From ancient times, charred sticks were used to make drawings on the walls of caves. The problem with using charcoals is that the drawings would fade with time. This is why they were used mainly for preparatory sketches. However, this problem was solved over time with the use of fixatives. Now, charcoal drawing artists have come into their own, using this expressive medium to produce great works.
Stylistically, this is a medium that encourages visual boldness and allows emotions to be freely expressed. Rubbing, lifting and hatching are just some of the more popular techniques used. Hatching is the use of short, parallel lines while cross-hatching is the use of two sets of lines to create variations in tone and shadows. Rubbing is used to darken an area and lifting with an eraser creates highlights.
Today artists have their own websites and their work is often available from online galleries. This makes it possible for prospective clients to view their portfolios. This is the best way to decide whether a particular artist has the required level of skill and the desired style. They range of styles and subjects is vast. Different types of charcoals, paper and techniques are used in interesting ways to create the style they are known for.
The harder the charcoal used, the lighter the line it produces on the paper. Using very soft charcoals allows for blending or making deeper lines. A medium rating lies between hard and soft. The type of paper used depends on working method. A rough textured surface or heavier tooth drags the particles from the stick, and holds them to the paper. The paper has to be strong enough to withstand applications.
Creating very realistic portraits is possible using charcoals. An artist may take hours to capture details of the facial expression of a subject. A photograph is normally used today as this saves time for both the artist and the client. The ability to take excellent photographs means that live models no longer have to sit still for hours for the production of sketches.
When commissioning a portrait in this medium, prices may vary considerably. An established artist who has already built up a reputation and worked for many clients will obviously charge more. Other factors like size and the number of subjects also influence the price. A simple head and shoulders portrait may be relatively inexpensive but a full body one with a background will be more pricey.
Signing a contract may be required before any work starts. This includes all the details as agreed by both the artist and the client. A deposit may be requested with the balance being paid on completion.
Ordering drawings is made much easier today with the ability to do this online. Simply email a photograph of a family member and have an unforgettable gift to present on a birthday. Commission a portrait of the couple for a special wedding anniversary and it will become a prized possession. Carefully selecting an artist to do the work will ensure satisfaction and sometimes the piece received is even better than the samples seen on a site.
Stylistically, this is a medium that encourages visual boldness and allows emotions to be freely expressed. Rubbing, lifting and hatching are just some of the more popular techniques used. Hatching is the use of short, parallel lines while cross-hatching is the use of two sets of lines to create variations in tone and shadows. Rubbing is used to darken an area and lifting with an eraser creates highlights.
Today artists have their own websites and their work is often available from online galleries. This makes it possible for prospective clients to view their portfolios. This is the best way to decide whether a particular artist has the required level of skill and the desired style. They range of styles and subjects is vast. Different types of charcoals, paper and techniques are used in interesting ways to create the style they are known for.
The harder the charcoal used, the lighter the line it produces on the paper. Using very soft charcoals allows for blending or making deeper lines. A medium rating lies between hard and soft. The type of paper used depends on working method. A rough textured surface or heavier tooth drags the particles from the stick, and holds them to the paper. The paper has to be strong enough to withstand applications.
Creating very realistic portraits is possible using charcoals. An artist may take hours to capture details of the facial expression of a subject. A photograph is normally used today as this saves time for both the artist and the client. The ability to take excellent photographs means that live models no longer have to sit still for hours for the production of sketches.
When commissioning a portrait in this medium, prices may vary considerably. An established artist who has already built up a reputation and worked for many clients will obviously charge more. Other factors like size and the number of subjects also influence the price. A simple head and shoulders portrait may be relatively inexpensive but a full body one with a background will be more pricey.
Signing a contract may be required before any work starts. This includes all the details as agreed by both the artist and the client. A deposit may be requested with the balance being paid on completion.
Ordering drawings is made much easier today with the ability to do this online. Simply email a photograph of a family member and have an unforgettable gift to present on a birthday. Commission a portrait of the couple for a special wedding anniversary and it will become a prized possession. Carefully selecting an artist to do the work will ensure satisfaction and sometimes the piece received is even better than the samples seen on a site.
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