charcoal face

[wetbob]

The portrait is mostly done with a tortillion. I think the charcoal tends to become a little "muddy".

Isnt it possible to make it shiny? Or becomes it muddy because i used the wrong drawing paper. Or because i only used a tortillion. Or is it the charcoal effect?




Im half way now. Do you ve to fixate it in between for better results?

The age of my portraits doesnt correspond with the examples. I didnt use grids and so on.
Are there tutorials/lessons/WIPS on WC/internet where i can learn from.

Loads of questions. Thnx for looking.

[kennychaffin]

Nice start. I'm not a charcoal expert by any means, but have used it along with graphite on occasion. I'll let the charcoal experts advise you specifically, but I'd guess the muddiness (which I take to mean less sharp in the details) is due to blending as the same sort of thing can happen with graphite.

Charcoal is inherently less shiny than graphite so will produce a duller/darker image. I truly admire those artists who can balance the contrasts, tones, and lines to create delicate charcoal images. Quite amazing when it works well.

[jennaboo88]

Hi, wetbob! This is a great start! I use graphite primarily, but I have worked in charcoal. As far as I know, charcoal is always a very flat, dull substance and does not become shiny.

The fact that you are using a tortillion to draw this portrait could possibly make it seem duller. Tortillions are great for smoothing out grainy areas of charcoal, but, if used on a large area, it can actually make things worse. Don't worry, this is pretty easy to fix. You might want to consider applying charcoal directly, this will make the darks stronger and, therefore, create depth in your drawing. This is always a little scary, as charcoal is so black, but the results are usually good.

When I do a charcoal drawing, I've never tried to apply fixative until the drawing is finished. I always fear that I will find a mistake and can no longer erase it.

What kind of paper are you using? This may or may not be a factor. The charcoal drawings I have done were on standard, relatively cheap drawing paper. If you look at the drawing in my signature, that is done in charcoal on regular drawing paper.

I hope this helps you some! Good luck! I hope you show us your finished piece!

[wetbob]

Ive used 80 gr paper for the printer. But you cant blend then or erase.

This is on 224 gr paper and its suitable for drawing but it s also prepared for watercolour (wet surfaces).

You can very well blend and erase. But when i use the tortillion i see all kind of hairs raising up from the paper which immediatally become darker.

When i try to intensify /dark the colour it looks muddy.


Thnx for the kind words and replies,

[Anda G]

Hi wetbob!

There are many places here on WC to find lessons on drawing and portraiture.

When I started out with charcoal, I used Rives RFK paper. I used vine or willow charcoal to sketch and then I switched to sticks to draw directly. I used a tortillion and had to get a feel for how hard to blend and erase. I found that if I erased too hard or blended too hard, it roughed up the paper and caused it to be blotchy. I use charcoal paper now and don't blend or erase too hard. I think the brand is Strathmore. There are many other papers out there that are also good for charcoal. Look for paper with some tooth to hold the charcoal.

Another tip: don't blend with your fingers if you want smooth blending. The oils in your skin will be absorbed by the paper and cause more blotchiness. (Sure it's a word. ) I learned the hard way.

I like your portrait. I especially like the nose. Great start.

Andagail

[wetbob]

Thnx for all the replies. Ill go for better paper, use less tortillion less hard, more charcoal

[wetbob]

I ve done this portrait again, i thought it was the same one. I wanted to share it. Its graphite on 80 gr printing paper


I ve just discovered drawing with graphite so any advice will be nice. Next year ill post him again

[Terri5]

I really like the second portrait a lot. And I like the depth you've achieved with the charcoal! I think that the left eye is in the wrong position (the eyes are spaced too wide), and this is distracting. Otherwise, NICE job! Love the teeth AND the nose.

Terri

[Ikneadaneraser]

I love working in charcoal!!!
The tortillon is mostly at fault for the dull effect you got at first. The secod image is much better.
There are as many ways fo working in charcoal as there are artists who use it. Personally, I blend with my fingers for the most part. If I use a tortillon, it's rarely and only in tight spots. You can get great effects with your kneaded eraser (see my screen name). You can also use a soft brush to softly erase small areas.
Fos shininess, use a white chalk, pastel, or my favorite a Conte crayon- and use them sparingly! If you highlight everything, nothing is highlighted.

[speedbump1]

The second drawing is nice, but as said earlier, the eyes are not spaced right. The distance between the eyes should be roughly the same width as one of the eyes. In other words, as if the subject had three eyes, they should all touch.

[wetbob]

thnx for the comments.

The second drawing is nice, but as said earlier, the eyes are not spaced right. The distance between the eyes should be roughly the same width as one of the eyes.

Ill hope i wont make this mistake again. I noticed it while drawing that the left eye was too far to the right, but because it s on printing paper i couldnt correct it.

Fos shininess, use a white chalk, pastel, or my favorite a Conte crayon- and use them sparingly!

Thats interesting! Havent done that, maybe with this one

Almost finished. Ill make all a bit darker
Thnx for watching