How to Draw With Charcoal: Types, Marks, and Erasing Techniques

TL;DR

To draw with charcoal, use a point for lines, a side for broad areas, and erasers to subtract marks from the paper. Artist Abith Russell demonstrates charcoal pencils, vine charcoal, and compressed charcoal, explaining that compressed charcoal creates very dark marks while vine charcoal wipes away easily. Read on to compare charcoal types and discover practical ways to add, erase, and refine marks.

Transcript

hi my name is abith Russell I'm an artist based out of Portland Maine and in the next few minutes I'm going to be showing you how to draw using charcoal charcoal comes in a lot of different forms there's charcoal pencils like these ones Vine charcoal which is just what it sounds like um the pieces of wood are just burnt so that become charcoal um a... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Charcoal comes in different forms, including charcoal pencils, vine charcoal, and compressed charcoal.
• 🫥 Hard charcoal produces dark, sharp lines, while soft charcoal creates light, soft lines.
• 👻 Charcoal allows for both adding and subtracting elements in the drawing process.
• ❓ Various erasers, like gummy erasers and rubber erasers, can be used with charcoal.
• ✏️ Charcoal drawings can be refined and details can be added using charcoal pencils.
• ❓ Experimentation and practice are essential when starting with charcoal drawing.
• 😡 Charcoal can be easily wiped away with a rag when using vine charcoal.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you draw with charcoal?

Use the charcoal’s point to draw lines or its side to cover broad areas. You can build marks by adding charcoal, remove them with an eraser, and then draw back into the erased areas with a charcoal pencil.

Q: What forms of drawing charcoal are demonstrated?

Abith Russell demonstrates charcoal pencils, vine charcoal, and compressed charcoal. Vine charcoal is made from pieces of wood that have been burned until they become charcoal.

Q: What is compressed charcoal used for?

Compressed charcoal produces very dark marks. Its point can create lines, while its side can create broad areas of charcoal.

Q: How do hard and soft charcoal differ?

Hard charcoal produces sharper, darker lines and can withstand firm pressure without breaking. Soft charcoal makes lighter, softer marks that appear more gray than black and requires a more delicate touch.

Q: Can charcoal drawings be erased?

Yes, erasing is part of charcoal’s subtractive drawing process. A gummy eraser can be shaped into a point to draw into charcoal-covered areas, while a rubber eraser can produce sharper erased lines.

Q: Why is compressed charcoal harder to erase?

Compressed charcoal contains a binder that makes it adhere more firmly to the paper. Removing it requires pressing down and working into the charcoal with an eraser.

Q: Can you draw over an erased charcoal area?

Yes, charcoal can be added again after an area has been erased. A charcoal pencil can draw directly back into the remaining charcoal and help refine the marks.

Q: How should a beginner practice drawing with charcoal?

Before attempting realistic subjects or imagery, spend time experimenting with mark-making. Try different charcoal types, use erasers for subtraction, and test a rag, which can easily wipe away vine charcoal even though charcoal pencil remains on the paper.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Charcoal comes in various forms, including charcoal pencils, vine charcoal, and compressed charcoal.

• Different types of charcoal produce different line qualities, with harder charcoal creating darker and sharper lines, and softer charcoal creating lighter and softer lines.

• Charcoal allows for both additive (adding charcoal to the paper) and subtractive (using an eraser) drawing processes.