The Charcoal Drawing Course: Animal Portrait

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This course features:
Over 2.5 Hours of Instruction
19 Videos
5 eBooks
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Course Curriculum

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION AND MATERIALS MODULE 2: BASIC FORMS MODULE 3: LANDSCAPE MODULE 4: ANIMAL PORTRAIT Lesson 1: Intro and Materials (2:18) Lesson 2: Grid and Layout (12:52) Lesson 3: Monkeying Around (5:59) Lesson 4: Increasing Contrast (14:22) Lesson 5: Details, Details, Details (11:49) MODULE 5: PORTRAIT

Lesson Description

In this module, we develop a drawing of a chimpanzee monkey using white and black charcoal on gray Ingres drawing paper. To ensure accuracy, we'll use a grid to layout the contours.

Lesson 1 - Intro and Materials

In this lesson, we take a quick look at the materials and surface used for this animal portrait.

Lesson 2 - Grid and Layout

In this lesson, we lay out a grid and began adding vine charcoal to the surface.

Lesson 3 - Monkeying Around

In this lesson, we use the eraser along with vine charcoal to model the loose drawing in place on the paper.

Lesson 4 - Increasing Contrast

In this lesson, we begin adding white charcoal to develop a full range of value.

Lesson 5 - Details, Details, Details

In this lesson, we refine the details and complete the drawing.

charcoal drawing of a chimpanzee

Lesson Materials

  • Vine/Willow Charcoal
  • Compressed Charcoal Pencil
  • White Compressed Charcoal
  • Kneaded Eraser
  • Vinyl Eraser
  • Blending Stumps or Tortillions
  • Gray Ingres Drawing Paper

Lesson Resources

References

Photo Reference

Finished Drawing

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Lesson Discussion

  1. Awwww this is lovely, I think I’ll add this to my list, doing my 2023 list lol I just finished my Elvis portrait and it’s on its way to Salt Lake City 😀 I’m huge Elvis fan and I donated an Elvis commission as we in a group and the guy who runs it does Elvis quizzes.
    Go I drop myself in at the deep end, after 4 failed attempts, number 5 started going well and I’m happy with it.
    I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and all the best for 2023 xxxx

  4. I have only taken up art as a retirement hobby bearing in mind that I didn’t even know of half the materials used by artists, but I must say I am enjoying this course so much and cannot believe that I can actually create such beautiful artwork by just following your tutorials. Thank you so much

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