--- title: "My Artist's Journal: Hand-Painted Sketches and Watercolors in Bangalore" description: "Explore Rattan's personal art journal featuring watercolor florals, urban sketches, and expressive portraits. Commission your own custom hand-painted artwork." canonical: https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/my-artist-s-journal last_updated: 2025-09-20 --- # My Artist's Journal: Sketches, Watercolors, and Creative Experiments Tribe Verified · Hundreds of hand-painted artworks created By [Rattan](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash) · Online classes & in-person sessions in Bengaluru, Mumbai & NCR · ₹300 per session (estimate) Part of [Painting Classes & Tutoring](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/gallery) A look inside my sketchbook where I experiment, heal, and paint for the pure joy of it. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This acrylic landscape painting of a campsite took me 5 hours to complete. I procrastinated on it for months, but I trusted the process and couldn't be happier with how it turned out.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d70fa23-a7cf-446b-951d-df0db0f52dfb) - [Video: My first attempt at a watercolor cityscape. I was nervous to try such a complex subject, but I learned so much and felt more confident to approach it again in the future.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd50f2e6-8029-47e4-96c5-59cbe1a9aad6) - [Video: Painting my vacation memories is one of my favorite things to do. Here are a few ink and watercolor sketches from my trips to Mangalore and Goa.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8cbfa833-100b-4b15-808b-619e7886858a) - [Video: Playing with colored lighting in this expressive portrait study. I love the vibrant pink and purple hues and the loose, free brushstrokes. This was a really fun one.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fafab7c6-594e-4553-960b-bb151d0bacd3) - [Video: My first time painting a lavender field. I absolutely love how the purple and orange sunset sky turned out. Sometimes you just have to paint something that makes your heart dance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b62e9f85-9d7d-45a3-af4e-68f95237791e) - [Video: Sometimes a big sheet of watercolor paper just screams "paint on me". I created this purple rose pattern just for fun, and it felt so healing and magical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cca9bd32-123f-4bc9-af97-0f3bae16a517) - [Video: Looking at my old watercolor floral paintings feels like coming home. They remind me of a time when painting was a huge source of comfort for me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/359d90a9-1a60-41b9-b8ad-d61cf67961f4) - ![Some loose floral goodness for you. I love the spontaneous and fresh feel of watercolor florals, especially the way the colors bleed into each other.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8cc39f2b-3c10-431b-8299-cc1ba66f8af7) - ![A full view of my watercolor floral painting. Using 100% cotton paper really helps with controlling the water and getting vibrant colors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6e652d2c-c436-440a-b42f-ee077d8fd44f) - ![Another angle of these pretty florals. The little splatters add a bit of energy and playfulness to the piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/86dba359-c357-429c-85a9-ea39976ba79a) - ![A close up shot of the watercolor flowers. You can see the wet on wet technique in the center, where the red bleeds into the lighter petals.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bd625997-9a7f-4724-851a-d4dfcd5448ba) - ![I've been listening to Taylor Swift's "I Can See You" on repeat, and it inspired this fiery floral painting. Music is always a huge inspiration for my art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/21c3515e-e141-49bc-b582-8685e7f9b3f8) - ![A close up of the Speak Now inspired floral painting. I used a mix of oranges and reds to capture the passionate and intense feeling of the song.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66be5f76-867d-4999-8dbb-18e794036f85) - ![The full view of my Taylor Swift inspired watercolor florals. Art and music are the perfect pair.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abf114c1-3b8c-4059-ab7e-2080c87ddb54) - [Video: A slow, soothing video of me painting a carnation from a live reference. There's something so special about capturing the beauty of a real flower with watercolors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8a995da-ae5e-495a-bb05-b1673b8d0bbb) - ![A watercolor sketch of a bright turquoise kingfisher. I actually used non watercolor paper for this, and I love the raw texture and effects it created.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0cbf8a2b-5c4b-4104-a5d7-b60746b525b8) - ![Another shot of my kingfisher painting. The combination of the vibrant blue and orange against the loose green background makes the bird really pop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66d2c08e-79cc-4872-b67b-950c1ba0e501) - ![A final look at the kingfisher sketch with my brush. It’s a reminder that you don’t always need the fanciest supplies to create something beautiful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f055a1bb-5795-4037-a058-ce72742fa794) - ![I found this lake and mountainscape painting in an old sketchbook. The calm colors and composition just feel so peaceful and serene.