FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Harper Craft / Artist Information
Last updated 27th July 2005 by Bree
Types of Charcoal used by Artists
Stick Charcoal is made by putting thin strips or branches of wood in a kiln and heating them until they become carbon. The type of wood determines both the quality and hardness of the charcoal. Stick charcoal is very brittle and will break and splinter easily. It is best to use it on surfaces with a rough texture both to keep the stick from breaking and because it will not adhere to smooth surfaces.
Techniques: It is frequently used for quick sketches, though it is usable for more elaborate drawings as well. The tip can be used to make thin lines or the stick can be used on its side to make broad strokes. For fine work, the tip can be sharpened. It can be blended easily and wiped away quickly. A good method of use is to lay out darker areas first and then erase away to create lighter tones. The major disadvantages of this medium is that it can be wiped away so easily. Entire areas could be ruined with an accidental bump of a hand or sleeve.
Compressed Charcoal is made by mixing powdered charcoal with clay and then compressing the mixture. The more carbon, the softer the stick and darker the mark made. Compressed charcoal is less brittle than stick charcoal and makes a denser mark, good for producing a wider range of values. It is easier to blend, but more difficult to erase.
Techniques: Compressed charcoal is used much the same way as stick charcoal. It is more durable and harder to erase, which means that it is not as likely to accidentally wipe out a drawing.
Charcoal Pencils are made by covering compressed charcoal with paper or wood encasements. They are cleaner to use than stick charcoal or plain compressed charcoal, but aren't as flexible or versatile.
Techniques: Charcoal pencils are used for making small line drawings or working greater detail into a larger piece, since generally only the tip of the pencil is exposed.
Powdered Charcoal is made by grinding fire charred wood into a fine powder. The intensity is determined by the kind of wood used.
Techniques: There are several ways of using powdered charcoal. One method is to use fingers or a paper stomp to apply the powder to a drawing. Alternatively, an entire page can be covered and the lighter areas erased away.
All types of charcoal can be used together to create a single drawing, or the drawing may be the result of just one type.
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Techniques: It is frequently used for quick sketches, though it is usable for more elaborate drawings as well. The tip can be used to make thin lines or the stick can be used on its side to make broad strokes. For fine work, the tip can be sharpened. It can be blended easily and wiped away quickly. A good method of use is to lay out darker areas first and then erase away to create lighter tones. The major disadvantages of this medium is that it can be wiped away so easily. Entire areas could be ruined with an accidental bump of a hand or sleeve.
Compressed Charcoal is made by mixing powdered charcoal with clay and then compressing the mixture. The more carbon, the softer the stick and darker the mark made. Compressed charcoal is less brittle than stick charcoal and makes a denser mark, good for producing a wider range of values. It is easier to blend, but more difficult to erase.
Techniques: Compressed charcoal is used much the same way as stick charcoal. It is more durable and harder to erase, which means that it is not as likely to accidentally wipe out a drawing.
Charcoal Pencils are made by covering compressed charcoal with paper or wood encasements. They are cleaner to use than stick charcoal or plain compressed charcoal, but aren't as flexible or versatile.
Techniques: Charcoal pencils are used for making small line drawings or working greater detail into a larger piece, since generally only the tip of the pencil is exposed.
Powdered Charcoal is made by grinding fire charred wood into a fine powder. The intensity is determined by the kind of wood used.
Techniques: There are several ways of using powdered charcoal. One method is to use fingers or a paper stomp to apply the powder to a drawing. Alternatively, an entire page can be covered and the lighter areas erased away.
All types of charcoal can be used together to create a single drawing, or the drawing may be the result of just one type.
See Also: No articles yet
Referenced By: No articles yet