"Drawing with Charcoal & White Chalk" by Diana Moses Botkin

Basic drawing instruction by artist and teacher, Diana Moses Botkin. Watch this condensed how-to demo of sketching a simple shape, an apple, using vine or willow charcoal and white chalk on grey charcoal paper. Diana teaches online workshops at MyArtTutor.com. Please visit the artist's website at www.DianaMosesBotkin.com for more information on workshops in north Idaho, art for sale, or commissioning a special painting.

Category:

Education

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• charcoal
• drawing
• paper
• white
• chalk
• workshop
• demonstration
• arts
• crafts
• how-to
• draw
• sketch
• simple
• easy
• basic
• 101
• condense

[Primape92]

What kind of paper was used? im a novice artist still learning the ropes, just evolving from #2 school pencils and copy paper art, ya know what I mean?!

[dianamosesbotkin]

@Primape92 I've used a Strathmore cotton charcoal paper with a laid finish (texture) in this demo, but if you don't have that, try using brown wrapping paper or cut open a brown paper sack to draw on. There are a variety of papers you can buy. My favorites are Strathmore Charcoal Paper (cotton) and Canson Mi Teintes for finished drawings. For quick sketches I often use a less expensive grey paper that's similar to construction paper. I've also used brown wrapping paper.

[dianamosesbotkin]

@shootfirsttalklater4 It sounds like you have some Conte sticks, or brown pastels. Google the terms if you are unfamiliar with them and you'll find some info. You can draw with either of these materials and use them a lot like you would the charcoal, except changes are not as easy.

[shootfirsttalklater4]

@dianamosesbotkin no they are solid and they make a streak of brown when i rub it on the paper.

[dianamosesbotkin]

If you use the vine charcoal and a kneaded eraser, it isn't too difficult to keep your paper clean. As I mention in the video, don't use the compressed charcoal sticks. They will stain your paper and make it impossible to correct mistakes. Buy some vine charcoal to use instead. It's very forgiving and often lifts off the paper with only a tissue. When you're finished with your sketch, you'll need to use fixative to keep the charcoal from rubbing off the paper easily. Hope that helps!

[dianamosesbotkin]

@antandant It washes off pretty easily, don't you think? A rag nearby to wipe your hands is good too.

[dianamosesbotkin]

@ACCAlto2 Thanks so much.... so happy to hear you enjoyed the article and also this little sample. BTW, you can start your own blog online pretty easily. Visit my Painting a Day blog (google my name or get there from my website). Then you can click on the link at the upper right that says "Create Blog".

[dianamosesbotkin]

@jazztrmpr94 Try vine charcoal or willow charcoal. The willow is a bit softer and darker.

[dianamosesbotkin]

@DJWildstyle72 You'll get a feel for the differences in charcoal as you use various types. As for mixing charcoal with graphite pencil, I would recommend skipping the pencil and just using the charcoal for everything. Try it.

[dianamosesbotkin]

@CheeseBurgerDeluxe1 Although while you're learning, hair spray is okay to use instead of a fixative. However, later when you care about the drawing, you should purchase some good fixative. I like Prismacolor workable fixative (formerly Grumbacher). It's not as expensive as some and does a fine job. Plus, it's archival, so it won't make your drawing deteriorate.

Have fun drawing!

[dianamosesbotkin]

@triciale1 It's a bit difficult to tell what you have from your description. You could try it and see if it works for you. A stick of white chalkboard chalk works fine for this technique. White artists' soft pastel sticks also work.