A Traveler’s Sketching Paradise -India

About Me:

I am Jayson Yeoh, a member of Urban Sketchers Penang, Malaysia.

I define myself as a travel sketcher; without sketching activities, traveling holds no real meaning for me.

Generally, I travel with simple sketching tools (such as a sketchbook, sketch pen, watercolor, and brush), exploring the unknown ahead during each trip. I record the mysterious and interesting scenes of the journey, adding some text to visually and verbally present my travel stories to the public.

I have always believed that these sketches are not just my personal travel stories; they are also the shared memories of myself and the passersby at the sketching locations. They have told me many things about the local people and events, especially during my travels in India, where the stories of the residents came to life through the brush in my hand.

You can see more of my sketches here:

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Places and Trips: India-A Traveler’s Paradise

Travel & Sketch In 2018, I travelled to India, and my constant companion during the journey was my favorite sketching tools: Fountain Pen + Ink + Palette! I roamed through various cities in India, and what I saw and experienced during the journey left a profound and unforgettable impression on me. I greatly appreciated the diversity of customs, religious ceremonies, and festival celebrations in India.

This trip not only broadened my horizons but also kept my hands busy with the brush at all times.

Images 1/1a & 1b: Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer is a small town on the edge of the desert, home to one of the few castles still inhabited by humans in India, locally known as Fort.

Fort Jaisalmer Fort is a lively place with numerous temples, restaurants, and even hotels, all prominently marked with signs like “Roof Top View Café” or “Roof Top View Restaurant” as part of their marketing strategy.I sketch the view from the terrace of a Roof Top View Restaurant, sketching the large square in front of Jaisalmer Fort from an overhead perspective.

Image 2 & 2a: Jaisalmer Fort Souvenirs Store

It is a sketch I made in the narrow alleys of this castle, depicting a small corner where souvenirs and leather goods are sold—a scene typical of street vendors found everywhere in this area.

3 & 3a/4 & 4a: About Ganges River/Varanasi

Ganga River is a fascinating place. Walking along the banks of the Ganges, one can witness various religious activities and rituals. The river acts as a continuous drama, showcasing endless interesting scenes, such as people praying, trimming hair and beards on the riverbank, and more. Morning, evening, and night visits to the river offer different surprises, with noteworthy architecture and scenery readily available for sketching.

Image 3 & 3a:

On a swaying wooden boat, I sketched the boatman navigating the river. Sketching under such conditions, with uncontrollable lines resembling a dance, adds an interesting and appealing touch.

Images 4 & 4a: Cremation Ceremony At Ganges River, Varanasi

Regarding Varanasi: Varanasi is a realm of gods and goddesses, rich in Indian cultural colors, especially during the cremation ceremonies along the Ganges. For a clearer view of the cremation ritual (usually not allowed up close for tourists), the best option is to take a boat and watch from the river. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Varanasi, make sure to witness this ceremony—it’s a highlight of the region.

Image 5 & 5a: Boat Under Repairing in Ganges River

I share some interesting stories from the Ganga River in this sketch. I depicted boatmen by the Ganges, showcasing their activities like repairs. Scenes like these are common along the entire Ganges and provide excellent material for sketching, with aesthetically pleasing boats anchored everywhere. I particularly enjoy the intricately woven ropes used to secure the boats, adding a strong artistic element.

Image 6 & 6a: Praying at Riverside Altars of Ganges River

This sketch portrays a scene near the Ganges, featuring an altar set up on the riverbank. This is a common practice among devotees of Hinduism, bringing family members to riverside altars to pray and seek blessings. Activities such as bathing and cleansing sins in the Ganges are also visible.

Image 7 & 7a: The Scenery in The Ganges River

In this piece, I drew the constant flow of boats on the Ganges from morning till night. Small wooden boats carry tourists from various places to explore the Ganges and the temples along the banks. Boat fees can vary, and it’s advisable to negotiate prices with boatmen before boarding to avoid inevitable disputes. After a few days of traveling in this region, I have become accustomed to such disputes and find them an integral part of the mystical charm of India.

Image 8: The Blue City in Jodhpur

In Jodhpur, I visited the tourist hotspot known as the Blue City. Climbing to higher elevations allows a breathtaking view of the city bathed in shades of blue. The houses, arranged along the horizon.

Image 9: The Ubiquitous Tutt Tutt Cars in Udaipur City

I adore Udaipur City for its tranquility and beauty, making it a perfect place for leisurely walks. The ubiquitous Tutt Tutt cars become a beautiful part of the cityscape. In this artwork, the focus is on the large yellow house, deliberately leaving the other houses blank to accentuate the focal point. The complex web of power lines elevates the piece to greater artistic heights.