Woman with a Parasol –
Madame Satoshi and the Whitepaper
Drawing inspiration from Claude Monet's masterpiece, 'Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son,' this reinterpretation reflects the dynamic relationship between Bitcoin and the modern financial system.
I began drawing with ballpoint pens some time ago, focusing on small works for the past year. This time, I aimed to create something grand—a large, impactful piece made exclusively with black ballpoint pens. My vision was to reinterpret Claude Monet's impressionist masterpiece with a more serious, contemporary tone, using it to symbolize our current financial system.
In my version, the sunny meadow has transformed into a swamp, set against a desolate, lifeless landscape. The bright blue sky is now an ominous storm. Madame Satoshi stands at the center, holding a protective umbrella that embodies the positive qualities of Bitcoin. In her hand is a letter—none other than the Bitcoin whitepaper—appearing as if she has just read a farewell letter from the existing financial system. Her expression, both resolute and deeply moved, signals her readiness for the future. On her hip rests a book marked with the Bitcoin symbol, perhaps her diary, or maybe a guide for what’s to come.
In the distance looms the BIS (Bank for International Settlements) building. Living in Basel, I see it every day and often wonder what the people in those upper floors think of Bitcoin. It's a place frequented by a self-proclaimed elite. Bitcoin, to me, is the tool that can dismantle this self-appointed authority. In my artwork, the BIS tower is being overtaken by the storm—an unstoppable force known as Bitcoin.
Finished with block 817371
01
The beginning
To begin with, I drew the first rough shapes and elements with a pencil. Then I painted on a little water-soluble gouache paint as a base for very dark areas. Since I make my drawings with a ballpoint pen, large dark areas are not easy to hatch.
The gray-white base makes it a little easier to achieve the overall lighting mood.
02
The first steps
Once the picture had the basic tonality, I started the main work. As it was my first time drawing such a large picture, and only with ballpoint pens, I had to create a new drawing setup.
Large pictures are impressive, but you shouldn't underestimate the logistical effort involved.
03
Starting with Madame Satoshi
I started the drawing with the most important and most difficult part of the artwork. The expression on Madame Satoshi's face should illustrate the pain, but also the willingness and hope for the upcoming change. She has read the letter, or white paper, and is taking courage for the future.
04
Various detail levels
I love details and enjoy playing with the depth of detail in pictures. As it is a large picture, I have created the greatest depth of detail in Madame Satoshi's figure. Other areas in the picture, such as the sky, I finished with larger, more dynamic strokes.
05
The drawing process
90% of my drawing time I had to use a flat table for the pens to work optimally. That's the difficulty with large ballpoint pen artworks.
06
Half the way
As I draw alongside my work, the entire drawing process took several months. In October, I visited the PlanB conference in Lugano, Switzerland, and was able to recharge my batteries for the artwork.
07
The sky was the most fun
Finally, I drew the sky. My drawing style results from dynamic, self-similar and repetitive patterns. For me, this part of drawing is more meditation than artistic work. I really enjoy this part and find the most flow
08
Cadmium orange
I find it so fascinating that Bitcoin is represented by so many artists in so many different artistic ways. I love to bring the cadmium orange into my black and white images. It's the color that brings Bitcoin to life.
Ballpoint pens are underestimated tools, just like Bitcoin.
I love it when people ask me: Was that only created with a ballpoint pen? Yes, almost. Pens are useful tools that are used in everyday life, hardly anyone would think of using them as an artistic tool. Yet this small little tool creates a distinctive, sharp, high-contrast look and is versatile. Bitcoin is also underestimated by most, yet it covers so many fascinating topics ranging from finance to psychology.
An overview of the entire drawing process
Woman with a Parasol –
Madame Satoshi and the Whitepaper
Drawing inspiration from Claude Monet's masterpiece, 'Woman with a Parasol – Madame Monet and Her Son,' this reinterpretation reflects the dynamic relationship between Bitcoin and the modern financial system.
Finished with block 817371
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
