Introduction to Charcoal

Charcoal is a true learning medium, perfect for those new to art because it’s the best tool for students. Students in the old academy would draw endlessly with charcoal. It is a forgiving and versatile medium – the ease of erasing and blending makes it a joy to work it. In the end, it gives you a remarkably realistic appearance when a charcoal drawing is taken to completion.

If you’ve tried charcoal and found it messy – this course will show you how to control it. In each class, the instructor will lead you through demonstrations that cover 6 independent charcoal drawing techniques, such as blending, creating texture, using the eraser as a drawing tool, drawing on paper versus canvas, and more.

Benefits of the Course

In the first class, you’ll learn the difference between the types of charcoals and experiment with their unique properties by creating an informational chart that will benefit all of your future drawings. The rest of the course will be devoted to playing, experimenting, and learning with this wonderful medium.

You will be guided through the entire process, from understanding the difference between the types of charcoals to creating a completed and realistic drawings. We will walk through how to add value (lights and shadows) including types of shading styles. Upon the course completion, you will walk away with a strong foundation that will make you comfortable to create beautiful charcoal drawings on your own.

You do not need prior knowledge: we will take you step by step to learn how to draw with and use charcoal so you will get the style you want, whether it be realistic or sketchy, blended or textured. You will learn how to use the techniques and combine them.

We will get to know the tools, materials and techniques of drawing and shading in a new and simple way. You will get familiar with Charcoals (vine, willow, and compressed), Eraser, and Blending Stumps.

Whether you’re a long time art lover, art hobbyist, high school student who wants to improve their art portfolio, someone who want to learn some new skills of drawing, or an artist who wants to practice another medium, you found the right course.