6.08.2015

The Popularity Of Charcoal Drawing Artists

By Elaine Guthrie


Charred sticks were used by early humans in many cultures to create drawings on cave walls. In Renaissance times, techniques were discovered to prevent drawings in this medium from fading over time and it became a medium in its own right instead of just a tool for creating preliminary sketches. Today charcoal drawing artists are producing astounding works of art that can hold their own against any other medium.

There are many different techniques that need to be mastered. Hatching is one of these and involves the use of parallel lines. With cross-hatching, two sets of lines are overlaid. Rubbing is another technique and lifting, requiring use of an eraser, helps to create highlights. All of the techniques used contribute to the creation of depth and tone gradients.

Looking at the portfolio of a particular artist is the best way to find out more about their level of skill and the style they prefer. Some enjoy working with pastel colored charcoals, rather than just using black or silver. Others love the moody, atmospheric effects that can be created by smearing or smudging.

Harder charcoals are used in the creation of light lines and the softer ones can be blended or used to make deep lines. An artist will usually work with a paper with a heavier tooth that is rougher and holds particles better. However, the type of paper used depends very much on the way the artist prefers to work. It must be strong so that it does not tear with application.

The most realistic portraits can be created using this medium. The length of time taken depends on the size of the drawing, and on the degree of difficulty of the subject. Some can take many hours. To get the desired level of realistic detail, using a live model is very time consuming for both the model and the artist. Most prefer to draw from pictures, taking time to capture all the fine lines and facial expression of the subject as realistically as possible.

When commissioning a portrait in this medium, prices may vary considerably. An established artist who has already built up a reputation and worked for many clients will obviously charge more. Other factors like size and the number of subjects also influence the price. A simple head and shoulders portrait may be relatively inexpensive but a full body one with a background will be more pricey.

Signing a contract may be required before any work starts. This includes all the details as agreed by both the artist and the client. A deposit may be requested with the balance being paid on completion.

Ordering drawings is made much easier today with the ability to do this online. Simply email a photograph of a family member and have an unforgettable gift to present on a birthday. Commission a portrait of the couple for a special wedding anniversary and it will become a prized possession. Carefully selecting an artist to do the work will ensure satisfaction and sometimes the piece received is even better than the samples seen on a site.




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