Charcoal is a medium that has been used by artists for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. It’s relatively affordable, easy to find, and extremely versatile, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects. If you’re new to charcoal art, here are some steps to get you started:

First, choose your materials. There are several types of charcoal you can use, each with its own unique characteristics. Willow charcoal is made from thin twigs and branches, and it’s great for creating delicate lines and detailed drawings. It’s also easy to erase and blend, making it a good choice for beginners. Vine charcoal is made from thin branches and twigs, and it’s perfect for creating softer, more subtle lines. It’s also easy to erase and blend, but it’s not as precise as willow charcoal. Compressed charcoal is made by pressing powdered charcoal into a stick form, and it’s great for creating bold, dark lines. It’s not as easy to erase or blend as willow or vine charcoal, but it’s perfect for creating strong, expressive lines. Pencil form charcoal is just like a regular pencil, and it’s perfect for creating precise, detailed lines. It’s also easy to erase and blend, making it a good choice for detailed drawings.

In addition to charcoal, you’ll also need some paper. Newsprint is the most affordable option, but it’s also the least durable. It’s perfect for practising and experimentation but not the best choice for finished drawings. Drawing paper is a good middle ground, as it’s more durable than newsprint but still affordable. It’s perfect for creating finished drawings, and it comes in a variety of weights and textures. Bristol board is the most expensive option but also the most durable and high-quality. It’s perfect for creating professional-quality drawings but not the best choice for beginners because it’s more difficult to erase and blend.

Once you have your materials, start by drawing basic shapes. This will help you get a feel for how the charcoal moves on the paper and how to control the line thickness. Try drawing circles, squares, and triangles, and experiment with pressing harder or softer on the paper to create different line thicknesses. For example, if you want to create a thin line, lightly touch the paper with the tip of the charcoal. If you want to create a thick line, press down harder on the paper. You can also create different line textures by drawing with the side of the charcoal or by using different tools, like a kneaded eraser or a blending stick.

Experiment with blending: Charcoal can be blended with a variety of tools, including your fingers, a paper towel, or a blending stick. Each tool will give you a different effect, so it’s worth trying out a few to see which one you like best. You can also try blending with different materials, like tissue paper or a makeup sponge, to see what works best for you. For example, if you want to create a soft, blurry effect, you can blend the charcoal with your fingers or a paper towel. If you want to create a more precise, controlled effect, you can use a blending stick or a kneaded eraser.

Practice shading, shading is an important technique in charcoal art, as it helps to create depth and dimension. Start by shading a simple object, like a sphere or cube, and gradually work your way up to more complex subjects. Pay attention to the direction of the light source and the values (lightness or darkness) of the different areas.

One of the great things about charcoal is that it’s a forgiving medium. If you make a mistake, you can easily erase it or blend it out with a paper towel or blending stick. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: One of the great things about charcoal is that it’s a forgiving medium. If you make a mistake, you can easily erase it or blend it out with a paper towel or blending stick. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process.

Finally, the most important thing is to practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to draw with charcoal, and try new subjects and techniques to keep things interesting. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. With some dedication and practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful charcoal art.

Keep practising.

So there you have it – a step-by-step guide on how to begin with charcoal art medium. Charcoal is a versatile and expressive medium that’s perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. With some practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to create beautiful drawings that capture the subtle nuances and textures of your subjects. With ArtistsFloor courses you can go through all these points and learn how to do each point one by one. 

With our guidance and tutorials, you can draw anything you ever wanted to…