Working with Charcoal.
This is a totally renewable resource, and if you work directly with nature like I do than you should celebrate the moments of use. Charcoal is a great medium once you have overcome the initial control of the medium. For me its all about speed, impression and the pressure you apply when you use it. And you can draw with it on almost any type of paper, canvas, board, linen, meant for drawing or painting. Remember, though, that coal is also very messy. It comes off your skin very easily, but to avoid your self and everything around you becoming all black, you have to learn how to handle it.
Charcoal comes in various sizes and compressions the most compressed can be very black, Also charcoal can be used alongside any other medium and its velvet hue is just wow alongside oils, inks, acrylic or whatever.
Lots of people will advise you on the use of an eraser and charcoal but don't be taken in, the best thing about charcoal is its ability to be spontaneous and to help you capture in a stroke a movement of a body, the line of tree or the ripple of light in water. Get some cheap paper and practice practice. use it on its edge, on its side or however. Grind it down and use a cloth to spread it.
Tips
After working with charcoal, you will probably get your hands and face dirty (yes, face. It's weird how the stains get there, but it's very possible to get your face dirty). Don't worry, charcoal cleans up easily with plenty of soap. But the best thing to use are baby wipes or women's make wipes.
As soon as you start rubbing charcoal out to create highlights you loose its velvet gloss finish so ban erasers. If your drawing goes wrong, put it down to experience and start again.
Charcoal comes in various sizes and compressions the most compressed can be very black, Also charcoal can be used alongside any other medium and its velvet hue is just wow alongside oils, inks, acrylic or whatever.
Lots of people will advise you on the use of an eraser and charcoal but don't be taken in, the best thing about charcoal is its ability to be spontaneous and to help you capture in a stroke a movement of a body, the line of tree or the ripple of light in water. Get some cheap paper and practice practice. use it on its edge, on its side or however. Grind it down and use a cloth to spread it.
Tips
After working with charcoal, you will probably get your hands and face dirty (yes, face. It's weird how the stains get there, but it's very possible to get your face dirty). Don't worry, charcoal cleans up easily with plenty of soap. But the best thing to use are baby wipes or women's make wipes.
As soon as you start rubbing charcoal out to create highlights you loose its velvet gloss finish so ban erasers. If your drawing goes wrong, put it down to experience and start again.
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