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6aa1e096-4936-4a88-b185-51a09b871ed7) - ![The journey of a painting. This post shows all my failed attempts and practice sketches before I got to the final version of this simple landscape. It's all part of the process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/098e224c-c6bc-4a7a-b221-cd4e5a184047) - ![The final version of my watercolor landscape. After a few tries, I was happy with the sky and the overall composition. Practice really does make progress.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/72fe1f77-2b98-487b-8902-af884cc4d1d5) - ![Attempt 01. I overworked the clouds in this one and had to use gouache to fix it, which I wasn't happy about. Learning when to stop is a big challenge in watercolors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/929df3a4-1bbb-4ea3-86ec-a0e32fc0d708) - ![Practice sketch 02. I was trying a duller color scheme here and working on making the clouds look fuller. Sketching is key to planning a final piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5199127a-4e3d-434b-bf14-8be21909e61e) - ![Attempt 02. The composition felt a bit off in this one, and I overworked the sky again. Every "failed" painting is a learning experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/60b73a20-d7a2-4754-836d-7f7f7adc68e1) - ![Practice sketch 01. This was my first quick study to get a feel for the scene, the colors, and the composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b681361c-26bc-41ec-a067-6c1206199d2f) - [Video: Day 1 of painting a master copy of a Van Gogh landscape. Studying the masters is a great way to improve your observational skills and develop your own painting process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/82740e67-5e7d-40f1-ad42-b3fbdecfeee8) - [Video: A quick 15 minute pen and wash sketch. Doing fast, loose sketches like this is a great way to beat perfectionism and get a quick dopamine hit.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/85232be1-c736-44d4-b956-1345a496543f) - ![I had so much fun painting these quirky "cats on women" in a workshop. It was intimidating to start with bold colors, but by the end I felt so joyful and inspired.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d93e50a4-e584-4519-aa60-4a5c87be9a92) - [Video: My first time trying linocut printmaking. It was a challenge, but it's so important to try new mediums to bring freshness into your creative practice. And the final cat print is so cute.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8ed9514-2e4a-4ba9-bd64-7f4a6a9c40af) - ![I love creating art from scrap paper. I found these painted paper scraps and instantly felt inspired to create these mini paper cut collage landscapes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e62ca928-a74f-4f9e-a56f-f5c9a6604e83) - ![A close up of my scrap paper collage. The textures of the handmade paper and the bold shapes create such a playful and unique piece of art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c34c53e3-5d06-4b43-90aa-a40d4034128a) - ![The full set of my abstract landscapes made from scrap paper. It’s a reminder that creativity can be found anywhere, even in the "waste".](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/760f3daa-367c-4d13-a682-d1b95cd5e7cb) - ![Another detail shot of the collage landscapes. I love the warm, earthy color palette.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ecb561d7-cf54-4e0b-b254-46bff603ae3b) - [Video: Another example of how scrap inspires my creativity. I used leftover paper pieces to build this abstract landscape, adding paint to bring it all together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/df05f4e7-e1c2-4239-8cf6-e49cfc8ff22a) - [Video: This was one of the most difficult paintings in my series of painting on unusual objects. Painting a realistic croissant with acrylics was a real challenge.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4184ff44-22f2-44ae-af93-9a97a524a488) - [Video: Another page from my series of painting in a user manual booklet. This time, a cute little snail on a mushroom. I love turning mundane objects into art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ddda17d-d491-4ddb-a4c5-f7a83f553300) - [Video: I am so proud of this tiny painting of an artist's hand on a page from a warning manual. It's one of my favorite pieces from this series.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/39d071f0-fd47-4409-a77c-c4baab3cf752) - [Video: Painting a galaxy scene on a hexagon mirror. I loved creating the texture with a sponge and painting the tiny planets and the little astronaut.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb138c3d-f7cc-45a0-9320-9890df752721) - [Video: My go to subject when I just want to paint for fun: misty pine trees. Here I used purple watercolor ink and a dash of gold for some magic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/178bd5f9-60d1-4272-b07c-29e2a81989dc) - [Video: Painting this tiny pastel landscape on an MDF cutout was all about having fun and not caring about perfection. A much needed break from commissions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/56bf02c8-9703-4ebe-9643-7cdeec0f59e6) - ![A small, expressive acrylic painting of a poppy. The bold colors and thick brushstrokes make it feel so vibrant and alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/05a58172-f6d6-4369-9098-357b6e9b6a83) - [Video: A process video of a custom portrait commission. I show my whole process from toning the canvas and blocking in colors to adding final details and highlights.