Using charcoal pencils on canvas involves a specific approach to ensure the charcoal adheres properly and the artwork is durable. Here's how you can use charcoal pencils on canvas:
Preparing the Canvas
- Choose the Right Canvas: Opt for a canvas with a smoother texture. A heavily textured canvas can make it difficult to achieve fine details with charcoal.
- Apply a Gesso Layer: If the canvas texture is too rough, apply additional layers of gesso to smooth it out. Sand lightly between layers for an even smoother surface. This creates a better surface for the charcoal to grip.
- Consider Toning the Canvas: Applying a toned ground (a wash of color) to the canvas before drawing can enhance the contrast and depth of your charcoal drawing. This also makes it easier to judge values. Neutral grays, browns, or even blues can work well.
Drawing with Charcoal on Canvas
- Sketch Lightly: Begin by sketching your composition lightly with the charcoal pencil. Avoid pressing too hard, as this will make it difficult to erase mistakes.
- Use Vine Charcoal for Initial Sketching (Optional): Vine charcoal is softer and easier to erase completely than compressed charcoal, making it ideal for initial layout.
- Apply Layers: Build up values gradually by layering charcoal. This allows for greater control and helps create a more nuanced range of tones.
- Experiment with Different Charcoal Pencils: Different charcoal pencils offer varying degrees of hardness. Softer charcoals create darker, richer blacks, while harder charcoals are suitable for finer lines and details.
- Blending: Use tools like blending stumps, tortillions, or even your fingers to blend the charcoal and create smooth transitions. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can muddy the drawing.
- Lifting Charcoal: Use a kneaded eraser to lift charcoal and create highlights or correct mistakes. Kneaded erasers are gentle and won't damage the canvas surface.
Fixing and Protecting the Charcoal
- Use a Fixative: Charcoal is a fragile medium and smudges easily. Apply a charcoal fixative in light, even coats to prevent smudging and preserve your artwork. Apply multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid darkening the charcoal too much.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Fixatives contain chemicals, so always work in a well-ventilated area when applying them.
- Avoid Touching the Surface: Once the drawing is complete and fixed, avoid touching the surface to prevent smudging or transferring oils from your skin.
- Framing: Frame your finished charcoal drawing under glass or acrylic to protect it from dust and damage.
By following these steps, you can effectively use charcoal pencils on canvas to create beautiful and lasting artwork.
