In this gentle introduction to charcoal drawing, you will be exploring different techniques for creating rich and interesting tonal drawings with this most ancient of drawing media. A willingness to experiment and not worry about producing a finished piece will help you on this one-day course.
Through a combination of demonstrations, with lots of useful tips, tricks and drawing exercises, you will begin to develop a language of mark-making that will help you make the most of this versatile drawing medium. You will experiment with and explore the different qualities of charcoals, papers, erasers and fixatives. You will draw from objects and your photographs.
At the end of this course, you will have produced both experimental mark-making and direct observational drawings, and you will have a developing confidence and familiarity with different types of charcoal, paper, erasers and fixatives.
Included
- The course includes the cost of providing all materials, including a black Conté crayon, scene painters willow charcoal – thick and thin, a plastic rubber, cartridge paper, white cotton rag cloth.
What students need to bring
- Apron or clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Camera or smartphone
- Small spray bottle, like those found in the travel section at supermarkets and chemists
- Sketchbook (not essential, but you may like to record experiments and have notes to refer back to)
- Printouts of your own photographs – please only bring your own photographs, not those from magazines or not taken by you. Take and print out your photographs of something that you're interested in, e.g. landscape, interiors, buildings, plants, etc. As this is a beginner’s course, and looking at the technique of how to use charcoal, it is best not to bring portraits, people or animals if you are not familiar with drawing them already.
Available to buy
- Available from shop:
- A good variety of drawing materials and papers
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Timetable for one day courses
Students should arrive by 9am for registration.
Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm
Lunch is included.
