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Charcoal Basics for Beginners
Rating: 4.5 out of 5(43 ratings)
257 students

Charcoal Basics for Beginners

Learn to recreate a realistic image from a photograph
Created byDiane Flick
Last updated 7/2019
English

What you'll learn

  • How to recreate a realistic image from a photograph.
  • Measuring techniques for accuracy.
  • Charcoal techniques such as shading, lifting highlights, and adding textures.
  • The types of Charcoal and how to use them.

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Course content

7 sections • 20 lectures • 59m total length

  • Welcome to the Course1:11

    Welcome to Charcoal Basics for Beginners! In this video you will get a brief overview of the course. I hope you enjoy the class!

  • Materials3:24

    In this video we will discuss the materials you will need for your course. Download the attached PDF file which contains a print out of the materials list and the reference images.

    Materials list: 

    • Print reference image (for best results, use photo paper). (NOTE: be sure to print page at 100%)

    • #2 Pencil w/Eraser, Pencil Sharpener

    • Kneaded Eraser

    • Drawing Paper (for use with charcoal)

    • Ruler to draw 4" frame

    • Vine charcoal

    • Charcoal pencil

    • Compressed charcoal

    • Blending Stump


    • OPTIONAL: Eraser Pencil, Tape and a board, Sandpaper pad, Workable Spray Fixatif

Requirements

  • This class is for beginners, no previous experience necessary!

Description

This class is a step-by-step introduction to the world of charcoal drawing—perfect for those who are brand new to realistic drawing or to charcoal as a medium. Together, we’ll work from start to finish to create a textured stack of rocks on a sandy beach.


You’ll begin with blank paper and learn how to:

• Measure accurately from a photo reference to achieve correct proportions

• Understand the anatomy of light and shadow to build realistic depth

• Explore the contrast of strong highlights and deep shadows created by sunlight

• Practice both soft edges and blends, as well as sharp edges for definition

• Capture the subtle dips of sand in the background and the pitted texture of stone surfaces


Throughout the course, you’ll discover how to manage your charcoal tools to achieve varied textures, from velvety smooth gradients to rugged, detailed rock surfaces. Each lesson is carefully paced so you can follow along and see your drawing develop layer by layer.


By the end, you’ll have a finished charcoal drawing—complete with signature—and the foundational skills to approach realistic drawing with confidence. This class is designed to give you a serious introduction to drawing and traditional materials, while keeping the project simple enough to focus on learning many essential skills in a short time.

Who this course is for:

  • Curious beginners new to drawing and charcoal.

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