Behind the Scenes: My Artist's Sketchbook & Process
Welcome to my creative playground. Here is a peek at how I organize my supplies, my daily urban sketching rituals, and the process behind bringing your stories to life.
My happy place! This video shows how I keep my art supplies organised in my drawer. Having everything in its place, from paints and pencils to pens and brushes, makes it easier to create.
A fun "art magic" video showing a watercolour floral painting coming to life in seconds. Of course, the real process takes much more time and patience!
A process video of a monochromatic ink wash sketch of a cafe scene. From the initial pencil drawing to the final shaded piece, you can see how the scene takes shape.
A short process video showing four different ways to interpret a single reference image. I explored value, monochrome, and different inking techniques for this lighthouse study.
A timelapse of a watercolour illustration I created for a gin maker. This video shows my process from the initial character sketch to the final coloured artwork.
A simple message that I truly believe in. When you choose to gift art from a local artist, you are supporting a dream and giving something truly special and unique.
A sketchbook reveal that is pure love. This video flips through pages of my watercolour paintings, starting with a vibrant still life of fruit.
I love bringing stories to life through art and narration. Here is a read-aloud of "Surki aur Tirki," a beautiful children's book by Pratham Books, which I illustrated and narrated.
An announcement for a "Drinking and Drawing" collage workshop I hosted. I love teaching and sharing my creative process with the community.
An editorial cartoon offering a satirical take on politics. Art can be a powerful tool for commentary and expression.
About The Artist's Sketchbook
I do not just pick up a pen and draw. Whether I am sketching a busy Mumbai street corner or a quiet moment in a local café, the process is about capturing the story first. If you are looking for a custom piece, we start by talking about the reason behind your request, not just the subject. This is how I ensure your final illustration feels personal, whether it is a delicate watercolour portrait or a vibrant digital caricature.
How I Approach Art
Art is how I slow down time, especially in a city as fast-paced as Mumbai. My sketchbook is where I test new ideas, organize my watercolor palettes, and document the little slices of happiness that never change, like my favorite local tea stall or a quiet street corner.
Turning Your Stories into Illustrations
When you commission a piece, I treat it with the same care as my personal sketchbook work. Whether you want a physical 300 GSM watercolour painting or a high-resolution digital master file, we work together to get the details right.
- The Initial Conversation: We talk about what matters to you. Is it an inside joke, a favorite hobby, or a specific memory? I use this to add context to the artwork.
- The Drafting Phase: For physical paintings, I share a pencil sketch for layout approval so we are on the same page before I pick up a brush. For digital work, we focus on nailing the character design and color palette during the revision rounds.
- Materials Matter: I use professional-grade watercolors and acid-free paper for physical commissions to ensure they last. If we go digital, you get a 300 DPI high-resolution file that is perfect for printing, whether you are making a gift card or a framed poster.
Why Choose Local?
Choosing art from a local artist means you are supporting a creative dream and receiving something that hasn't been mass-produced. You get a piece of work that has been thought through, sketched, and finished by hand, just for you.
Divya Bhatia
I am Divya. I do not just draw, I observe. Whether I am sketching Mumbai's busy streets or a quiet corner of a cafe, I look for the story beneath the surface to make sure your commission feels like yours and nobody else's.
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