Landscapes and Travel Sketches in Watercolour & Ink
My sketchbook is my constant travel companion. Whether I am exploring the snowy streets of Boston or the majestic mountains of Ladakh, I use watercolour and ink to capture the unique character of the places I visit.
Painting my way through Ladakh. This video is a compilation of moments captured by my trip mates, showing me sketching the breathtaking landscapes and beautiful architecture of this incredible region.
My finished watercolour painting of the stunning "Jenga Building" at Boston University, held up against the clear blue sky. It was a challenge to capture this unique piece of modern architecture.
My first time painting snow! This watercolour sketch captures a quiet, snow-covered backyard in Somerville, Boston. I loved the challenge of painting the soft textures and cool light.
A beautiful autumn day in Boston's Titus Sparrow Park, captured in watercolour. I tried to paint the warm fall colours and the mix of nature and city skyline in this piece.
A serene watercolour sunset over the ocean. I used a wet-on-wet technique to blend the warm colours of the sky and reflect them in the water.
From a flamingo statue to a watercolour painting. This video shows the real-life inspiration in a Mumbai garden and my artistic interpretation of it in my sketchbook.
A work-in-progress shot of my watercolour and ink sketch of the beautiful Cambridge Public Library. I love capturing the intricate details of historic architecture.
A video showing the process of sketching the giant Christmas ornaments at the Prudential Center in Boston, from the real-life view to the finished watercolour painting.
My finished watercolour sketch of the flamingo statue, held up against the real thing. I used loose, expressive strokes to capture the surrounding greenery.
A collection of sketches from our group's outing at Mindspace Garden. It's wonderful to see everyone's different artistic interpretations of the same location.
About Landscapes & Travel Sketches
When I sit down to sketch a landscape, I am not just drawing the view. I look for the specific light, the weather, and the little details like the texture of a building or how snow settles on a step. If you have a favourite travel spot or a childhood home that means the world to you, I can turn that memory into a painting that feels exactly the way you remember it.
How I capture your special places
I work primarily with watercolour, gouache, and ink. These mediums allow me to bring out the warmth of a sunny street in Mumbai or the cool, crisp silence of a snowy backyard in Boston. My process is deeply personal. When you commission a landscape or a travel sketch, we start by talking about the 'why' behind the place. Is it the light at golden hour? The specific architecture? The feeling of being there?
My technical approach
- Materials: I use 300 GSM Cold Press acid-free paper for physical commissions to ensure the longevity of the watercolour pigments. My ink work utilizes archival-grade pens for crisp, lasting lines.
- Styles: I offer two distinct paths. We can go with a classic, expressive watercolour style that feels soft and atmospheric, or an urban sketcher aesthetic, which relies on defined ink outlines and bold, vibrant washes of colour.
- Digital vs. Physical: If you need a high-resolution file for printing on wedding invitations or large-scale wall art, I provide 300 DPI raster illustrations. For something tangible, I ship original physical paintings with rigid backing.
Can I sketch your home or favourite venue?
Absolutely. Capturing the facade of a family home, a local cafe where you had your first date, or a landmark that defines your city is one of my favourite commissions. I love turning these into illustrations that hold emotional weight. Send me a few photos from different angles, and we can discuss the composition that tells the right story.
Divya Bhatia
I am Divya, and for me, sketching is how I truly see a place. I take my sketchbook everywhere, from the busy streets of my home in Mumbai to quiet corners abroad, just to hold onto those little slices of happiness.
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