---
title: "Custom Mumbai Street Sketches & Hand-Drawn Illustrations"
description: "Capture your Mumbai memories with custom urban sketches. I illustrate iconic local spots, neighbourhood favourites, and city street corners in watercolour."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/mumbai-meri-jaan-sketches-of-my-city
last_updated: 2025-09-30
---

# Custom Mumbai Street Sketches & Hand-Drawn Illustrations

Tribe Verified · Documenting Mumbai's neighbourhood gems for years.

By [Divya Bhatia](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo) · Available online & across India; Studio in Goregaon West · ₹1,800 Per Miniature (Single Subject) (estimate)

Part of [Custom Illustrations & Artwork](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/gallery)

I capture the soul of Mumbai through my sketchbook, from legendary vada pav stalls to the quiet corners that define our city. If a spot in Mumbai holds a piece of your heart, I can turn it into an original illustration for you.

## Photos and videos

- ![This vada pav stall has been a neighbourhood fixture for 40 years, and my watercolour sketch captures its simple, enduring charm. It’s these small, local spots that truly define the spirit of Mumbai.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a77b9b7c-413c-482f-bfd2-da564c4a520a)
- ![Meet Sanjay bhaiya, who serves the best bhel puri in my neighbourhood. I sketched him at his cart, a place that holds so many childhood memories for me. It's the people that make a place special.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/eed0746c-6fc0-4daa-bdbf-fe89e33d9a15)
- ![A sketch of Sapre & Sons, a gem of a Marathi eatery in Goregaon. I love capturing these local businesses that have stood the test of time and continue to serve the community with love.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2fdb65f5-cde5-4788-9b66-93ede4bd2618)
- ![An on-location watercolour sketch of the iconic Metro Cinema in Mumbai. Capturing the art deco architecture and the surrounding greenery was a wonderful way to spend the day with fellow urban sketchers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2c920d4-c596-4e44-b784-a591da0306df)
- [Video: A quick video showing my sketch of a beautiful old house in Ranwar Village, Bandra. This historic area is a hidden gem, and I used acrylic markers to capture the vibrant colours of its unique architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/13902356-c6dc-4206-8cca-87533af774f5)
- ![This old ladoo shop holds so many sweet childhood memories for me. I created this watercolour sketch to preserve the image of a place that has remained unchanged through the years.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8fe74293-e585-4aea-9314-fba6eb812156)
- ![A watercolour sketch of Naresh Tailor, a local ladies' dressmaker in my neighbourhood. It's these small businesses that are the backbone of our communities, and I love to document them in my art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f4d3a7a4-fc55-469e-827c-5eda22d0e67a)
- ![This government zhunka bhaakar kendra is a reminder of simpler times. My watercolour sketch captures this humble eatery that continues to serve the people of Mumbai.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a028a8ca-4453-4ade-9a5b-d618fd8287b3)
- ![A watercolour painting of a beautiful 100-year-old temple just a short walk from my home. Knowing the panditji and the shopkeepers makes sketching places like this feel even more personal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89421473-a17c-4aa4-aa02-24e59633acd8)
- ![A colourful sketch capturing the busy, narrow lanes of Gandhi Market. I used a mix of media to show the textures and energy of this popular Mumbai shopping destination.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a79daa57-dab6-4358-ab07-e87a56a58380)
- ![My sketchbook collage of the vibrant and eclectic decor at Sammy Sosa, a Mexican restaurant in Malad. This was a fun urban sketching session where I captured the unique elements of the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0a0b89b-49a8-4de4-a311-6b8f5883fb37)
- ![A sketch of the small McCafe kiosk at a local mall. Even in a modern setting, I love finding unique perspectives and capturing the everyday scenes of Mumbai life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ff7a8434-921f-458c-85d4-1e56d09c8977)
- ![A pen and ink sketch from inside the charming SodaBottleOpenerWala, a Parsi cuisine restaurant. I love capturing the vintage details and unique atmosphere of Mumbai's eateries.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e1c0739-16ed-4a49-ad27-ccd3b06de408)
- [Video: Here is my vibrant sketch of the Ahobilam temple in Chembur, set against the real-life location. The temple's colourful exterior and intricate details were a joy to capture with acrylic markers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bb69baf-1250-49cc-8c15-2174e563a4ef)
- ![A peaceful watercolour painting of an old, rustic house in Mumbai's Aarey Forest. This sketch captures the quiet, natural side of the city, away from the urban hustle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2edfb470-829f-4698-b9db-6b641413b4c1)
