Hi! I’m Sanjukta Sen, and I’m from all over the place (India, Singapore, Germany!) but I’m currently finishing a degree in Politics from the University of Cambridge. I started sketching exactly a year ago as a way to keep stress-free during exam term, and set up my Instagram art blog to keep track of my progress.
I was always into art as a kid, but I never really got into it until my mother bought me my first sketchbook and brush pen in April 2014 and I’ve never looked back since. She has been my mentor throughout – she is an artist and has taught me most of what I know. The other few bits of knowledge I have picked up has been from following the hundreds of talented artists online on Instagram!
I make it a point to sketch something everyday or every few days, because I have realized that perseverance is key in this field. Most of my sketches turn out very averagely, but the trick is to keep going. I pick up a pen and sketchbook and sketch absolutely anything that is in front of me, and if I have time I give it a quick watercolor wash. I am a fan of spontaneity, and so I never sketch in pencil – I always go straight to ink.
Every time I mess up this way becomes a learning experience. Other than keeping an “everyday sketchbook”, I very often (less so during exam time though) arm myself with loose pieces of watercolor paper and go urban sketching out on the streets. I take a little stool with me and spend hours sketching on location perched on the side of the road. One of my favorite parts about this process is people stopping to chat about my art, and picking up little tidbits of information about their lives.
One nice man told me that his father, back in the 60s, had sketched every landmark in Cambridge. Another told me that watercolors confused him because he could never keep them clean in his palette but he loved it anyway. My favorite part, however, has to be when parents point me out to their little kids to distract them from crying about something or the other. It always works! I love meeting and talking to new people, and this is one of the best perks of urban sketching.
I swear by my Lamy pens and nibs (I have an Al-Star and a Joy), and I use a simple cotman half pans because I don’t do anything too fancy. I am not a traditional or proper watercolorist – I mostly work with inks and washes but I feel like that is what brings me closer to the fresh and spontaneous feeling that I aim for. I am very inspired by my favorite illustrators – Sir Quentin Blake, Felix Scheinberger, and Don Low – and often reflect on their works when I hit a creative block (which is more often than I care to admit!).
Another thing that I like to do when faced with a block is go through old sketchbooks – it is such a good feeling to see how your sketches improve and change in style over the months, and it often gets me thinking about what I can improve on or try out when I decide to start sketching again. Going to events like life drawing sessions is a good way to get back into the creative zone as well – my mother recently forced me to try out one and I have been absolutely hooked ever since. Not only is it so therapeutic, but it also improves your line work by leaps and bounds!
I started sketching as a way to teach myself something new, be productive with my free time during exams, and de-stress myself.
It has turned into something much bigger than that, and has helped me venture into other fields of design and illustration for university newspapers and college events and magazines. I see Quentin Blake‘s work and the impact it has had on so many people’s happiness, and I am imbued with a want to make people happy through my art.
People messaging me to tell me that they liked my work is really rewarding, but the biggest compliment is still when my mother texts me in reply to a sketch that I have whatsapped to her – “Good job, I like the improvement”. This is the first step in what I hope will be a long and happiness-inducing journey.
Sanjukta Sen
Instagram
World Watercolor Month is coming in July! Click here to learn more!
Recommended3 recommendationsPublished in Featured Artists
Beautiful work!!
Thank you Jodi! And apologies for the late reply, I have been very caught up with graduation and summer job! x
These pictures are full of happiness. What a delight to look at.
Thank you so very much! Very very kind of you to say xx
Nice work – following on Instagram now!
Thank you!
Great Work!, our approach is very similar. I bet the drawing helps a lot with the studying!. Following on Inta. Looking forward to more.
Thank you! Yes it definitely lets me de-stress wonderfully. xxx
Those buildings look amazing! Love your work
Thank you so very much Catherine x <3
Whoa, these are gorgeous!
Thank you so much!
Lovely work, Sanjukta! I’ve followed you on Instagram
Thank you very much for your support!
What a wonderful perspective on the world! (K)
Thank you so much for your kind words xx
your lifely and colorful sketches are wonderful!
Ahh thank you so so much xx
Lovely work!!
Thank you!! 🙂
Your work is very nice. Gave me some inspiration.
