Pen, Ink and Watercolor Sketching 2 - Temples of Cambodia

In this review of Pen, Ink and Watercolor Sketching 2 - Temples of Cambodia the reviewer finds a focused, travel-inspired sketching workbook ideal for artists who want guided, location-based practice. Drawing from the author's on-site trip to Siem Reap, the book's biggest selling point is its ten step-by-step exercises that break down complex temple architecture into manageable drawings and watercolor washes. This review explains who will benefit most from the exercises and how the book balances practical technique with a sense of place.

Key Features

• On-location sketches: The exercises are based on sketches made during a 2019 visit to the temples of Siem Reap, giving each lesson an authentic travel sketching context.
• Step-by-step exercises: Ten progressive projects guide artists from initial pen lines to ink work and final watercolor, helping to build confidence with architectural forms.
• Focus on temples: The subject matter concentrates on Hindu and Buddhist temple architecture, offering repeated practice with arches, reliefs and stone textures.
• Meditative approach: The author frames sketching as an enriching, meditative practice, which encourages slower, observational drawing on-location or from reference.
• Practical composition tips: Lessons emphasize composition and simplifying complex details so readers can capture the essence of large structures without getting lost in minutiae.

Who It's For

This book is well suited to sketchers who already have basic drawing skills and want to advance their urban and architectural sketching with pen, ink and watercolor. Artists who travel or who enjoy themed sketchbooks will appreciate the Cambodia temple focus and the on-location perspective the author provides.

Beginners with no drawing experience may find the exercises challenging without supplemental fundamentals, and those seeking a general watercolor manual rather than temple-specific projects should look for a broader technique book instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, progressive exercises that demystify drawing complex architectural subjects for field sketching.
• Authentic travel context from sketches made in Siem Reap gives the lessons a vivid, place-based feel.
• Emphasis on composition and simplification helps artists finish believable studies quickly on location.

Cons

• Limited to temple subjects, so its usefulness is narrower for artists wanting a wide range of motifs.

Specifications

Title	Pen, Ink and Watercolor Sketching 2 - Temples of Cambodia
Author / Brand	Shirish Deshpande
Primary subject	Hindu and Buddhist temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia
Technique focus	Pen, ink and watercolor sketching
Format	Step-by-step exercise book with on-location sketches
Number of exercises	Ten step-by-step projects

Our Verdict

Pen, Ink and Watercolor Sketching 2 - Temples of Cambodia is a targeted, well paced exercise book that will reward sketchers who want to practice architectural subjects in a travel sketching context. Its ten guided projects and emphasis on simplification make it good value for artists looking to develop field techniques and a sense of place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book show full step-by-step demonstrations?
The book contains ten step-by-step exercises that move from pen lines through ink and watercolor, showing process images and incremental stages.

Is prior watercolor experience required?
Basic familiarity with drawing is helpful; the exercises teach watercolor washes for sketches but beginners may need extra foundational practice.

Are the sketches photographed on location?
Yes, the content is based on sketches the author made during a 2019 visit to the temples around Siem Reap, which informs the lessons.