- ![A quiet moment captured in watercolour. This sketch shows a man sitting on a bench near a temple, a common and peaceful scene found throughout Mumbai.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f4df5e79-01d9-4353-b59b-c9ed0cecd5c0)
- ![The best part of urban sketching is connecting with people. Here I am with a local vegetable vendor, showing him the watercolour painting I created of him at his stall.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/486703f5-38b2-4eb4-a276-848dd701620c)
- ![A sketchbook spread from a farmers market at Dilkhush school. I used a grid format to capture various scenes in watercolour, from vendors and produce to people enjoying the day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/11211b55-2d6b-438f-af7a-958c5ff7d559)
- ![A unique 360-degree perspective painting of Horniman Circle in Mumbai. This experimental watercolour piece captures the feeling of being surrounded by the area's beautiful architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d087d9a-ef5c-4dea-96d3-5c451b84284b)
- ![A close-up detail from my digital illustration of the 100-year-old lassi shop in Dadar. I focused on the lassi maker at work, capturing the warm, inviting glow of the shop's interior.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8edc2e7-c345-41d8-ac15-5cb66c993b4e)
- ![This detail from my Dadar lassi shop illustration includes the iconic station sign, grounding the scene in a specific, beloved Mumbai location.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c28699d8-e36b-4292-9a58-79477303f803)
- ![A detailed illustration of the hand-painted Devanagari sign of the "Jay Shri Krishna Dairy Farm." Capturing these typographic details is key to preserving the authentic feel of old Mumbai shops.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/82f514f4-038c-4a2b-9c96-97c2be04ac22)
- ![Another perspective of my sketch of the Ahobilam temple in Chembur. This view shows the temple framed by lush green trees, highlighting its place as an oasis in the city.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3fd70b6-8e08-4777-9612-500d037aeb4c)
- [Video: This video shows my completed sketch of the Ahobilam temple held up against the actual building, giving a sense of the location and my artistic interpretation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d26360e6-2550-4ba8-872d-2f6a5a61e87b)
- ![A wide-angle shot of my colourful Ahobilam temple sketch, with the real temple visible in the background. This shows how I translate a real-life scene into my vibrant artistic style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec2d5f9b-39b0-482c-b82e-088c5ddb4ce2)
- ![A close-up of the pen and ink sketch I did at SodaBottleOpenerWala, focusing on the Devanagari script on the wall. I love capturing these small, authentic details.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9840593e-ee2a-49cb-a8bc-52f95f58e980)
- ![Another detail from my SodaBottleOpenerWala sketchbook spread, this time focusing on a portrait and the charming, old-fashioned decor of the cafe.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d3bec227-1761-4839-923a-d695b777b822)
- ![A monochrome artwork with a pop of colour, created as a gift for the iconic Candies Cafe in Bandra. This piece captures the musical and artistic vibe of the place.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ded3a11-dca9-4929-9527-cc4182d3e113)
- ![Here I am, happily holding the framed artwork I created for Candies Cafe. It's always a pleasure to give back to the local places that inspire me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/88002ac0-bc72-400e-be5c-3d3a603b25da)
- ![A black and white version of my Bandra Station illustration. This monochromatic take emphasizes the architectural details and timeless quality of the heritage building.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3ccd5688-c568-4214-80cf-b6074ba24ac1)
- ![My colourful sketch of a house in Ranwar Village, held up for comparison against the real location. You can see how I use vibrant colours to bring the scene to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b0d7dfb-1a74-4529-a2fd-f1e4bce3a398)
- ![Proudly displaying my finished sketch of the McCafe kiosk at Inorbit Mall, Malad. Urban sketching is about finding art in the most unexpected places.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dbd017ad-aca2-4a7a-aa98-c45265306640)
- ![My watercolour and pencil colour sketch of a bustling masala bhandar (spice shop) at a local fair, capturing the colourful array of products on display.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e43062c2-bd39-40c8-a11c-30a43c24aabc)
- [Video: A quick pen and ink sketch of some beautiful foliage by the sea. Even on a crowded and littered beach, there is always natural beauty to be found and captured.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9302b064-9e90-4feb-bc15-b5baf65d0669)