Very glad to hear that 🙂
Sanjukta, you have a natural sense of composition and it pulls your sketch together. I love the way you add just a few washes of color and let the image carry the rest. Nice work.
Thank, Charlie, for introducing us.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Very happy to see that my attempted techniques are getting across 😀
Really lovely, spontaneous work! Lots of life and energy. Thanks for sharing!
So kind of you to say, thank you!
I have a special fondness for urban sketches…these are terrific! I look forward to following Sanjukta on IG!
Thanks so much for your support Teresa, really appreciate it! xx
Yes, keep going…forget the politics (a dirty business)…design, design, design!~ Yes. Love the pic with the chinese lanterns…
Hahahaha I just love studying the politics – but I definitely love design and art more 😉
…keep ‘studying’ politics (after all, we must be informed when deciding who to vote for…), but don’t waste your life in it! Design is for you… 🙂
Great work Sanjukta.
Thank you!
Great stuff, very inspiring! Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful loose and inspiring art with us, Sanjukta. 🙂
Thank YOU for your kind support 🙂
Beautiful. 🎨 Art is a process. It is never an overnight thing. And isn’t it amazing that we can learn life lessons just by sketching or doodling or even coloring. 😄
Will definitely follow you on Instagram.
I totally agree! Every little piece of practice goes such a long way. Thank you for your support!
wowwwww i LOVE your artwork! they are BEAUTIFULLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOUUUU XX
I love your use of color! These are delightful!
Thank you Anissa! Very kind of you 🙂
Love what you do!!! Keep going ….
Thank you for your support!
These images make me smile. Your mother must be happy. Keep up the wonderful work.
Thank you, that is so lovely to hear. I am so very glad to hear they made you smile xx
You are very welcome.
Really nice work with the colors
Thank you so so much x
Your work makes me happy! I love your color choices. Will find and follow you on Instagram!
Thank you – I am so very glad it makes you happy! Thank you for your support 🙂
Inspiring. . .
Thank you 🙂
What a gift God has given you. Thank you for sharing this with the world
Thank you so so much for your support. I really appreciate it 🙂
Beautiful work.
Sometimes your escape from your life
Thank you so much! 🙂
Sometimes your escape becomes your biggest success!
I totally agree! hopefully this is the case for me as well 😛
Well sanjukta I would like if you give me some tips for writing and follow me and tell me how can I improve !
I love your work!
Thank you 🙂 !!
I love this so much! These are absolutely amazing, thank you for sharing.
Thank YOU for your kind words xx
Your work is so amazing, so optimistic and cheerful.
That is so so lovely to hear, thank you for making my day!
Your work is honestly beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it
That is so nice to hear – very happy for your support 🙂
Very talented!
Thank you Leslie <3
Very inspiring. I started sketching in 2010 but didn’t make enough improvement because I didn’t practice everyday. Perseverance is the key!! 😃
Perseverance is indeed key – but it is important to keep enjoying it! Every little bit of practice goes a long way so definitely keep going at it!
This is great inspiration! I have book about learning to sketch which I just started, after reading this, it just reminded me that I should open the book today 🙂
DO IT!!! 😀
You are so good at art!
Thank you!! 🙂
You’re work and attitude are beautifully inspirational! It’s nice to know there are other people out there who want to appreciate life in this way.
Thank you for your kind words – I always strive to be super positive and enthusiastic about life and its opportunities 🙂
I’m amazed that you don’t use pencil for guideline and start directly with colors, still manage to create such beautiful paintings. Great work!
Its part of the spontaneity! I think I learn quicker that way as well – you learn to avoid mistakes far more quickly 🙂 Really glad you like them!
Love your style!
Thank you!
Doodling brings a sort of satisfaction to oneself and to use that as a way to better yourself is a genius idea in itself! I’ll be sure to follow on Instagram soon. Great work! 🙂
Thank you so much for all your kind words and support :)!
These look amazing. I may have to try this. Not much natural talent for it. Worth a shot though.
TRY IT! I cannot encourage you enough 🙂 Starting was the best decision I have ever taken. Please do give it a try xx
Amazing. And I am inspired by you! I love sketching but I am no where close to your skills but trying to be.