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/16e63bda-d0df-416e-a1f8-f99ddd1f5b1b) - [Video: This video shows the power of shadows in creating a 3D effect in portrait painting. Understanding light and shadow is a fundamental concept I teach in my sessions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8612d518-5578-47d9-8ef8-8a21d4fcb514) - [Video: Here are 3 tips and tricks for portrait painting that I've learned over the years, from having good observational skills to using double coats for vibrancy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0143b40-86b6-4f97-b663-8fb8b5b5cadf) - [Video: A burnt sienna underpainting is a technique that helped me improve my portraits and paint them faster. This video shows how I used it for a recent commission.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1709fdb1-b8b7-4678-8924-94bb6a012dd0) ## About My Artist's Journal These pages aren’t about finding a perfect finish. They are about the messy, honest process of painting for the pure joy of it. From urban sketches captured during my travels in Goa to watercolor florals that help me unwind after a long day, this is my creative therapy. I started this journal as a way to battle my own imposter syndrome. It’s where I experiment with mediums, like that time I finally gathered the courage to paint a complex cityscape, or when I just let the watercolors bleed into each other for loose floral patterns. You will see pieces inspired by my love for Taylor Swift, my trips to Mangalore, and just random moments where the light hit the canvas right. I treat this space like a personal sanctuary. When I am not teaching workshops or working on client commissions, I am usually here, playing with colored lighting in portraits or trying to capture the energy of a landscape. I don't believe in rigid structures or technical perfection. I believe in capturing a vibe, a memory, or a feeling on canvas. Whether it is an acrylic portrait or a quick ink sketch, I pour the same heart into my commissioned work as I do into these personal experiments. If you like this loose, expressive style, I bring that same authentic energy to every piece I create for my clients. ## About Rattan I’m Rattan, a self-taught artist in Bangalore. I don't just paint for the sake of it, I paint to process the world around me. This journal is my heart on paper, and I would love to help you turn your own memories into something equally personal. [See all of Rattan's services](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash) ## More from Painting Classes & Tutoring by Rattan - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/featured) - [Sip & Paint Events in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/sip-paint-events-in-bangalore) - [Private Parties & Themed Workshops](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/private-parties-themed-workshops) - [Learn With Me: Online Tutorials & Courses](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/learn-with-me-online-tutorials-courses) - [About Me & My Mission](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-classes-tutoring/about-me-my-mission) ## More services by Rattan - [Custom Portrait Paintings (Taking Limited Orders)](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/custom-portrait-paintings-taking-limited-orders) - [Painting Parties & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/the.purple.splash/painting-parties-workshops) ## Similar work from other experts - [Handwritten Art Journal and Creative Explorations](https://mytribe.in/immersedincolors/custom-gift-calligraphy/from-my-art-journal) by S · Custom Gift Calligraphy · Book online; Ships across India - [From My Sketchbook: Raw Ideas and Creative Experiments](https://mytribe.in/madsterdrama/custom-art-commissions/from-my-sketchbook) by Madhuri Umashankar · Custom Art Commissions · Delivers across Bengaluru; Ships across India - [Kshitij’s Personal Sketchbook & Creative Journey](https://mytribe.in/kshitijsingh.art/art-workshops-events/my-artist-sketchbook-personal-work) by Kshitij · Art Workshops & Events · In-person workshops and events across Mumbai - [Artist's Sketchbook: Custom Hand-Drawn Sketches & Ink Art](https://mytribe.in/painted_canvas_by_upasana/custom-illustrations-doodle-art/the-artist-s-sketchbook) by Upasana Rajpoot · Custom Illustrations & Doodle Art · Ships across India - [My Sketchbook: Daily Practice and Creative Ideas](https://mytribe.in/baasi.in/art-prints-custom-commissions/from-my-sketchbook-daily-practice-ideas) by Basit · Art Prints & Custom Commissions · Ships from Bengaluru to across India - [Creative Art Experiments and Custom Sketching](https://mytribe.in/artistparvesh/custom-portrait-paintings-sketches/from-my-sketchbook) by Parvesh Goswami · Custom Portrait Paintings & Sketches · Available online and ships across India ## Book To book Rattan, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Rattan!%20I%20really%20connected%20with%20your%20art%20style%20in%20your%20Journal%20cluster.%20I%20would%20love%20to%20chat%20about%20a%20custom%20painting!)