For beginners and experienced artists alike, charcoal is a versatile material usually found in sticks and used for sketching.
he pressure, grip and type and charcoal you use will impact how charcoal behaves – you’ll also need to apply a fixative after you’re done.
We stock a wide range of different charcoal types, from top brands like Faber-Castell, Coates Willow, Derwent and Pebeo.
Types of charcoal
There’s are many types of charcoal available – different forms that require different techniques to master. Types of charcoal include:
Compressed charcoal sticks – made completely of charcoal, thin sticks that offer perfect control.
Charcoal pastels – shaped like a soft pastel, but made with charcoal instead. Can be used in a similar way to pastels and feature a similar consistency.
Charcoal pencils – instead of filled with traditional graphite, these pencils have a charcoal core.
Charcoal paint – water-soluble paint made infused with charcoal instead of pigment.
Charcoal powder– a non-bound charcoal for sprinkling that comes in a tub. This is ideal for shading, but be prepared to get messy!
What paper should I use with charcoal?
Any type of paper will do – the drawing pads or paper you already own will likely do the job for a sketch, but the grade of paper you use will affect how to charcoal behaves.
Toothed paper – either fine-toothed or with a rougher texture – is the best option for charcoal. You can use either white or toned paper – coloured paper can be a fun option to add shades to traditionally black and white compositions.
The grain of the paper is how charcoal adheres to it, so a glossy, smooth paper will make it trickier to use charcoal. Bristol board, for example, has little to no tooth, which makes it an unsuitable choice.
Charcoal drawing techniques
Charcoal drawing techniques can help you get the best from it. Before you start, try using a charcoal stick loosely in your hand and sketching a simple object.
This can help you get a feel for how charcoal behaves and feels in your hand. Experiment with different pressures to learn how to use charcoal as a beginner.
Once you’re ready to start your next piece, these tips could help:
Gently does it
Avoid using hard strokes with too much pressure to begin with. You could end up with harsh lines that are difficult to change later – or break your charcoal stick in half!
Soft strokes are best to build up your composition, then use progressively more pressure as you go.
Sketch your compostion first
Avoid using hard strokes with too much pressure to begin with. You could end up with harsh lines that are difficult to change later – or break your charcoal stick in half!
Soft strokes are best to build up your composition, then use progressively more pressure as you go.
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