Thank you so so so so much! Every little bit of practice goes a long way so just keep at it 🙂
So beautiful!
Thank you!
“Doodlewash” I dig the name! Your artwork looks so effortless, it is like bam here it is! Very cool 🙂
Thrilled you liked the guest feature! There’s lots more to see here. And glad ya did the blog name too!! Hehe 😃Thanks!
Thank you so much! That is definitely the feel I am going for 🙂
Pretty alsum
Luv it
Thank you!
Cool
Thank you 🙂
I love your thoughts on perseverance. Makes me want to write more. I just love pen and ink with watercolor. Look forward to seeing your work/play.
Thank you! I definitely would encourage you to write more!!!! Follow me on instagram for more work/play! 🙂
so, you used watercolor right?
Yes, Sanjuta did! All guest features and art on this site are done in watercolor!
Yep!
Fantastic!
Thank you 🙂 !
Quite an extraordinary art
Thank you!!!
this is so awesome !! LOVE IT
THANK YOU!! 🙂
I like this style of painting. Look fresh. Hebat! ( indonesian word for “great”)
Thank you so much! Appreciate it a lot 🙂
Best of luck
Thank you so much x
This is amazing!
Thank you!!
This article explains the creative process in it’s own terms! This is great because the process is individualized for every person.
Thank you so much – that is exactly what I tried to do 🙂
I just started seeing if I can post a sketch to instagram once a day for 100 days. I’ve always enjoyed drawing, but usually get overwhelmed that my art skills are so poor… so I stop drawing. It’s beautiful to see what you can accomplish by just doing a little bit each day – your art is inspiring! Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed this Doodlewash guest feature, Adam, and congrats for trying the 100 days project! That’s awesome!! If you want to try adding watercolor to your sketches you should check out World Watercolor Month on July!! 😉
Don’t overwhelm yourself!! What I don’t mention is that I always take a break when I find that sketching becomes a chore for me because that is very counter productive. It must always be an enjoyment 🙂 Thank you for your kind words though, I really appreciate it!
Good ⭐️
Thank you!
Your pictures look effortless and make you feel really happy when you see them! 🙂
Thank you, that is so nice to hear!
Oh, your sketches are beautiful. I love your style, it’s lovely.
Thank you so very much!! xx
Oh, it’s amazing Sanjukta
Thank you so much! xx
Your sketches are indeed beautiful
Thank you so much 🙂
This is creativity to the next level, well done!!
Thank you so much, that is very nice of you!
Great paintings!!
Thank you!!
Ahhh, such wildly wonderful watercolors, Sanjukta! I love the stories, of how you stumbled into this field because of stress (!); how your mother is so supportive; and how much you’re enjoying yourself 😉
Thank you so much! I am so glad you found joy in this little article. Really lovely words xx
You think you’re average? Hon, these sketches are beautiful
Ahh that is so nice of you to say!
I love your work. I usually alternate between writing and sketching when I face a creative block in one of those fields. Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
And thank you for being so nice and kind! 🙂
lovely drawings, inspires me to start doing the same. I also love the work of David Gentleman
Thank you so much Mike! Really glad you have been inspired.
I have years without painting. I love the style impregnated on your sketches. Definitely willing to be stalkerish on you IG. (:
Thank you so much for your kind words – follow me on instagram for more!
Oh my gosh it is so cool! I like your name too, doodlewash haha :). Hey, if you would be willing to doodle me something anxious looking I’d put it on my site and link you in it? Just a curious question. Either way, way cool, keep it up. 🙂
So thrilled you liked Sanjukta’s guest feature on Doodlewash! 😃 Assuming you’re referring to her work, so feel free to connect with her on Instagram!
Hey! thank you for your kind words. I am unfortunately really busy with my summer job so I do not have much time to do much other freelance work. But thank you for asking anyway!
Ur drawings n the way u describing its just so awesome
Thank you :)!
Really beautiful.. I really appreciate your imagination and the way to look at the world .. With beauty n Colors
Thank you! I am glad that you like my work 😀
This is fantastic!
Thank you 😀
Your drawings are incredible !
