Behind the Scenes: My Art Process & Studio
Step into my Mumbai workspace where I turn ideas into finished portraits. From initial sketches to final highlights, here is how I build each piece.
A work-in-progress collage of my crushed Coca-Cola can drawing. It shows the process from the initial outline to the layering of colors and final details.
Here you can see the stages of drawing the crushed Sprite can. I start with a light sketch and gradually build up the color and shadows to achieve a realistic effect.
The process behind my Rubik's cube drawing. This collage shows how I map out the colors and shadows step-by-step to create the final 3D look.
A step-by-step look at how I drew the glass coffee cup. Drawing transparent objects requires careful observation of light and reflection.
A work-in-progress shot of the hammer drawing. Here, I'm focusing on adding the deep shadows and bright highlights to the metal head.
Another WIP of the spanner drawing. This view shows the initial sketch and how I begin to fill in the solid black handle.
A close-up of the spanner drawing in progress. I'm using a black colored pencil to carefully render the intricate details of the tool's head.
The beginning stages of the screwdriver drawing. I always start with a clean and accurate line drawing before adding any shading or color.
A work-in-progress view of the screwdriver. Here, I'm using a white pencil to add highlights to the black handle, giving it a realistic shine.
This WIP shot of the plier shows how I build up the form. I'm working on the handle, leaving the metal part as a line drawing for the next stage.
About Behind the Scenes: My Process & Studio
I document my work-in-progress stages because I believe the journey matters as much as the final piece. Whether I am layering colors on a portrait or mastering the metallic sheen on an object, the goal is total observation. My studio is my sanctuary, a quiet space with plenty of natural light that helps me stay focused on the tiny details that bring a subject to life.
My process is rooted in discipline. You will often see me sketching everyday objects like a hammer or a crushed soda can. These studies are not just practice. They teach me how to handle complex textures, light, and reflection. When I sit down to draw a person or a pet, I apply the same logic I use on those inanimate objects—meticulous observation, careful shading, and respect for the medium.
I work primarily with professional-grade materials. For my colored pencil work, I use Caran d'Ache Luminance and Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils, which allow for the rich, vibrant layering I aim for. I prefer Fabriano Elle Erre and high-weight 300 GSM paper, as they hold up well to the heavy layering and blending techniques I employ.
My studio in Mumbai is designed to be minimal and calm. I keep it uncluttered with plenty of plants and just the essentials—my iPad for digital illustrations, my drafting table, and a good lamp. It is a quiet environment where I can spend hours just focusing on the stroke of a pencil or a Procreate brush.
Whether you are looking for a hyper-realistic colored pencil piece, a classic graphite sketch, or a digital illustration, the process remains consistent. We start with a conversation about what you need, I gather the reference, and I get to work. My goal is to capture the spark in the eyes and the real personality of the subject, ensuring the final piece is a memory you can hold onto rather than just a drawing on paper.
Sushant Srane
Hi, I am Sushant. My Mumbai studio is where I spend most of my time, surrounded by plants and works-in-progress. It is a simple, calm space that allows me to focus on the small details that make a portrait feel real.
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