Charcoal sticks are one of the oldest and simplest drawing tools available. A charcoal stick is simply a piece of charcoal encased in a thin cardboard tube, providing an easy and manageable grip. Charcoal sticks are great for quickly sketching out ideas, for plotting out complex shapes and for dry blending techniques.
Charcoal sticks are made from charred, burned wood which helps to create a soft and malleable texture. Charcoal sticks come in a range of widths, from thin to thick, allowing for a range of different marks and effects. While some charcoal sticks are available pre-sharpened, they may need to be sharpened before use, especially when using thin sticks.
When using charcoal sticks, the charcoal needs to be softened before it can be used. Using a paper stump or blending stump - a small piece of paper wrapped around a pencil - charcoal can be blended on the page to create nuanced tones and shades. This can also be done with a brush or paper towels. It’s also important to always have a kneaded eraser on hand when using charcoal, to help clean up any smudges or mistakes.
When sharpening charcoal sticks, a specialized tool, like a craft knife or sharpening stone, is needed. Begin by securing the charcoal stick in a vice and sanding it lightly with very fine sandpaper. Then, carefully sharpen the stick with the tool of your choice, aiming for a chisel-like point. Once the charcoal stick is sharpened, be sure to wipe it clean of any excess dust before use.
In addition to charcoal sticks, charcoal pencils are great for more precise drawing and for lighter, more controlled strokes. Charcoal pencils are similar to pencils, but are made from charcoal, rather than graphite. Like charcoal sticks, a few strokes of a paper stump or blending stump can be used to create subtle shades.
By using charcoal sticks and charcoal pencils, artists can create incredibly beautiful works of art. Both are great tools for sketching and drawing and can be used to create a range of different tones and effects. With a bit of practice, charcoal sticks and charcoal pencils can become a valuable part of your artistic toolkit.