Thanks!!
i love your paintings, maybe you should check mine out
Speechless!
Thank you 🙂 Your work is lovely.
Thanks a lot
This is inspiring. I doodle a bit myself but nowhere close to what you are upto. I draw on my office noticeboard near my workstation everyday. Not sure where this ll take me but it satisfies my itch to scribble something once in a while.
So glad you like this guest post on Doodlewash and that you also doodle! Keep it up!! Then try some watercolor! 😉
Thank you so much. A little practice everyday goes a long way – get yourself a sketchbook and START 😀
I really like your water color sketches! Great job.
Thanks so much! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to start doing this. Maybe I should give it a try! Also, your sketches look amazing!
Thrilled you’re inspired by Sanjukta’s guest feature! You should definitely start doing this! July is World Watercolor Month! Perfect time to start! 😉
Start start start!!! It’s the best decision I ever made. Thank you for your lovely words!
The sketches are wonderful! My favorite part of your post, “…but the trick is to keep going.”
Thank you!!!!! That is THE TRICK! 🙂
beautiful!
Thank you!
Wow! Your sketches are absolutely beautiful! And you only started recently? Inspiring.
Thanks so much! A little practice everyday goes a long way, even in just a year! 🙂
Gosh this is absolutely stunning! I love this!
Thank you so very much! 😀 <3
These are beautiful!
Thank you! 🙂
I really like your sketches, they make me feel relaxed in a way, and I always love a bit of colour to brighten up the day
Thank you! I am so happy they have that effect – it is what I aim for! 🙂
Love the uplifting tone of your
illustrations! Have you done any storybooks in this style? It would be pretty cool!
Thank you!! That is so nice to hear. No I haven’t, still waiting to be approached and then I’ll be MORE THAN HAPPY to 🙂 😀 !
The drawings definitely pull me in more than all those countless photos people post on social media! Would make lovely magazine covers.
That is so nice to hear – if you know anyone that needs a magazine cover done feel free to get in touch 😉
They convey a refreshing sense of freedom. These are really something special…
Thank you oh so very much! 🙂
beautiful work! I also love to color and love into arts but I cannot draw.. Its gonna be horrible.. hehe
Thanks so much! Just try and start a sketchbook ; best decision of my life and you will definitely get better at it 🙂
Reblogged this on Wyrdwend and commented:
Nice work indeed…
Thank you!
Well done!
Thank you!
oh my! hand painting, they make me feel jealous! Awesome,
I tried to draw before but my painting still same like 10 years ago.
Thank you! I am sure that’s not true – a little work everyday goes a long way!!
Loved it! Excellent.
Thank you 🙂
This is interesting and so beautiful x I love it 💛👍🏾
Thank you so very much! 🙂 <3
Thank you for sharing your craft with the world xo’s
Thank YOU for your lovely words x
The beautiful burst of colour takes me to places of tranquility
That’s so nice of you 🙂
Your obviously very talented. I was thinking to start sketching again myself. How do you find inspiration on what to sketch ?
This is a guest doodlewash post, so if you’d like to reach Sanjukta, connect with her on Instagram! 😉
Thank you! You should definitely start. If you see my instagram you’ll see that I find inspiration from EVERYTHING! 😀
Love it! Cambridge is such a beautiful city!
It is indeed! 🙂
I love your drawings. Drawing is very therapeutic. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much 🙂 !
Very sweet work
Thank you!
You are most….you can follow my blog I am new in the blog
This is amazing! Keep it up.
Thank you soooo much x
I wanna try that when i have free time, but then I remember drawing doesn’t like me
Don’t worry try your hardest and if that doesn’t work maybe drawing I sent the right thing
Im sure that’s not true! Just give it a go 🙂
Haha lets see, when i have free time to draw, im gonna post it here. And you’ll be the judge😉
You’re sketches are so full of life. I love that you seem to have found your own distinctive style. I can definitely feel the spontaneity.
Thank you so much! That’s so lovely to hear 🙂
I am so inspired now and want to go back to sketching! Great Post!!!
Ahh I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!
Lovely artwork. I use to pursue art vigorously when younger, but in my twenties decided I’d prefer to use my art skills for fun rather than profession. I love your watercolor artwork!
