Different doors in a village called Azadpura, somewhere in India. This was the high caste part of town, low caste lived on the other side of the main road. (castes are a rigid system of social classes in India)
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Agra trainstation in India; I drew this woman when waiting for the train. Unfortunately she did not approve, and clearly displeased she turned her back on me. Luckily I had taken a picture for reference, so I could finish it in the hotel later that evening…. More on http://www.renefijten.blogspot.com

India, Agra trainstation, drawn while waiting for our train. More on http://www.renefijten.blogspot.com/

The big white Taj Mahal is a great building to see, but not such a pleasure to draw. It’s just plain white. Period.
But it is surrounded by other colourful buildings like this red mosque, overlooking the river in the back of the Taj Mahal. On the horizon you can see the red fort, that’s where the maharadja (who built the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife) was imprisoned by his own son for the remainder of his life… with only a view to the landmark he initiated. But he was lucky, his son killed all the other sons and uncles… Those were the times.
Drawn on location. More on http://www.renefijten.blogspot.com/

The Taj-Mahal in all its beauty, in the Indian early morning sunlight.
I made the drawing during the talk of the guide, but who trusts what they tell after the scene in the movie “slum dog millionaire”?
Anyway, I was lucky to be able to make this sketch, my drawing stuff and Moleskine book were confiscated at the entry gate, I was not allowed to draw! Fortunately Hugo, one of our group, took the stuff and talked himself through at another guard.

India, quick sketch of camel transport, made during the busride from Jaipur to Agra. There were many of these.

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The doorman of our Ramada hotel in Jaipur, India. He was called Pooran. Not someone to mess with.

India, Jaipur. The absolutely fabulous Amber fort. It’s a richly decorated fortified palace, located on top of a ridge, high above the city. You go up there sitting on the back of elephants. Drawn on location; more on http://www.renefijten.blogspot.com

India, view over Jaipur, 2 weeks ago.
As seen from the rooftop swimming pool of our hotel. Grey fountainpen ink.

Busride from New Delhi to Jaipur. Endless rows of Tata trucks, all lavishly decorated and piled up high with goods. A nice feature is that these trucks have a ventilation opening in between the front widows. No airco you see… I made the sketch during the ride in the bus, that’s why the lines are shaky.
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