Art from Afar: Travel Sketching and Urban Scenes
While Mumbai is my home, my sketchbook travels with me everywhere. From Boston winters to Ladakh’s mountains, here is how I use urban sketching to capture the soul of any place.
My watercolor sketch of Boston University's Data Science building, also known as the Jenga building. I love tackling challenging architecture, and this was a fantastic subject.
My first time painting snow! This is a sketch of a quiet, snow-covered backyard in Somerville, Boston, held up against the actual scene. It was a magical experience capturing the cool light and shadows.
A watercolor sketch capturing the giant red Christmas baubles at the Prudential Center in Boston. The contrast of the bright ornaments against the bare winter trees made for a striking composition.
A detailed watercolor and ink sketch of the magnificent Cambridge Public Library. I focused on the beautiful architectural details of the entrance and the texture of the old stone.
A watercolor portrait of a Ladakhi grandmother, or 'Amma Le', spinning yarn from yak wool. Meeting her and hearing her stories was a highlight of my trip, a moment I had to capture.
A monochrome blue watercolor painting of a palace in Jaisalmer, held up against the golden fort. This shows how you can use a limited color palette to create a powerful, moody piece.
It's burger time! A colorful sketch of a person enjoying a meal at the Time Out Market in Boston. Capturing everyday moments in a new city is a great way to feel connected to it.
A process video showing my monochromatic sketch of Cafe Waltham in Boston coming to life. It starts with a simple pencil outline and builds up with ink washes to create depth and character.
A compilation of my sketches from various locations in Boston and beyond. This reel gives a quick tour of my sketchbook, from snowy backyards to cafe conversations.
An art reveal video of my Cambridge Public Library sketch. It’s always satisfying to see the final piece come together after spending time observing and drawing on location.
About Art from Afar: Boston & Beyond
When I am sketching abroad, like in Boston or Ladakh, I do not aim for perfect architectural blueprints. I focus on the vibe, capturing the way the light hits a snowy backyard or the specific rhythm of a cafe. If you join my workshops, we use this same on-the-go approach to simplify complex city scenes so you do not feel intimidated by a blank page.
Whether I am sitting at a cafe in Boston with fellow artists or capturing the quiet resilience of a grandmother in Ladakh, the principle remains the same. It is about deep observation. Travel sketching is not about producing a photograph. It is about documenting how a place feels to you.
In my sessions, we deconstruct these scenes. We look at the Data Science building not as a complex structure, but as a series of simple shapes and value contrasts. I teach you how to translate those 3D spaces into 2D sketches using light, shadow, and minimal watercolor washes.
Why this matters for your art
- Seeing vs. Looking: Most people look at a building. Artists see the lines. I help you train your eye to spot the geometry in everyday architecture.
- Simplification: Learn to use a limited color palette, like that monochrome blue for the Jaisalmer fort, to create mood without overcomplicating things.
- On-the-go tools: I advocate for light, portable kits. Sketching should be a habit, not a burden.
Whether you are looking to build your travel journal or just want to capture the streets of Mumbai with a fresh perspective, my workshops focus on this 'see, simplify, sketch' method. It is accessible, it is messy, and it is always fun. We learn by doing, and every sketch tells a story about where we have been and what we loved.
Divya Bhatia
I am Divya. I believe that wherever you are, a sketchbook and a pen are all you need to turn a moment into a memory. I do not just teach art. I help you find your own way of seeing the world, one sketch at a time.
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