Realistic Charcoal Drawing for Beginners

In this section, you'll learn how to set up your area and materials for the class.

This video will discuss the materials you will need. 

• Download the two images below. "Rowboat.pdf" is the original photograph, and "Boat-FinishedCharcoal.pdf" is a sample of a completed drawing for your reference. 

Materials: 

• 9x12" Sheet of drawing paper with 8x8" square drawn on as your frame
• Scratch paper
• Pencil 
• Eraser (gum eraser, pink pearl, eraser pencil)
• Compressed Charcoal (large sticks)
• Vine & Willow Charcoal (thin sticks)
• Charcoal Pencil
• Cotton Balls
• Cloth or towel for your hands

Here we'll discuss how to think about your process for a successful and enjoyable experience.

In this lecture, we'll explore different ways of blending the charcoal.

Here, I'll introduce the concept of measuring from the reference photo to create a relatively accurate drawing.

Here we'll discuss how to connect to your image to feel inspired during your drawing experience.

In this section, I'll introduce and offer practice for measuring both distances and angles.  We will use both of these skills in making our drawings.

Here, we'll measure and draw in the lines in the background.

In this section, I'll walk you through measuring and drawing in the island in the background.

Here we'll draw in the basic shape for the rowboat.

In this section, we'll draw in the shape for the boat's reflection on the water.

Here, we'll start to add the horizontal slats in the boat.

In this section, we'll add the details in the boat's edges.

Here we'll finish off the boat slats and do finishing drawing touches.

In this lecture, we'll talk about why and how to start adding charcoal with a single, light layer of tone over the whole drawing.

Here I'll show you how to add value to the sky with vine charcoal.

Here, we'll start adding value to the water with vine charcoal.

In this section, we'll add clouds to the sky with vine charcoal.

Here we'll add value to the mountains first with vine charcoal and then with the charcoal pencil.

In this lecture, we'll go step-by-step into coloring the island, including adding tree texture and the reflection in the water.

Here, we'll add the highlight at the horizon by removing value.

In this lecture, we'll add the reflection of the boat on the water.

Here, we'll add the basic values on the boat.

In this section, we'll refine and darken shadows.

Here, we'll erase to add highlights.

In this section, we'll refine edges by sharpening or blurring as needed.

We're almost done!  Time to add the boat's chain and sign your piece (if you'd like to).

Here we'll talk about thoughts on framing and cleaning up (or not cleaning up) marks outside your drawn frame.

In this section, I'll show you how to protect your finished drawing by spraying a layer of fixative over it.  

That's all folks!  Here we'll just review what you learned today.  Thanks again for joining me.  I hope you enjoyed the class!