The compressed charcoal stick is a hard charcoal that is great for making darker lines. Compressed charcoal also comes in white to help with highlighting. [2] X Research source Soft charcoals are great for blending and creating smudges throughout your piece. However, these are some of the messiest charcoals to work with. [3] X Research source Use powdered charcoal for a lighter look and if you are toning larger areas. However, it is generally very messy. [4] X Research source
Plain white paper, newsprint, bristol board, and illustration board are good choices for a drawing with smooth lines. Plain white paper also creates natural highlights easily because the gray or white of the paper combines with the color of the charcoal. [6] X Research source Charcoal paper, pastel papers, and watercolor papers have a fine-ribbed texture that helps create more brittle lines. [7] X Research source Toned papers that require you to use both white and black charcoal. [8] X Research source
You should always choose a well-lit area since charcoal drawings are on the darker side, it is difficult to see highlighting, shadows, and details of your drawing.
Fixatives come in 2 types, final and workable. Many artists use the workable spray because you can make small changes to your work after it has been fixed. You cannot alter your work after using the final fixative. You can use hairspray as an alternative, but be careful because it can cause the surface of your drawing to become slightly darker.
Apply more pressure to your stoke to get a solid, darker line.
Use a broad, sweeping motion to fill in larger areas on your paper.
If you are drawing a subject, make sure to sketch the entire figure or scene before moving on to individual details. For example, if you are drawing a face, start with a circular or square shaped outline. Or use a use an oval to begin the drawing of a vase. Charcoal pencils work great for creating a basic sketch. [16] X Research source Mark any high areas of contrast with a line. If you are drawing a face, draw the outlines of the eyes, mouth, and nose to give yourself a better outline of your subject.
Use a kneaded eraser to sharpen the outlines of your objects.
Smudge the areas around the contours of the face to add dimension such as the creases in a nose. You can also use smudging to create the texture of a flower.
You can use your eraser to pull whites out to create contrast and highlight the darker areas. If you don’t want to erase the charcoal to create highlights, you can use chalk or Conte crayon. Conte crayons come in black and white and will enhance your drawings. [20] X Research source
If you are still noticing dust coming from your charcoal drawing, re-apply the fixative.
