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Portraiture is a unique skill in art that encompasses a deep knowledge of creating portraits using photo references. The aim is to capture the nuances of facial expression and skin tone, and as such, is a rather advanced skill. Oil painting lessons are a part of the process, along with the use of other mediums such as coal/charcoal, pencil, watercolors and more. In this blog, the focus is on charcoal and why it is used in these particular types of drawing classes.
Using charcoal in portraiture offers a rich contrast between the dark grey/black shades of coal and the white backdrop. As such, it helps the artist to nicely capture the depth and nuances of the face, aka the muse.
Another characteristic of charcoal is its ability to blend easily. This makes it an excellent choice for creating different shades and outlines. The end result is a portrait with soft, natural-looking tones without ever using oil paints or acrylic colors.
Unlike acrylic paints and other colors, charcoal is a very forgiving medium for newcomers. One can easily erase certain parts of the drawing that are not up to the mark and start again. This is why charcoal is used by many artists to create rough sketches or concepts.
Certain varieties of charcoal can produce deep, rich textures. This adds another layer of realism to any portrait without the use of excessive colors.
Therefore, charcoal is a subtle yet effective medium to craft excellent portraits. This is why it has such a rich history in art, dating back centuries.
If you want to learn the craft of portraiture or any other drawing class, reach out to us at VR School of Art today. Renowned for our drawing classes in North York, we offer oil painting lessons, landscape painting classes, portfolio preparation, and much more. For more details, call us at 647-894-7706 today.