From ancient times, charred sticks were used to make drawings on the walls of caves. The problem with using charcoals is that the drawings would fade with time. This is why they were used mainly for preparatory sketches. However, this problem was solved over time with the use of fixatives. Now, charcoal drawing artists have come into their own, using this expressive medium to produce great works.
The versatility of this medium has made it very popular but the skills required to produce works of a high standard take time to master. Various techniques such as cross-hatching, rubbing and lifting are used. They help an artist to create drawings with depth and variations in tone. Erasers are used to lift off color and create highlights. Smudging or smearing can be used to create atmospheric, moody effects.
Today artists have their own websites and their work is often available from online galleries. This makes it possible for prospective clients to view their portfolios. This is the best way to decide whether a particular artist has the required level of skill and the desired style. They range of styles and subjects is vast. Different types of charcoals, paper and techniques are used in interesting ways to create the style they are known for.
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.
Creating portraits with this medium is particularly popular. A photograph of the person is used and many times the portrait produced is incredibly realistic. Even the fine lines are captured, capturing the facial expression. Live sketching is rarely done today. This takes up time and due to the fact that excellent photographs are available, it is no longer necessary. There are still some artists, however, who prefer to create live sketches.
Price is obviously an important consideration when commissioning drawings. This will depend on a number of factors such as the subject, the size and the experience of the artist. The background and type of framing also affect price. A full body portrait obviously costs more than just a head and and if there is more than one subject, the price will also be higher.
All the finer details regarding size, background, framing and more needs to be decided before any work is done. An artist may require a contract to be signed and a deposit to be paid upfront. The rest is paid when the work is finished to the satisfaction of a client.
An artist working in this medium today can produce works of very high quality. Commissioning a head and shoulders portrait is not too expensive and an item like this makes a great gift. It can be given to a family member on a special occasion like a 60th birthday.
The versatility of this medium has made it very popular but the skills required to produce works of a high standard take time to master. Various techniques such as cross-hatching, rubbing and lifting are used. They help an artist to create drawings with depth and variations in tone. Erasers are used to lift off color and create highlights. Smudging or smearing can be used to create atmospheric, moody effects.
Today artists have their own websites and their work is often available from online galleries. This makes it possible for prospective clients to view their portfolios. This is the best way to decide whether a particular artist has the required level of skill and the desired style. They range of styles and subjects is vast. Different types of charcoals, paper and techniques are used in interesting ways to create the style they are known for.
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.
Creating portraits with this medium is particularly popular. A photograph of the person is used and many times the portrait produced is incredibly realistic. Even the fine lines are captured, capturing the facial expression. Live sketching is rarely done today. This takes up time and due to the fact that excellent photographs are available, it is no longer necessary. There are still some artists, however, who prefer to create live sketches.
Price is obviously an important consideration when commissioning drawings. This will depend on a number of factors such as the subject, the size and the experience of the artist. The background and type of framing also affect price. A full body portrait obviously costs more than just a head and and if there is more than one subject, the price will also be higher.
All the finer details regarding size, background, framing and more needs to be decided before any work is done. An artist may require a contract to be signed and a deposit to be paid upfront. The rest is paid when the work is finished to the satisfaction of a client.
An artist working in this medium today can produce works of very high quality. Commissioning a head and shoulders portrait is not too expensive and an item like this makes a great gift. It can be given to a family member on a special occasion like a 60th birthday.
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