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.

Sketching in Mumbai - Day 1 - Cross Maidan

Day 1 of the workshop. Cross Maidan - a peaceful space to introduce us gently to the city! Followed by a bit of shopping!

Sketching in Mumbai - Day 0

In January, we went to Mumbai. I participated in a workshop with Suhita Shirodkar and Zainab Tambawalla. And Brendan did lots of street photography. Head over to his Instagram @beebeepix1 to see his photos. 

We arrived in Mumbai on the Sunday afternoon, and went for a little exploration. I swear I was having a panic attack that evening, lying in bed and thinking about how hard it was for me to cross the street between the Gateway to India and our hotel. On the Monday, we went for a guided "Essential Mumbai" tour with the fantastic Faredoon from Khaki tours, and I felt a bit more confident about managing to survive in this buzzing city. And had vada pav for lunch!

On Day 0, the Tuesday, there was no workshop, but Suhita and Zainab invited anyone who wanted to to go sketch with them at Matunga market, which specialises in goods from South India. I took an Uber over with a few fellow workshop participants. We sketched on the footpath first, where I had my first taste of chai, then we moved inside the market. I instantly loved it, the interaction with the people, the buzz, the visual and aural vibrancy of the city. And I had a great time sketching. 

That evening, we had a tour with Juzer, Zainab's husband, who also is part of the Khaki Tours heritage group, then we had our welcome dinner.