Pastels and CharcoalsIntroductionCharcoal and pastels are similar in traditional application and in theirpainterly effects. Select paper surface texture carefully because this texturewill dictate the overall appearance of charcoal or pastel drawings. For anextended study of charcoal and conté crayon drawings, review the work ofMichelangelo, Rubens, and Rodin. To review sensitive renderings in pastel,study Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas.CharcoalCharcoal is carbonized willow twigs. Sometimes called vine charcoal, itproduces a dense black, dull image and leaves a powdery residue. Charcoalsticks may be encased in a sleeve of wood like a pencil.Degrees ofhardnessCharcoal is available in different degrees of hardness. Extendedcarbonization increases the hardness of charcoal. As charcoal becomesharder, it is less useful as a drawing medium.Drawing withCharcoal is a drawing medium. Charcoal is an excellent medium to usecharcoalwhen practicing drawing exercises. Select charcoal in a degree of hardnessaccording to your preference. Handle the charcoal stick as you would apencil. Pay particular attention to removing the dust that builds up with eachstroke. Blend large areas with stumps or tortillons and create highlights withsoft, hard, and kneaded erasers. The images produced by charcoal are dense.Figure 1-27 shows vine charcoal.Figure 1-27.—Vine charcoal.CharcoalfinishingCharcoal drawings require fixative when complete.Continued on next pagel-44
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