Intensify Your Art: A Beginner’s Guide to Charcoal Pencils
To create a masterpiece, artists use a wide array of drawing tools. However, if you want to sketch and do it fast you will need a charcoal pencil. Unlike regular pencils, charcoal is a smooth and brittle material that has similar properties to chalk pastel.
Its dark substance is available in a variety of hard and soft shapes, and darker and lighter hues, but don’t undervalue the extraordinary profundity it can reach, as even in its lightest shades charcoal still has the rich black tones you need to depict that level of intensity on a drawing with deep shadows.
Types of Charcoal
Draw and sketch with ease and with an easily blendable and artist-friendly charcoal pencil. The type of charcoal you decide to go with is one of the most important aspects to consider. Being the perfect tool for investigating both line and form and for exploring light and contrast, there are many different types of charcoal available today that can be used to make completed drawings, sketches, paintings on canvas, large-scale pieces, performance art, and illustrations.
Compressed Charcoal
These hard, brittle pencils are created from charcoal powder and a binding agent, typically a natural gum or wax, which allows them to be applied smoothly and erased easily. Unlike calligraphy tools, charcoal can draw marks with all of its sections and can be wielded like a pencil or crayon. To draw a narrow line, use the tip or edge of the charcoal, or block out sections for a broader mark with the full side. Some compressed charcoal types with moulded shapes feature square or cylindrical edges.
Because compressed charcoal has a wide range of applications, it is ideal for creating rapid sketches and abstract images that are vibrant and dynamic. This comes in a variety of lengths and toughness levels. For example, tougher charcoal is far more powerful and less prone to smudge, whereas softer charcoal will produce some powder.
Regardless of whether you use delicate or strong charcoal, you can still achieve a range of methods such as filming, pressure strokes, expressive lines, blending, and smearing.
The majority of charcoal pencils on the market come in a 10-piece package of 2 Jumbo, 2 Large, 3 Medium, and 3 Small sticks of artist’s willow or vine charcoal, while some sets include 12 or 18 pieces.
However, when using a charcoal pencil, you will need to focus your drawing from time to time, depending on the type. One approach to avoid smudge is to spray finish the work or use tissue paper as a separator.
Powdered Charcoal
Top-quality powdered charcoal is often extremely finely ground to a consistent 100-particle size. It is incredibly high-quality, silky, and smooth, and it ensures a consistent finish by being free of lumps that are too harsh or gritty to leave a mark on your paper’s surface.
To swiftly and easily create shapes and tones, use a brush or a paper stump. To avoid unpleasant leaks, powered charcoals are packaged in a dependable, reusable aluminium tin with a tight-fitting top.
The helpful recessed reservoir insert allows you to adjust the amount of available powder. It is simple to remove, allowing you to reach and refill the tin. Please bear in mind that wearing a dust mask is highly recommended.
Liquid Charcoal
When compared to other varieties of charcoal, the liquid type is the most unique to work with. Because of its water solubility, you can adjust the values from extremely light to deep, rich black. This versatility allows for a diverse range of textures and gives artists a new perspective on working with sketch-like tools. It is viscous immediately out of the tube, similar in thickness to oil paint, but it is very lightfast and dries quickly. It can be used either wet or dry.
Safety Tips for Drawing with a Charcoal Pencil
Although charcoal drawing pencils are a very simple and adaptable medium to work with, there are some steps you can take for a good drawing experience.
Don’t Blow the Dust Away
Lift your sketch occasionally while working to allow dust to fall onto a damp towel or mat. Avoid the temptation to blast your dust away because you may wind yourself breathing it in rather than blowing it out.
You can also use a soft brush to gently remove dust. The pressure you use, how frequently you stroke, the softness of the charcoal drawing pencil, and the amount of dust produced are all considerations. If you have never used charcoal previously, continue with caution. If you apply too much pressure, your light will fade too rapidly. Excess carbon might be difficult to remove or soften. Before using compacted charcoal, experiment with willow charcoal.
Use Protective Clothing
If you work fast or in a large format, charcoal dust will fly everywhere. Although some painters prefer the feel of charcoal on their palms, it can irritate the skin, which is why others choose to wear protective clothes. Gloves and aprons can be used to protect your clothes from fine dust particles that become embedded in your hands. However, don’t be disappointed if some charcoal ends up on your beloved tee or sweater; it washes away readily on almost all textiles.
