Urban Sketching Workshops in Mumbai
I spend my days sketching Mumbai’s hidden gems, from 100-year-old temples to our favorite bhel puri stalls. Join me to see the city through a fresh lens, one sketch at a time.
My vibrant sketch of the Ahobilam temple in Chembur, held up against the real thing. I used bold colors to capture the energy of this beautiful place during a sketch walk with USK Mumbai.
A short clip showing the real-life inspiration in Ranwar village and how it translated into my colorful sketchbook drawing. This is a great example of how we find art in the architecture around us.
Sketching the storefront of Sapre & Sons, a beloved Marathi eatery in Goregaon. It’s always special to connect with the owners and share my art, especially when they have a background in commercial arts too.
This sketch of a 40-year-old Wada Pav stall in my neighborhood is pure nostalgia. It’s a tribute to the street food that is so integral to Mumbai life, captured with simple lines and watercolor.
A watercolor painting of a government zhunka bhaakar kendra. These small eateries remind me of simpler times, and I love documenting the ones that have remained unchanged over the years.
This is the 100-year-old temple just a walking distance from my home. Knowing the Panditji and the shopkeepers makes sketching it feel even more personal. It’s a piece of my own neighborhood story.
A sketch of a very old ladoo shop that holds so many of my childhood memories. My art is often a way for me to connect with my past and the places that have shaped me.
Capturing another small business that has survived the test of time, Naresh Tailor. My sketchbook is filled with these tributes to the local heroes of my neighborhood.
The first step in sketching Sanjay bhaiya's bhel puri stall. This pencil outline shows the process of observing and capturing the scene before adding color and life to the drawing.
My finished watercolor sketch of the iconic Metro Cinema in Mumbai. The art deco architecture is a joy to paint, and I tried to capture the feeling of a quiet city morning.
About Urban Sketching: Mumbai's Soul
Whether we're sketching at a 100-year-old temple in Chembur or a local bhel puri stall, we focus on simplifying the scene first. You don't need fancy gear; I'll show you how to break down complex architecture into basic shapes and loose watercolor washes, turning a chaotic street view into a calm, personal story on your page.
My Approach to Sketching
I believe art is less about rigid rules and more about observing the little things that make Mumbai special. In my sessions, we don't worry about being perfect. Instead, we learn by doing. We look at a scene—a bustling market in Dadar, the art deco lines of a movie theater, or a quiet house in Aarey forest—and translate that mood onto paper.
Workshop Formats
- Urban Sketch Walks: We meet at heritage sites like Ranwar Village or Gandhi Market for a 2.5 to 3-hour session. I start with a 15-minute live demo on how to frame a scene before we wander. These groups are small, capped at 12, so I can roam around and offer real-time composition advice. You bring your own supplies, and we share tips on perspective and street life.
- Indoor Art Adda: For a more relaxed setting, we meet at an AC venue for a 3-hour guided session. I provide all artist-grade materials, from 300 GSM paper to professional paints. We usually pick a theme—vintage cafe facades or botanical studies—and finish with a 'show and tell' to share what we've made.
What You Need to Know
- No Experience Needed: Whether you are a beginner or looking to get back into art, there is space for you. I teach through layer-by-layer breakdowns, not textbook lectures.
- Pricing & Logistics: My indoor workshops are all-inclusive at ₹1800–₹2500, including snacks. Sketch walks are priced at ₹750–₹1200, which keeps them accessible for regular weekend practice.
- Supplies: For indoor workshops, everything is provided. For outdoor walks, I recommend carrying a portable stool and your preferred sketchbook so you can focus on the vibe rather than your kit.
Divya Bhatia
I’m Divya, a Mumbai-based artist who finds magic in the everyday. I don’t believe in formal lectures, just sharing my sketchbook stories and helping you find your own creative rhythm in this beautiful, chaotic city.
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