The world of art is such that sometimes the simplest things seem to hold the most fascination for the onlooker. This is because there is an undeniable charm in simple art forms that make it somehow seem purer and thereby more stark and mesmerizing to look at. But again, this is down to the tastes and the thinking of the person looking at or feeling the work of art in one way or the other. However, if you are still not convinced about what we are saying, let us give you the example of simple charcoal paintings or drawings. You just have to look at color pencil drawings to having you cooing with joy and you will realize what we mean. Alternatively, if your tastes lie with black and white rather than colors, then you should consider taking a peek at compelling and creative charcoal drawings to capture your eye.

BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATION OF CHARCOAL PAINTING

The thing about charcoal paintings is that either you find them good but not too absorbing or completely maddening in the way they seem to have details and nuances every time you look at them. There is definitely the play of lights and shadows in these works of art that can create depth and detail in them. Though not really similar to realistic drawings that will have you raving over the details, charcoal paintings, nevertheless, have a lot of details that will definitely draw you in.

The first aspect of charcoal drawings or paintings that you should be cognizant of the fact that there is no limitation about the subjects you can draw. Most objects or subjects can be rendered using charcoal but only if you have the skill to do so and are aware of the kind of works of art that you can create using charcoal.

In order to start working with charcoal, you have to first set up a place to work. We are making this point here specifically because while charcoal painting or drawing can be done on most surfaces, they also tend to be a bit messy. Which is why it makes sense to have a designated space to work on these, one that is covered in newspapers to catch the mess when it falls. You also need to be prepared to have the charcoal dust getting into your clothing, skin and hair.

One of the ways that experts in this kind of art advocate starting is by covering the entire surface with black. Take care to ensure that the entire surface is completely black with no white or light spots. One of the first works of art that you can try is to replicate a black and white photograph of a face. You can take a look at the photograph and keep referring to it frequently but not completely duplicate it. By doing this, you will be using the image no doubt but also use your own creativity.

Then pick up an eraser to draw the portrait your attempting. You can use the sharp edge of the eraser to first draw the outline of the face. Then draw the lines of the face like the cheeks, chin, lips, jaw, eyes and other lines. Then start with the eyes because the whites of the eyes are the most stark in this case. You also have to ensure that you wield the eraser in such a way that the eyeballs and the shadows within them are also visible. Then take a good look at the photo to find the lighter areas and the shadows.

You have to realize that charcoal paintings and drawings are more about capturing the lighter areas and shadows than anything else. Take the eraser and make the lighter portions of the face light and ensure that there are some shadows too. This will help in outlining the features on the face.

At this stage, you can also pick up the charcoal to darken the areas that need it. Do the hair with a lot of care and then keep lightening the background to make the face look more distinctive. As you can see from the various examples of charcoal painting, mastering these basics is the key to getting started.