I have seen lots of drawings here done with charcoal. I bought a charcoal pencil this week and a sandpaper thingy. Anyway, I was wondering if anybody here can give me any idea where to start or what to do when drawing with charcoal.

One more thing: I don't have a q-tip yet. Does anybody know a good alternative? Thanks in advance.

Hiyas, charcoal drawings can be large and bold or tight and very controlled, it depends on the effect that you want.

Charcoal is a very blendable medium and you shouldn't be scared to get dirty! I would start out by experimenting a little. Blending can be done with a piece of tissue or soft chamois cloth. Qtips are great for small areas.

Charcoal comes in sticks - willow or vine or in pencil form which is controlled and less messy. Experiment a little with the medium and see what you come up with. Try a simple square or circle and practice shading. Highlighting is simple, just use your kneaded eraser to remove some of the charcoal. You can fill a page with charcoal and 'draw' with your eraser. Its great fun to play with!

Thanks! I'll just ask you again if ever I come up with any problems. Hehe.

No problem, now I want to see results...