Drawing Charcoal

Drawing Charcoal

At Art to Art, you can choose from drawing charcoal sets of 4 pieces all the way up to 30 pieces. Either made from fine-quality willow or natural pitt, our drawing charcoal can create bold strokes that can be easily corrected, making charcoal the ultimate tool for you!

Types of charcoal

Charcoal powder: ideal for toning and shading large areas of your sketch, charcoal powder has the ability to create fine and deep strokes that can be easily erased! Create a compositional masterpiece today with our charcoal powders. 

Charcoal pencils: great for drawing, sketching and shading. Our charcoal pencils give you stability and precision when you’re creating detailed, defining bold tones. 

Charcoal sticks: if you’re looking to create artwork with dimension and soft hues, this is the perfect art tool for you. Our charcoal sticks are able to create contrasting levels of shade and light to achieve high-quality results. 

Art to Art’s professional charcoal is perfectly suited for creating softened lines and blended effects on both art paper or art canvas. 

What is artist charcoal made of?

Artist charcoal is made from willow branches or grape vines that have been heated at high temperatures without oxygen. Depending on the type of charcoal you use, the results will vary. Vine charcoals and willow charcoals produce softer effects, whilst compressed charcoals produce darker tones.

Characteristics of Charcoal Drawing

Charcoal drawing involves the use of these charred sticks of wood to create both finished pieces and preliminary studies. One of the main characteristics of charcoal as a medium is its impermanence. Unless fixed with some form of gum or resin, charcoal can be easily erased or smudged. This makes it a versatile tool for artists looking to experiment or make quick adjustments.

Charcoal Blending Products

Yes, there are several products designed specifically for blending charcoal, making it easier to create smooth transitions and gradients in your artwork. Here are some popular options:

• Blending Stumps: Also known as tortillons, these tightly wound paper tools are perfect for blending fine details and softening lines.
• Chamois Cloths: These soft, pliable cloths work well for broader areas, allowing you to gently blend and spread charcoal on your paper.
• Soft Brushes: Brushes with soft bristles can be used to lightly blend charcoal, helping to achieve a more uniform texture.
• Finger Cots: Small covers for your fingers that help you blend without getting oil from your skin onto the paper.
• Cotton Swabs and Pads: Easily accessible and effective, cotton swabs and pads are great for blending small areas with precision.

These tools can significantly enhance the quality of your charcoal drawings, giving you greater control over the medium. Whether you're working on detailed sketches or expansive landscapes, having the right blending tools can make all the difference.

Are There Any Beginner Kits for Charcoal Drawing Available?

Absolutely, there are several beginner-friendly charcoal drawing kits perfect for those looking to dive into this art form. These kits typically include a variety of essential tools to get you started, making your experience both enjoyable and productive. Here are some key components you might find in a quality beginner kit:

• Charcoal Pencils: These provide precision and control, allowing you to create detailed sketches.
• Vine and Compressed Charcoal Sticks: Ideal for bold strokes and broad shading areas.
• Blending Stumps and Tortillons: Tools that help you smoothly blend and shade your drawings.
• Kneaded Eraser: A flexible eraser that can be shaped to remove fine lines or larger areas without damaging your paper.

Browse our online store today and you’ll be sure to find the perfect drawing charcoal for your artistic needs! Or, if you’re looking to expand your artistic collection, check out our drawing supplies today. Art to Art also offers free shipping over $100 and Afterpay. 

FAQs

How do you draw with charcoal?

Working with charcoal is similar to drawing with graphite pencils. Depending on the result you want to achieve, you can choose charcoal sticks for smoother tones and pencils for deeper strokes. 

Firstly, we recommend testing different grips and pressure to get your desired result. As a beginner, it is easier to begin with light pressure and sketch out your work, so mistakes can be easily corrected (make sure you have a kneaded eraser handy). 

To create deeper lines, point the tip of the charcoal into the paper, and for softer strokes, use the side of the charcoal.  You can even try smudging and erasing layers to bring more complexity to the artwork. 

What is artist charcoal made of?

Artist charcoal is made from willow branches or grape vines that have been heated at high temperatures without oxygen. Depending on the type of charcoal you use, the results will vary. Vine charcoals and willow charcoals produce softer effects, whilst compressed charcoals produce darker tones.

What paper is best for charcoal drawing?

We recommend using light weight, fine-toothed paper to ease blending. This includes pastel paper and drawing pads. Shiny paper is not recommended as the charcoal will not create the desired effect.