How to Draw With Charcoal Pencils

Create a charcoal picture.

Charcoal is an interesting and creative tool if you want to explore and experiment with drawing techniques. Create a wide range of shades, tones, textures and effects to drawings by using this accessible method. Using charcoal will help you to understand various lighting techniques and gradients of gray. A quick method of sketching, carry charcoal around and burst into drawing when you are sitting in a park. Using charcoal, the picture will feel complete without paying attention to too much detail.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Charcoal
• Eraser
• Fixative spray

Instructions

1. Choose which type of charcoal you intend to use. There are two types of charcoal, compressed charcoal that can be found in pencil form, or willow charcoal, which is generally messier.

2. Decide on what picture you want to re-create with your charcoal. Choose a photo that you have, or draw a still life. Arrange a bowl of fruit and a glass on the drawing table for inspiration.

3. Copy the central shapes of the objects in your still-life composition. Sketch lightly using the charcoal as it will smudge and create marks very easily. Try to draw simple and neat shapes. Erase any smudging right away as this will become more difficult the more you begin sketching.

4. Begin tonally shading the highlights of the picture. Press lightly with the charcoal. Do not pay attention to detail just yet, but mark where the light reflects off of the drawing. Once the highlights are visible begin shading in the darker tones. Use your finger to smudge the gradients of gray together. The picture should not be formed yet so do not worry about detail.

5. Add the darker defining lines to the drawing. These dark lines will make the picture come to life so press hardly but finely onto the drawing to add the lines of detail and create depth.

6. Erase any smudging from the drawing and spray the charcoal picture with a fixative spray to prevent smudging and movement in the picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Work from the top of your drawing downward to avoid smudging lines.

• Use your fingers to blend your picture together.

• Place newspaper under your drawing as charcoal can make a mess.

References

• EmptyEasel: How to draw a charcoal portrait