Artist's Toolkit: Techniques and Supplies for Sketching
I do not believe art needs to be fancy or complicated. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to refine your process, here is a peek into the materials and techniques that keep my Mumbai sketchbook going.
A process video showing how I approach a value study using one reference image. I demonstrate four different techniques: value study, monochrome painting, inking, and a work-in-progress, all great exercises to build your skills.
A quick tip about one of my must-have colors in my gouache palette, Helio Turquoise. I show how this single pigment can be used to mix a range of vibrant greens and aquas that are perfect for landscapes.
Come organize my art drawer with me! This is my happy place, my treasure trove of supplies. Keeping my tools organized helps me stay creative and ready for any project.
A monochrome painting with a pop of color, created as a gift for the iconic Candies Cafe in Bandra. This style is a fun way to play with focus and emphasis in a composition.
A desk view of my Harvard Art Museum sketch, with my watercolor paper and paints visible. This gives you a little behind-the-scenes look at the materials I use.
A close-up of the right side of my Harvard collage, focusing on the portrait and the cafe scene. You can see the mix of ink lines and watercolor washes.
A close-up of the left side of the collage, highlighting the architectural sketch and the figure study. This shows how different elements can be balanced in a single spread.
The initial ink drawing of the Christmas scene in Boston, before any color was added. This shows the importance of a strong foundational drawing to guide your painting.
Another view of the line art for the Prudential Center sketch. You can see the light pencil guidelines have been erased, leaving a clean ink drawing ready for watercolor.
My sketchbook painting of the musician at Brickbottom Artists, held up against my easel. This shows a bit of my home studio setup where I sometimes finish my on-location sketches.
About Artist's Toolkit: Techniques & Supplies
Before you go buying the most expensive set, start with the essentials. I always tell my students to prioritize good quality paper, like 300 GSM watercolor paper, because it makes a massive difference when you are laying down heavy washes. My own kit is simple, organized, and focused on tools that travel well, because the best art often happens right on the street in the middle of the chaos.
Building Your Creative Adda
Art is not about owning the most expensive paint, it is about having a kit that you actually use. Whether you are sketching in a Bandra cafe or finding a quiet spot in Goregaon, your materials need to be your companion. In my workshops, we strip away the technical jargon and focus on what works in the real world.
Why Technique Matters More Than Gear
My go-to setup revolves around artist-grade gouache and watercolor. For instance, I always recommend having a single pigment like Helio Turquoise in your palette. It allows for a spectrum of greens and aquas that you simply cannot achieve by mixing basic ultramarine. It is these small, intentional choices that define your unique style.
Deconstructing the Scene
Value studies are the secret sauce. Before diving into color, I always break a scene down into monochrome studies, ink outlines, and light-shadow placement. This simple step stops you from getting overwhelmed by the complex architecture of a busy Mumbai market.
Learn With Me
In my sessions, we focus on composition, perspective, and learning to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes. Whether it is a 1-on-1 session or a group walk in Khotachiwadi, the goal is the same, finding joy in the process. We do not do perfection here, we do practice.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
From My Sketchbook: Tutorials & Process
5
Traditional Painting Tutorials and Creative Techniques
The Artist's Toolkit & Process
53
Sketchbook Art and Hand-Drawn Illustrations
Art Tutorials and Beginner Painting Inspiration
My Personal Sketchbook & Urban Art Journal
More from Art Workshops & Classes by Divya Bhatia
More services by Divya Bhatia