Urban & Market Scenes: Live Sketching Mumbai's Streets
Mumbai is alive with stories, and I catch them in ink. From the antiques at Chor Bazaar to the chaos of local vegetable markets, these drawings are my raw, unfiltered take on city life as it unfolds.
I love capturing the energy of Mumbai's iconic locations. This video takes you through a weekend sketching session at Chor Bazaar, a place filled with history and stories. You can see me finding a spot amidst the chaos and translating the vibrant atmosphere of the antique market onto the pages of my sketchbook.
This is another look at my process of sketching at Chor Bazaar. The video shows close-ups of the antiques that caught my eye, my hand drawing the details with a pen, and the final sketches integrated with the sights of the market.
This is a full two-page spread from my sketchbook after a day at Chor Bazaar. I filled the pages with drawings of various antiques, architectural details, and a portrait of a shopkeeper I met. It’s a collection of small moments and objects that together tell the story of the place.
A Sunday morning spent sketching at a local vegetable market. The vendors were kind enough to let me sit and draw, even on a busy day. This video shows the process of capturing portraits of people at work and the general market activity with my ballpoint pen.
About this collection
When I sketch on-site, I do not look for a quiet studio. I set up my sketchbook right where the action is, whether that is a busy corner in Chor Bazaar or a bustling vegetable market stall. You will notice my ink lines are rarely perfect because the environment is constantly shifting. This is a deliberate choice. If you want to document a space or event, expect sketches that embrace the raw energy of live observation rather than polished, static reproductions.
My Approach to Urban Sketching
I believe the magic of a sketchbook lies in its imperfections. When I sit in a location like Chor Bazaar or a Dadar flower market, I am not trying to create a photograph. My goal is to translate the energy of the place into ink. I use ballpoint pens and brush markers to capture the movement of the crowd, the architecture of the stalls, and the quick glances of people passing by.
Why Live Documentation Matters
Many of my clients hire me because they want a memory that feels human, not digital. Whether it is a heritage walk, a festival, or a corporate event, having an artist present adds a layer of depth that a camera simply cannot replicate. You are not just getting a drawing; you are getting a narrative of how the event felt.
What to Expect
- Process: I work straight from observation using waterproof ink and markers.
- Adaptability: I can work from a standing position or a small table, making me perfect for busy market environments.
- Output: You receive the original sketchbook or individual sheets, depending on the scope of your event.
I am always looking for the next corner of Mumbai to document. If you have a spot that holds meaning for you, or an event you want captured in this raw, ink-heavy style, let’s talk about how to document it.
Shirish Ghatge
I am Shirish, and I put down my digital tools years ago to get back to the basics of ink on paper. I spend my weekends sitting in markets across Mumbai, trying to capture the rhythm of this city one sketch at a time. It is messy, it is real, and it is how I connect with the world around me.
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