- ![A collection of sketches from a peaceful day of painting with my urban sketchers group. The page features various scenes, including landscapes and portraits.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/54ab965d-d347-428e-8ce7-315abc89c0ff)
- ![The initial pencil sketch of Sanjay bhaiya, the bhel puri vendor. This shows the first step in my process of capturing a person's likeness and character before adding colour.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/52093b52-7312-4dc3-b2b3-eb5af7fb6a6c)
- ![A beautiful spread of various artworks created during a sketch walk in Aarey Forest. It shows the different styles and perspectives of our artist group.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26b7cac3-b1b5-4b4c-9e89-196adc1575df)
- ![Me holding two of my watercolour paintings from our sketch walk in Aarey Forest. It was a productive and inspiring day of painting outdoors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d3453012-d410-4931-814e-e8f9d258b209)
- ![Here I am, focused on my sketch of Metro Cinema during an urban sketchers meet-up. Live sketching requires concentration and a quick hand to capture the scene.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ecd8e8dc-c4c6-4eca-b5cf-dec63ad2e899)
- ![Another shot of me sketching on location. You can see my portable setup, including my sketchbook, paints, and foldable chair, which allows me to paint anywhere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5ac09693-65ad-465e-94d7-7aeceda7e1a9)
- ![A watercolour still life of a basket of fresh oranges at a local market. I love capturing the vibrant colours and textures of everyday objects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c025597-143b-46e8-bac9-208be50ff9e3)
- ![A watercolour sketch of a vendor arranging his greens at a market stall. My art often focuses on the hardworking people who are the lifeblood of the city.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b103efb7-5b64-495a-8383-e4c2a53c34a5)
- ![A different angle of my sketchbook, showing the painting of the vegetable vendor. The open sketchbook format allows me to create a narrative spread.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f8a161a-b999-43bd-b543-707bd6ced6d3)
- ![A close-up of the watercolour painting of the fruit basket. I used wet-on-wet techniques to create the soft textures and bright colours of the oranges.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b9ba719a-41bb-4fe3-a45d-840149a37b05)
- ![A watercolour sketch of a classic Mumbai red post office building, captured during one of my urban sketching outings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d95dc659-162e-4bbe-b567-8b5078f17af2)
- ![A pen and ink sketch capturing people enjoying street food in Mahavir Nagar. Sometimes a scooter is all the seating you need in Mumbai!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a7df1f36-d684-4e68-b46f-17e87c48c384)
- ![A detailed view of my watercolour grid from the farmer's market, showing people relaxing and vendors at their stalls.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b7db890d-6cba-477a-b868-a7c94a827275)
- ![The right side of my farmer's market sketchbook spread, featuring illustrations of fresh bananas, pickles, and a woman singing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a1e8efb3-53a2-49eb-bb6f-120401a42290)
- [Video: A video reveal of my completed sketchbook spread from the farmer's market, showing how all the small illustrations come together to tell a story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/afa4a761-0f35-4883-9486-01a6c5cb3ab2)
- ![Holding up my farmer's market sketchbook spread against a bright blue roof, making the watercolour colours pop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4dd6a902-20a6-4145-8ac5-f60a14de073a)
- ![A close-up on the smaller panels of my farmer's market sketch, highlighting the details of the produce and people.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dbfb98c1-bca2-42d3-8f70-3426112e8a77)
- ![My sketchbook collage held up against the artwork that inspired it at Sammy Sosa restaurant. It's fun to see the inspiration and the interpretation side-by-side.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8cacdd85-a434-4c31-ae10-e313706917c5)
- ![Another shot of my Sammy Sosa sketch, this time with a colourful sombrero in the background, adding to the festive Mexican theme.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/82d33061-0711-46d1-b063-2ad16a101e70)
- ![The cool neon glow of a skull sign at Sammy Sosa provides a dramatic backdrop for my sketchbook page.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d8e20255-e464-4a11-9cbb-3b39fa3325c6)
- ![My sketchbook held up against a painted cactus, another element from the restaurant's decor that I incorporated into my collage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f87e5c8c-3177-46da-9236-8fb626eb35bc)
- ![A final view of my Sammy Sosa sketchbook page, showing how I combined different visual elements from the restaurant into one cohesive artwork.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/99acc910-425b-48da-9cc9-a3765d848ed0)

