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Charcoal Sticks: A Simple but Versatile Art Medium

 Charcoal is popular among artists due to its versatility and ease of use. When you visit an art supply store, you'll come across a range of drawing charcoals to choose from. So, how do you make your selection?  While many artists prefer charcoal sticks, it's important to note that there are distinctions between options like willow and vine charcoal. Here's what to know when purchasing charcoal sticks for art.

What is Charcoal Art Medium?  

charcoal sticks
source: artemiranda.com


Charcoal is essentially wood that has been burned, and it can leave some pretty intense black marks everywhere (you don’t even need charcoal pencils to see this; just touch some burnt wood in your fireplace). These black marks are super useful for drawing and are a favourite among artists. Charcoal has been around for ages, even dating back to prehistoric times when people were sketching in caves.

Types

There are two main types of charcoal that artists typically use:
•    Vine - made from burnt willow, glides easily on paper and is super easy to erase
•    Compressed - it's a bit messier, but many artists appreciate that because it allows for smudging to create blended lines or shadows. It's made with a gum binder and produces darker marks that are tougher to erase, resulting in a bolder appearance. It comes in both square and round sticks, and even in pencil form.

Charcoal Sticks  

Commonly referred to as "vine charcoal," these charcoal sticks for art are made from charred willow twigs. They come in various densities and thicknesses—soft, medium, and hard—offering a wide range of tones. Using charcoal sticks for drawing lets you create sharp lines and gentle shadow effects, adding dimension to your art. Plus, they’re super easy to smudge.

Charcoal Pencils  

You can't ignore charcoal pencils when sketching with charcoal. These are made from compressed charcoal mixed with clay and wrapped in wood, giving them a pencil-like form. They come in light, medium, and dark grades, providing a broad range of tones. You can sharpen them to your preferred point, making them a tidier option than vine charcoal. If you’re looking for more detailed work, these pencils are an excellent choice.

Charcoal (Conté) Crayons  

Charcoal crayons, originally known as Conté crayons, are crafted from powdered charcoal blended with wax, clay, or a gum binder. They are available in both round and square shapes and come in a range of shades from light to dark. The darker crayons tend to be softer and more prone to smudging because they contain more charcoal, making them ideal for vibrant and expressive artwork. On the other hand, the lighter crayons are stiffer, and perfect for achieving clean, precise lines. Additionally, Conté crayons are offered in various colours, typically including black, brown, red, and white.

Willow and Vine  

Willow and vine charcoal are the most basic forms of drawing charcoal, created from willow branches or grapevines. The wood is heated in a kiln without oxygen, which eliminates flammable gases and moisture, resulting in carbonized sticks that are ideal for drawing. These charcoal sticks are quite delicate and crumbly since they don’t contain any binder. When you draw with them on paper, the powder transfers to the surface and gets embedded in the paper fibres. The lack of a binding agent means the charcoal can be easily smudged or

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