Capturing raw emotion through charcoal, telling stories, preserving legacies, and reflecting divine creativity.Levi M. Mulama
About
Who is Levi?
Levi M. Mulama is a Christian visual artist based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in custom charcoal portraiture. Working primarily with rich, high-contrast charcoal, Levi crafts fine art that captures human emotion, preserves cherished memories, and points viewers toward Jesus Christ through divine creative expression.
My Story
Levi’s artistic journey began in childhood, sparked by a fascination with the illustrations in his textbooks. What started as a simple desire to replicate pencil strokes grew into a lifelong dedication. In 2015, Levi committed to taking his passion to an international standard, spending years refining his technique to build a global artistic voice.
Though he began his journey using graphite, Levi transitioned to focus heavily on charcoal as his signature medium to achieve deep, dramatic contrasts. Founded in 2021 as a personal project drawing portraits for friends and family, the studio officially rebranded in 2023 as levi.art. Today, it stands as a premier destination for custom hand-drawn art, specializing in personal portraits, couple and family keepsakes, memorial art, and bespoke wedding gifts.
Why I Create (“Si Tuchore”)
The tagline “Si Tuchore” (Swahili for “Let’s Draw”) captures the heartbeat of the brand. Levi believes God created him with a specific artistic skill and purpose. Through “Si Tuchore,” the invitation extends beyond a simple call to commission art, it is an encouragement for everyone to walk in and fulfill their God-given purpose, with Levi fulfilling his through charcoal portraiture.
Beyond capturing a physical likeness, his artwork serves as an emotional anchor, offering comfort in memorial pieces, celebrating union in wedding artwork, and inspiring wonder through annual themes.
My Process
- 01
Concept & Reference
Reviewing reference photos to understand lighting, texture, and emotional depth.
- 02
First Sketch & Composition
Mapping out precise proportions using light guidelines to ensure an accurate likeness.
- 03
Layering & Charcoal Detail
Building rich shadows, deep blacks, and brilliant highlights using professional-grade charcoal.
- 04
Final Delivery
Applying protective fixatives to preserve the portrait for generations.
What Guides the Work
My mission & values.
Authenticity
Every piece reflects genuine emotion and artistic integrity, capturing the true essence of each subject.
Excellence
Committed to delivering exceptional quality in every artwork, from concept to final delivery.
Inspiration
Igniting creativity and wonder through visual storytelling that resonates deeply with viewers.
Empowerment
Nurturing artistic potential in individuals and communities through accessible training and mentorship.
Teaching the Next Generation
Levi also offers classes and mentorship for children who want to learn charcoal portrait drawing, passing on the craft, one sketch at a time. If your child has a heart for art, get in touch.
Ask About Classes