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QuestionHow can I improve my charcoal drawings?
Kelly MedfordKelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.
Professional ArtistUse charcoal on paper with a rough texture. Papers with rough textures have little bumps and grooves that are too small to see, but they catch the charcoal and hold it in place. -
QuestionWhat is the difference between a charcoal pencil and a charcoal stick?
Community Answerit's the exact same medium, except in different forms. Charcoal pencils are just easier to handle and keep the charcoal from getting all over your hands. They can also be sharpened. -
QuestionWhat type of eraser is suitable for using on charcoal?
Community AnswerUse a kneaded eraser so you wont have little things to brush away that could smudge the drawing. -
QuestionWhat is the best fixative?
Community AnswerWorkable Fixatif by Krylon is a popular option. Always spray in an open area, as the fumes can be harmful.
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QuestionWhich charcoal pencil is best for shading?
Community AnswerA thin-tipped one for small areas -- H or HB. Use 6B for larger areas (this one will smudge more easily and will bunt more rapidly, though). A 6B will be slightly darker, even from the same box or kit, but overall darkness in your shading really depends on the pressure from your hand.
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QuestionWhere do I get a charcoal sharpener?
Community AnswerYou can try stores that sell crafting supplies, like Hobby Lobby or Pat Catan's.
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QuestionWhat is charcoal?
Community AnswerIt is pure carbon. Similar to graphite and diamond in being pure carbon, but they all have different arrangements of the carbon atoms.
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QuestionWhat is the best charcoal to use when drawing?
Community AnswerVine charcoal is good because it marks lightly but blends easily. Make sure you use compressed charcoal for dark areas. -
QuestionWill a 50-year-old charcoal drawing still smudge?
Community AnswerIt depends on the quality of the charcoal.
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QuestionHow long can a coal drawing last outside in the weather?
Community AnswerNot very long. Try putting it in a sealed frame so the glass will cover it.
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QuestionDoes this have to be black and white?
Community AnswerUnless you can find colored charcoal, which I don't think exists, your drawing will always be black and whatever color paper you chose. If you want different colors, use something other than charcoal.
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QuestionShould I used compressed charcoal or vine to turn the paper black at the beginning? Will one erase better than the other?
Community AnswerVine charcoal will erase better than other charcoals since it's so light. You can blend easily with your finger or a paper towel to not get too dirty.
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QuestionWhat does the word fixative mean?
Community AnswerFixative is a substance used to fix or stabilize something. In use of some artistic materials, fixative is used to fix the material to the medium that is being used. For example, if you are using pastel or charcoal, at the end of your work you would spray fixative so that you don't smudge the work, and it will help to extend the life of the work.
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QuestionCan I use perfume as spray after finishing the portrait?
Community AnswerYou may be able to get away with it. It really depends on the quality of the charcoal. In most cases, however, you should try to get a fixative.
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QuestionIs it difficult to make art with charcoal?
Community AnswerIt can be, just make sure you're using the instructions that apply to using charcoal. If you don't you may end up with a smudged, sloppy look. At first, charcoal can be hard to use but the results are great!
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QuestionCan you draw with charcoal without a easel?
Melanie SepulevedaCommunity AnswerYou can use charcoal without an easel. However, it is the possibility of smudging easier, so keep that in mind as you sketch.
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