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Finding The Best Charcoal Drawing Artists

By Elaine Guthrie


Charred sticks were used by early humans in many cultures to create drawings on cave walls. In Renaissance times, techniques were discovered to prevent drawings in this medium from fading over time and it became a medium in its own right instead of just a tool for creating preliminary sketches. Today charcoal drawing artists are producing astounding works of art that can hold their own against any other medium.

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.

The most realistic portraits can be created using this medium. The length of time taken depends on the size of the drawing, and on the degree of difficulty of the subject. Some can take many hours. To get the desired level of realistic detail, using a live model is very time consuming for both the model and the artist. Most prefer to draw from pictures, taking time to capture all the fine lines and facial expression of the subject as realistically as possible.

When commissioning a portrait in this medium, prices may vary considerably. An established artist who has already built up a reputation and worked for many clients will obviously charge more. Other factors like size and the number of subjects also influence the price. A simple head and shoulders portrait may be relatively inexpensive but a full body one with a background will be more pricey.

Signing a contract may be required before any work starts. This includes all the details as agreed by both the artist and the client. A deposit may be requested with the balance being paid on completion.

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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