Hope - Bitcoin is an angel of hope for a world with sound money
I got the inspiration for this artwork from Raphael's artwork St. Michael Vanquishing Satan. I like the dynamics in the picture. However, I want to make a positive statement. That's why I decided to make a picture of a female angel reaching out her hand. I also don't want to make a religious reference, so my angel is a very gentle woman, dressed in scarves that also manifest Bitcoin. I took a lot of artistic freedom with the picture. The dynamic was important to me and the fact that Bitcoin is a manifestation of a peaceful tool of freedom. A hope for a world with sound money.
This artwork helped me learn a lot about paper, drawing techniques, gouache colors, perspective and composition. My Bitcoin angel is holding a piece of cloth that forms the Bitcoin B. It is the only colored element. I like the color composition of black, white and cadmium orange. It has become a signature of my artworks. Another detail of the characters I draw is that they have Bitcoin symbols tattooed on them. I think I will keep that for my future paintings and improve my style.
01
Rough pencil sketch
As with all my drawings, I start with a rough pencil sketch. Sometimes my sketches are more detailed, sometimes rough.
The more detailed the sketch is at the beginning, the more important it is for the later look of the picture.
02
The paper matters
I tried to use as little gouache paint as possible for this artwork. I like to use gouache paint to achieve macro contrasts in the picture easier. The paper I used, Clairefontaine Dessin - Studio drawing board, fine, 250 g/m², is not so suitable for wet techniques. That's why I reduced the gouache color as much as possible.
03
We all are Bitcoin
My angel is a graceful lady dressed in a piece of cloth. I have portrayed her as neutrally as possible. We are all Bitcoin and Bitcoin knows no ruler, no missionary, no disciples. It is simply there and we all decide where it goes.
04
Caran d'Ache 825 ballpoint pen
I use the Caran d'Ache 825 ballpoint pen in black for my drawings. The pens don't last very long, but they have very thin, fine and consistent lines, which I like to use for the gradients in my drawings. Maybe I'll switch to another brand, but for now I'm happy with the look of my drawings.
05
The drawing process
I change the perspective of my pictures from time to time when drawing. This is especially important for large works, because otherwise you only have a limited view of one perspective. I recommend an adjustable easel
06
The background
I tried to keep the background as calm and homogeneous as possible. I like the wavy structure that reminds me of clouds or water.
07
Your Setup
I document my work. Recording your work shouldn't stop you from doing your art well and getting into the flow. That's why I've created a setup for myself that is easy to operate
08
Black, White, Gray and Orange
I painted the Bitcoin "B" with a beautiful cadmium orange in gouache colors. This characterizes my pictures.
I am still looking for a name for this specific style of black, white, gray and a part in orange. It should become known as an official Bitcoin artwork style in the future.
09
The final result
I have to admit that the final picture looks different from what I had planned. I have learned a lot and will use this knowledge to create even better artworks in the future.
An overview of the entire drawing process
Hope - Bitcoin is an angel of hope for a world with sound money
This artwork was inspired by Raphael's St. Michael Vanquishing Satan, but I wanted to convey a more positive message. Instead of a religious reference, my angel is a gentle woman reaching out her hand, draped in scarves symbolizing Bitcoin. I focused on creating a dynamic scene that reflects Bitcoin as a peaceful tool of freedom and hope for a world with sound money
If you are interested in the original, please contact me via mail
Please note that the original artwork will not be available for purchase until 2025
The original:
Size: 80cm width x 120 cm height
Paper: Clairefontaine Dessin fine 250 g/m²
Ballpoint pen: Caran d'Ache 825 Black
Color: Caran d'Ache Gouache ECO Black + Orange fluorescent
Picture frame: 100cm width x 140 cm height
Aluminum frame Econ angular gold matt Art glass (anti-reflective)
White passepartout
Current location: Studio The Great Print in Basel
Erlenmattstrasse 55, 4058 Basel, Switzerland