bigenergy

Hi I’m otti im part South African and part Belgian also a final year student of civil engineering currently at hasselt university,Belgium. today I’ll like to dive deeper into my creative process and share some personal narratives,I’ll also share a charcoal sketch mint I did specifically for this feature called Moxielisa. Stay tuned follow through and keep your questions for the AMA. As I’m writing I’ll be dropping some sketches I’ve done throughout my stay on farcaster with the first including @jonathancolton and @lampphotography

Photographer. Artist. Web3 Blogger. 
seemore.tv/lampphotography
nftartwithlauren.com 

Photographer + Channel Owner /lightchasers + /nature 
https://linktr.ee/jlcolton 
https://app.icebreaker.xyz 

As an artist, I've always been fascinated by the versatility of pencils and charcoal. There's something magical about transforming simple marks on paper into vivid, emotive pieces.

I remember my first encounter with pencils as a child. I was mesmerized by the way graphite glided across paper, creating soft, whispery lines. As I grew older, I began experimenting with different pencil grades, discovering the range of tonal values and textures I could achieve.

Charcoal, on the other hand, was a game-changer. Its expressive, gestural quality allowed me to capture dynamic movements and emotions. I recall spending hours practicing charcoal sketches, feeling the immerse sensation of vine charcoal scratching against paper.

My Creative Process

When starting a new piece, I usually begin with a loose pencil sketch to plan the composition. This helps me visualize the overall flow and balance. Next, I refine my lines with a finer pencil, paying attention to contours and shapes.

Once I'm satisfied with the drawing, I move on aesthetics using charcoal. This stage is crucial in establishing contrast and depth. I experiment with different charcoal types and techniques, such as hatching and cross-hatching, to achieve the desired mood.

Layering and Blending

To add dimension and texture, I build layers of pencil or charcoal marks. This process requires patience, as I carefully balance light and dark values. Blending stumps and tortillons become my best friends during this stage, helping me smooth transitions and merge edges.

Details and Finishing Touches

Finally, I focus on fine details, using pencils or charcoal to add definition and nuance. A fixative or varnish application protects my work and enhances the overall appearance.

Tips and Tricks

From experience, I've learned:

1. Experiment with different pencil grades and charcoal types to find what works best for you.
2. Practice regularly to develop muscle memory and technique.
3. Reference images can help ensure accuracy, but don't be afraid to take creative liberties.
4. Patience is key when layering and blending – it's worth the time.
5. Don't overwork your piece; know when to stop and let the artwork breathe.

My inspirations come from various sources:

1. Sometimes it could be natures patterns and textures.
2. Human emotions and experiences.
3. Architecture's geometric beauty,perks of being a civil engineer.
4. Music's rhythmic expressions.

Challenges I face include:

1. Capturing subtle light and shadow transitions.
2. Balancing detail and simplicity.
3. Maintaining expressiveness amidst technicality.
4. Working with different surfaces and materials.
5. Overcoming self-doubt and creative blocks.