Hello Hivers , on today's episode of Lagos, Nigeria, a city that never sleeps—a bustling hive of energy, colors, and rhythm. In my latest painting, City Rhythms: The Lagos Danfo Symphony, I sought to capture the essence of this vibrant cityscape, with its iconic yellow buses (Danfo) navigating through a maze of towering skyscrapers and colorful market stalls.
The Concept
The idea for this piece emerged during one of my daily commutes through the ever-busy Lagos streets. The Danfo bus, a symbol of resilience and hustle, stood out against the chaotic background of modern high-rises and roadside markets. I wanted to portray the unfiltered Lagos experience—its grit, its energy, and the organized chaos that binds the city together.
The Creative Process
Painting this scene was both a challenge and a joy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Sketching the Vision:
I began with a rough pencil sketch on canvas, outlining the key elements: the Danfo bus as the focal point, the high-rises towering in the background, and the subtle market details.
2. Building the Base Layers:
Using acrylic paints, I blocked in the primary colors. The sky and buildings were rendered in moody grays and blues to create a contrast with the bright yellow of the buses.
3. Adding Texture:
I applied thick layers of paint using a palette knife to give depth and texture to the buildings. This added a gritty, urban feel to the piece, echoing the rugged nature of Lagos streets.
4. Capturing Movement:
To depict the motion of the Danfo buses, I used sweeping, loose brushstrokes and subtle smudging techniques. This created the illusion of movement amidst the static buildings.
5. Final Details:
The market umbrellas and pedestrians were added with delicate dabs of color, bringing life and vibrancy to the scene. The reflections on the wet pavement were created by blending and glazing techniques, adding a sense of realism.
Challenges and Insights
One of the main challenges was striking a balance between abstraction and realism. While I wanted the painting to evoke a sense of Lagos’ energy, it was essential not to lose the identifiable details that make the scene so unique. This piece taught me patience, as the layering process required revisiting areas multiple times to achieve the desired effect.
Reflection
City Rhythms: The Lagos Danfo Symphony is more than a painting—it’s a tribute to the spirit of Lagos. The Danfo bus is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a lifeline, a meeting point, and a symbol of the city’s unyielding hustle. Through this piece, I hope to share the soul of Lagos with the world.
I invite you to connect with me on Hive to discuss this artwork and explore the stories behind my creations. Let’s celebrate the vibrant culture and creativity that makes Lagos—and the world—a richer place.
Stay inspired, and if you are interested in getting my paintings, kindly reach out to me through this link
https://www.instagram.com/franklin__hart/profilecard/?igsh=anFuaWtzMWhvYTUx
Onafuye Olaonipekun Samuel (Franklin Hart)
