Sketches and Works in Progress
A raw look at my creative process, from the first messy pencil lines to the layering behind my final art pieces.
A work in progress shot of the bulldog charcoal drawing. This close-up on the eye shows the initial layers of shading before the final details are added.
A student's charcoal artwork of seashells, also known as 'shankh'. This is a great still life subject for practicing shading and capturing smooth, curved forms.
A colored pencil drawing on black paper, showing a cherry splashing into water. This is a fun study of how to draw realistic water effects and reflections.
The work in progress of the large African savanna painting. It takes many layers of color to build up the depth in a landscape like this.
A mixed-media Ganesha painting with textured elements and artificial flowers. This piece combines painting with craft for a unique 3D effect.
A Madhubani folk art piece on an MDF board. This traditional art form from Bihar is known for its intricate line work and symbolic imagery.
A Madhubani painting of an elephant. The style is characterized by its double-line borders, bold colors, and patterns filling the space.
A work in progress of a portrait, showing the initial color blocking and shading of the face. This is an early stage in a soft pastel painting.
About Sketches & Works in Progress
Before I commit to canvas or final paper, I always start with a light sketch to map out the light and shadows. Seeing these initial, imperfect lines often helps my students understand that even a finished portrait starts as a simple guide. It is a reminder that art is a practice, not just a final product.
Whether I am working on a custom charcoal portrait for a client in Bangalore or teaching a class in my Electronic City studio, the process remains the same: we start with the basics. These work in progress shots highlight the time, the layering, and the frequent adjustments that go into every piece I create.
When you look at these sketches, you see the reality of my studio time. You see how I build depth in a charcoal drawing or how I block in colors for a pastel painting before adding the details. This is the stage where the magic happens and where I make the most decisions about the composition and mood of the final artwork.
If you are interested in learning, this is exactly what we practice in my art classes. We focus on techniques like shading, proportion, and color mixing so you can eventually create your own pieces with confidence. If you are looking for a custom order, seeing these rough stages can also give you an idea of how we can work together to get your portrait or nameplate exactly right. From initial sketches to the final seal on a painting, I like to keep my clients in the loop so the result feels personal and truly yours.
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