Art for fun is the best kind of art! Thank you so much x
Like your work!
Thank you!
There’s something so beautiful about ur work 🙂 loved it
Thank you so very much, I really appreciate it 🙂
Sanjukta,Its great to find something creative like sketching to de-stress and use time effectively. You have made use of water-colour as a medium and this perfectly compliments the sketches you have made.Hope to see more of them as you improve, so keep going!
I totally agree – it is so great! Thank you so much for your kind words, for more of my work feel free to follow me on instagram @sanjsketches 🙂
Beautiful drawing I totally aggree with you thanks for the tips now I’ll nail my exams I’ll buy a sketch book and start sketching
SO happy to hear that!!! Hope your art journey is WONDERFUL 🙂
🔬🔨🔩
Hey, really commendable work😍
THANK YOU XX
Seems like we both share similar interest .i.e., arts. I am not much into sketching , but I love crafts. Doesn’t matter , the important point is that we do it with passion and that’s what matters after all.
I totally agree! 🙂
Marvelous!!!
Thank you!!!
Very refreshing style ! Iam myself travelling and drawing, painting, especially water colour at the moment, your work is very inspirative for me, and spontaneity is exactly what i’m lacking of, i’ll keep that in mind thanks to you 🙂
Thank you very much! It is so nice to hear your kind words. The trick is not to overthink it!
I love your work, simplicity splashed with colour. Would like to try it myself oneday. Keep going, keep giving joy.
Thank you Carol! Go for it, just start and it will all fall into place from there xx
😊Hey! Fellow Singaporean here appreciating your artworks
Thank you pal!!
I’m in love with your drawings! Can I request one for free? 😀
Thank you that’s very sweet of you 🙂 x
Amazing
Thank you!
Bellissimo!!!! I really love what you do!!!
Superbe job, I remembered this guy I was in a campsite he draws me and my friends in exchange of a nice diner. My friend still have the aquarelle on his travel book. Thanks you to your nice work for bringing me this memory back. Art can bring back memory to one when is well achieve. Keep on going.
I’ve picked up my brushes again recently too. Keep up the good work! Love the article.
Love your illustrations! What a great artist
That piece of art is incredibly amazing. 😃
And congratulations for graduating 😃😃
Good work !!
So beautiful!
Lovely work.. enjoyed reading
Pls also read my blog… https://soulfire2015.wordpress.com/2016/07/05/a-shout-out-to-the-twenties/
Let me know what you think
keep the good work coming dear. The sky will pave ways for you
What a talented young man! Great work and thanks for sharing your inspiring story!
That is the most beautiful sketches i ever have seen
I am happy to have come across this blog. I’ve always admired art from afar but found myself most enjoying it when I tried my hand at line work and watercolour (in a foundation course I unfortunately never finished). I also found that I was quite good at tonal work. However my commitment to the course wasn’t there and I never picked up a sketchbook again. It would be a great thing to pick up again seeing as I have so much time off because of my summer break from uni. New follower alert!
Thanks so much for following, Jenny! You should definitely start sketching again! Glad you found Doodlewash and that you enjoyed Sanjukta’s Guest Post!
Absolutely inspiring !
Your work is lovely!
Beautiful pictures yaar!
Mesmerizing colour splash.what texture of paper to you use for this
Wow…I like your style and your work! It’s free flowing and fun to look at. Keep up the good work.
Beautiful work! The colors are gorgeous!
Amazing work!! You are very much skilled person!! Simply mesmerizing.! Looking forward for more.
You have talent. Thanks for sharing
Very inspiring!
Just saw this post , fabulous ! Thanks for sharing .
Reblogged this on Susana Rapallo and commented:
I just love these fearless sketches with tons of imperfections but very spontaneous.
I started loving watercolors not a long time ago, less than a year, to be exactly and I used to think watercolor was a child play thing but in fact you can produce tons of effects and complexities.
I have a long journey to explore myself on this matter. 🙂
Well written post
Great post! We all need more art in our lives. Creating something out of nothing is grounding and fun. I always keep my sketch book near. 🙂
Your work is wonderful! I like that the color is as much part of the composition as the lines are.