How to Charcoal Pencils

John Mak 2nd April 2019

Test before each use.
Create depth with detail.
Blend using a paper stump.
Create highlights by removing charcoal with a kneadable eraser.
To make a thin light line, drag a pointed rubber tool across the charcoal.
Apply an embossing tool across the paper to create an indent.
Use wet and dry effects.

Equipment

Charcoal pencils can be very expensive, particularly from niche art shops. You can save one huge amount of money if you order online. Be sure to buy a reputable brand (Derwent for one).
Derwent charcoal pencils

Paper stumps are extremely useful for blending. They allow for a smooth transition between different workable areas.
Paper stumps

Kneadable erasers are vital for charcoal work and are also useful for any drawing work in general.
Kneadable erasers

How to Charcoal Pencils

Knowing how to use charcoal pencils properly will help ensure your work is to its maximum possible quality. Charcoals are great for providing mood to what might otherwise be a very flat pencil drawing. The following ‘how to’ provides some great tips to consider when using charcoal pencils.

Photo Credit: Designlazy.com

Steps

1- Test before each use. Explore the potential of these pencils by simply scribbling on smooth cartridge paper and then blending with a paper stump or ﬁnger to soften the result.

2- Create depth with detail. To create a sense of space and depth add closer detail with a darker charcoal pencil.

3- Blend using a paper stump. Use a paper stump to blend in adjacent areas.

4- Create highlights by removing charcoal with a kneadable eraser.

5- To make a thin light line, drag a pointed rubber tool across the charcoal, or alternatively use the edge of a plastic eraser.

6- Apply an embossing tool across the paper to create an indent. Apply charcoal over the indent and it will remain white. This is an excellent technique for veins on leaves or whiskers. With the embossing tool, keep the indented lines simple, rather than trying to create intricate effects.

7- Use wet and dry effects. Lay a patch of charcoal on the paper and using it as a palette pick up some charcoal with a damp brush. Produce easy wet-on-wet effects by lifting charcoal from the tip of the pencil using a waterbrush and apply to a wet surface.

Tips

Keep in mind that oil pastels should not be applied heavily under a traditional oil painting without a good thinning of turpentine, as oil pastels have mineral oils in the binder that never completely dry. Treat them as “extra fat” in relation to oils in mixed media—the oil pastels layers should be the outermost. It’s also easy to use a wet brush to mix thin washes and paint directly from the oil pastel sticks, or just wash medium over areas already drawn for that blended look.

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