31st August – 1st September
9.30-4.30
Saturday and Sunday
Charcoal Portrait Workshop
£160.00
1 in stock
1 in stock
Description
2 Day Workshop
31st August – 1st September
9.30-4.30
Saturday and Sunday
Cost including materials = £160
Aim of Course
In this workshop, you’ll dive into the art of creating stunning charcoal studies! Learn how to expertly handle charcoal, master its beautiful messiness, and unlock the full potential of your drawings. Get ready to elevate your artistic skills and bring your creative vision to life!
Portrait Subject
For this workshop we will be using a reference photo of Maddie.
Although some purists insist on working from life, using a photo reference has its own advantages when learning the process.
Course Outline
Use of Charcoal
Unleash the full potential of charcoal by mastering the art of creating rich tones and intricate details with different types of charcoal. Each type brings its own unique strengths and challenges, so knowing when and how to use them can make all the difference in your work. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of various charcoal types, explore top brands, and uncover the pitfalls of lower-quality products to help you make the best choices for your artistic journey.
You will be shown how to use;
- Willow Charcoal: Used for the initial construction and blocking in of large shapes.
- Nitram Charcoal: Ideal for rendering stages, providing subtle tones and fine details in light areas.
- Compressed Charcoal: Extends the value range of natural charcoal, especially in shadowed areas.
- Sharpener: Learn the correct technique for sharpening Nitram and Compressed Charcoal, and understand why it’s essential to maintain sharp edges for precise work.
Use of Erasers
Charcoal is a delicate medium, with its dust resting lightly on the paper’s fibers, making it easy to smudge or accidentally erase with just a touch. Ordinary erasers often prove too bulky, leaving behind heavy, awkward marks. Instead, you’ll need specialized erasers designed for different levels of sensitivity, allowing you to remove charcoal with precision and control. We’ll also delve into which brands to steer clear of, as some can leave dirty marks or cause unwanted smudging—especially troublesome when working on lighter areas of your artwork.
You will be shown how to use;
- Craft Knife: The strongest eraser, used to carefully score the paper and reveal highlights.
- Pencil Eraser: Ideal for picking out highlights and creating sharp edges.
- Kneadable Eraser: Can be shaped for detailed work or softening tones.
- Brushes: Used as the softest “eraser” to gently remove minimal dust from the paper surface.
- Paper: Discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using textured versus smooth papers.
Teaching Style
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’re welcome here! We believe that understanding is key, and we ensure that no one gets left behind. Each student will receive personalized assistance until they fully grasp the principles of the lesson. Louis is dedicated to leading by example, demonstrating every step in front of the group and providing hands-on guidance with your work whenever needed. Louis Smith studied Classical Art in Florence and has exhibited his work in the BP Portrait Award and Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
Registration and Materials Deal
Materials Deal =£20
While it’s often said that “a poor workman always blames his tools,” this isn’t always the case. When you’re learning, using substandard materials can make it difficult to know whether your results are due to your technique or your tools. Since the process depends heavily on having the right materials, it’s strongly recommended to use the suggested supplies to get the most out of the workshop.
Materials provided for the class will include;
- Willow charcoal
- Nitram Charcoal
- Conte compressed charcoal pencil
- Sanding paddle
- Craft knife
- Pencil eraser
- Kneadable eraser
- Stomp
- Brushes
- Paper
Workshop =£160
Total cost of the 2 day Charcoal Workshop including the materials = £180. To register for the course, fill in your details and pay a deposit below. Then pay the balance on the day. An email will be sent to confirm your attendance the week before the start date.
