want a custom portrait or an illustration that captures a specific feeling rather than just a perfect likeness, my process starts right here on these pages.
Most of the finished pieces you see in my gallery were born as messy scribbles first. This cluster isn't just a portfolio; it is an open window into how I think. Whether I am using the Loomis method to practice facial structures or just sketching my kitchen while having morning tea, this daily practice helps me sharpen my skills so I can deliver higher quality work for your commissions.
Why Practice Matters
Art is a muscle, and this sketchbook is where I keep it toned. When a client approaches me for a custom portrait or an illustration, they aren't just paying for the final canvas. They are paying for the years of 'scribble practice' that allow me to capture a look, a gesture, or an emotion quickly and authentically.
My Mediums & Approach
I love experimenting with materials that aren't typically considered 'fine art'. You will see pages here using coffee, charcoal, and even salvaged paper. If you are looking for a unique commission, we can use these experiments as a starting point. Do you want a portrait done in sepia-toned coffee? Or perhaps a cityscape that uses the same minimal, clean line work you see in my architectural sketches?
Let's Create Together
I work primarily with clients in Bengaluru and across India, creating art that feels personal, not mass-produced. If you see a style or a specific technique in these pages—whether it is the way I handle shadows in a charcoal sketch or the color palettes of my abstract experiments—let me know. We can use that as the foundation for your custom artwork.
This is my process, laid bare. No perfection, just honest exploration. If that resonates with you, I would love to hear what you are imagining.
Madhuri Umashankar
I’m Madhuri, and I believe art shouldn’t come with a 'do not touch' sign. My work in this cluster reflects my daily practice of turning scraps, thoughts, and memories into tangible pieces, and I’d love to help you find a piece that speaks to your own story.
Looking for something else?
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