## About Mumbai Meri Jaan: Sketches of My City

If you have a local shop, a childhood hangout, or an iconic Mumbai landmark that means the world to you, let’s talk about immortalising it in watercolour or ink. I take your photos and stories, then sketch them by hand, keeping all those little, honest details—the peeling paint, the handwritten boards, and the bustle—intact.

### Turning memories into art

My approach to urban sketching is simple. I don't look for perfect, polished architecture. I look for the life that happens around it. Whether it is the frantic energy of a local market or the silent dignity of an old house in Aarey Forest, my goal is to document the places that stay the same while everything else moves at lightning speed.

### What you can commission

If you have a specific place in mind—your grandfather's favourite tailor, that first-date cafe, or your ancestral home—I can recreate it using a few different styles:

*   **Classic Watercolour & Ink:** Best for capturing the texture of old buildings and the warmth of a setting.
*   **Acrylic Markers:** A more vibrant, punchy approach, perfect for capturing the bold colours of modern or chaotic street scenes.
*   **Digital Illustration:** Great if you want high-res files to print on posters, tote bags, or postcards.

### How we start

You do not need to be an expert in art history to get a commission. Just share a photo of the place, tell me why it matters to you, and we will take it from there. I often include the little details that only a local would notice, like the specific style of a handwritten board or the way the light hits a particular doorway. Each piece is hand-drawn and treated as a love letter to the city.

## About Divya Bhatia

I'm Divya, and I live for the little slices of happiness that make Mumbai, well, Mumbai. When I'm not sketching at a bhel puri cart or an old temple, I'm working with people like you to capture your own favourite street corners and local memories.

[See all of Divya Bhatia's services](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo)

## More from Custom Illustrations & Artwork by Divya Bhatia

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/featured)
- [Your Story, Illustrated](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/your-story-illustrated)
- [Devotion in Watercolour & Ink](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/devotion-in-watercolour-ink)
- [Portraits from Life & Imagination](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/portraits-from-life-imagination)
- [Landscapes & Travel Sketches](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/landscapes-travel-sketches)
- [The Artist's Sketchbook](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/custom-illustrations-artwork/the-artist-s-sketchbook)

## More services by Divya Bhatia

- [Art Merchandise](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/art-merchandise)
- [Live Event Sketching](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/live-event-sketching)
- [Art Workshops & Classes](https://mytribe.in/youknowhertoo/art-workshops-classes)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Mumbai Meri Jaan: Custom Hand-Drawn Cityscapes](https://mytribe.in/ishneet.ahluwalia/custom-portraits-illustrations/mumbai-meri-jaan) by Ishneet Ahluwalia · Custom Portraits & Illustrations · Available online across India; Based in Mumbai and Pune
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- [Custom Urban Sketches and Cafe Corner Illustrations](https://mytribe.in/arts.ashima/custom-digital-illustrations/cityscapes-cafe-corners) by Life in Strokes · Custom Digital Illustrations · Available online
- [Live Sketching in Mumbai: Capturing the City’s Energy](https://mytribe.in/voyager_of_dreams/custom-illustration/live-sketching-capturing-mumbai-s-pulse) by Shirish Ghatge · Custom Illustration · Available online; Based in Mumbai
- [Custom Doodle Art and Themed Illustrations](https://mytribe.in/mumbai_caricature_artist/custom-digital-illustrations-portraits/doodle-art-themed-illustrations) by Vishal Barje · Custom Digital Illustrations & Portraits · Available online across India; Studio in Parel, Mumbai

## Book

To book Divya Bhatia, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Divya%2C%20I%20love%20your%20sketches%20of%20Mumbai.%20I%20have%20a%20specific%20spot%20in%20the%20city%20I'd%20love%20to%20have%20illustrated%E2%80%94could%20we%20discuss%20a%20commission%3F)