How to Draw Texture with Charcoal
Sometimes, graphic artists and sketchbook maestros use charcoal for sketching and drawing. The reason is that this type of art piece has a unique feel and depth. Moreover, a charcoal sketch or drawing is more real as compared to the piece of art that is made of powder paint or pencil.
If you have been blessed with good drawing skills then you can draw easily with charcoal. However, if you are trying to add texture in that piece of art then you will have to keep couple of important things in mind. You must follow some valid directions otherwise this will be a futile exercise.
Things required:
– Charcoal
– Paper
– Eraser
– Blending stick
Instructions
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1
Know the types of charcoal:
First of all, you must know that there different types of charcoal for art. These types include powder charcoal, vine charcoal or stocks and compressed charcoal. The artists fix powdered and compressed charcoal with a binder and transform them into pencils or sticks. Choose the type that is easy to handle. -
2
Choose the paper:
Next thing you should do is to choose the paper. Some papers already have a texture and they feel rough when touched whereas some papers are smooth surfaced. You must pick the paper according to the nature of your sketch. If you need bit roughness then go for the paper with textured feel otherwise go for the second option. -
3
Draw your subject:
After making all the arrangements, you should start drawing. Make sure that you draw lightly otherwise you won’t be able to correct the mistakes properly. To avoid any mistake, you should plan the composition of charcoal drawing even before sketching it. T
he probability of mistakes is less if you know where to place the subject on paper. However, your every move will not be perfect so use kneaded eraser to remove the imperfections. -
4
Where to have the texture:
Now that you have transferred your image onto paper, it’s time to decide which area of drawing needs texture. You must keep in mind that skin, clothes and metal do not have a rough texture like hair, grass or stones etc. -
5
Start with soft texture:
You should begin with soft and smooth textures as it will be difficult to maintain spotlessness after giving the rough texture with charcoal. Use uneven strokes to give a rough texture and then soften the edges before completing the charcoal drawing. It is better to apply pressure on charcoal to have more realistic texture. This will also highlight the features of subject properly. -
6
Use your eraser like sponge:
Another effective technique to give a dappled effect and draw texture with charcoal is to use eraser like a sponge. In this way, the artists do not remove the extra charcoal and draw a tinted texture.
