Sketching in Mumbai - Day 6 (Day 5 was a rest day) - Old Man's Hamlet

The Sunday was a rest day. Did a bit of shopping at Cotton Cottage, window shopping in a fancy shop, had lunch at the Copper Chimney, then did a heritage tour of the hotel. Tried to rest, but the noise outside was a lot, as it was a holiday weekend. There were marching bands playing at the Gateway. All a bit mad!

The following day, the 26th January, was Republic Day. And a dry day. Even more crowds at the Gateway and in the hotel, as it serves alcohol even on dry days!

We went sketching at the Old Man's Hamlet, a peaceful community away from the noise and chaos. Teh brief was to follow the line!

Sketching in Mumbai - Day 4 - Sketching people and Khau Galli

On day 4, we spent the morning at the Radio Club, practising various aspects of sketching people. Then in the afternoon, we went to one of the many food alleys, Khau Galli, to put what we learned into practise. Had a great time. Again, a perfectly balanced day! And, yes, it's much easier to draw in the classroom, but much more fun to sketch on the streets!

Sketching in Mumbai - Day 3 - Banganga Tank and Dhobi Ghat

Can't believe this is only Day 3. So much done already! After a little tour of the area (where I sketched in my A6 sketchbook while walking), we settled at the Banganga Tank and sketched the view across the way. Then we had lunch at one of the temples. And then had time for another sketch at the laundry area (dhobi ghat - much smaller than the big dhobi ghat, but still an amazing experience). All sketches in Stillman & Birn Alpha sketchbooks.

Sketching in Mumbai - Morning sketches

Our meeting point in the morning was at the black horse, The Spirit of Kala Ghoda. I like to be early. It helps me to regulate. And also, the traffic at 8 am is quite manageable, even at the Regal Circle, a busy roundabout. And also, it was an opportunity to do some sketching on my own, noticing the things that interested me, the water delivery, the cobbler's blue hut, the David Sassoon Library, a photo shoot for a new car, the street sweeper or just people just walking by (the last 3 done in my little sketchbook for quick sketches while on the move). Some of these sketches were done over a couple of days, drawing first, then adding colour pencil the next day for instance.

Sketching in Mumbai - Day 2 - Watercolour and Crawford Market

On day 2, we spent the morning at the Radio Club, practising watercolour techniques. LTB = Load The Brush! After a local lunch, we headed to Crawford Market. Had a ball sketching the vendors and their produce. Tried Falooda (a refreshing rose-flavoured drink - not a big fan, despite the photo evidence). Then had dinner in Mondy's.

The day was intense, but well-balanced, between classroom and on-location sketching.