Charcoal Portrait Workshop
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 learn how to use the materials needed to create a short charcoal study, as outlined in the magazine article. While many people avoid using charcoal because it can be messy, with the right knowledge and practice, you can achieve beautiful results!
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
Discover how to use various types of charcoal to create a wide range of tones and fine details. Each type has its pros and cons, so understanding when and where to use them is crucial. We will also cover different brands and discuss issues with lower-quality products
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; the dust sits lightly on the paper’s fibers and can be easily smudged or removed with a touch. Ordinary erasers are too bulky, leading to heavy, awkward marks. Instead, various types of erasers are used depending on the sensitivity needed, allowing precise removal of charcoal. We’ll also discuss which brands to avoid, as some can leave dirty marks or cause smudging, especially problematic when rendering light areas.
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
Both beginners and experienced artists are welcome. Understanding is key, and no one will be left behind. Each student will receive personalized assistance until they fully grasp the principles of the lesson. Louis believes in leading by example, demonstrating each step in front of the group and offering hands-on guidance on students’ work when 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 true. When you’re learning, it’s important not to use substandard materials, as it can be hard to tell whether poor results are due to your technique or your tools. Since the process relies heavily on using the right materials, opting for the recommended materials is strongly advised 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.
Charcoal Workshop Only
- £160 Cost
