Landscapes and portraits are some of the genres N.R. Sardesai has repeatedly worked on throughout his artistic oeuvre. Imbibing western academic language, he could still bring in the nationalist spirit into his vast landscapes and portraits. Probably, it was the nationalist zeal of the period that made artists portray 'sacred geographies' particularly linked to Hindu pilgrimage centres.

Looking at Sardesai's landscapes, one can see the lightness and swiftness with which he treated the atmosphere. An in-depth understanding of light and shade is evident in these landscapes and one can also notice the depiction of shadows over large spaces on the canvas. The portraits are primarily of the common Indian people. The dominating atmosphere and bright sunshine are trademarks of most of his 'calm and subdued' landscapes.