Drawing: charcoal and colour pastel techniques

About this course

The course explores charcoal as a way to describe light, tonal range and texture. Participants practise making marks with the point and side of willow charcoal, then use erasers and paper stumps to manipulate effects. They also receive an introduction to chalk pastels, including blending and layering colours and tones. Guided exercises involve making observed drawings of simple subjects and composing images using contrasts of shape, tone and colour. Teaching combines demonstrations, presentations, handouts, individual and group tutoring, and group discussion.

What you'll learn

• Apply charcoal techniques to represent observed tones and textures
• Use mark-making methods with charcoal, erasers and paper stumps
• Blend and layer chalk pastels to depict colour and texture
• Compose a simple drawing using contrasts of shape, tone and colour
• Improve accuracy when making line drawings

Is this course right for you?

This beginner course is intended for learners who are new to charcoal and pastel media. It combines practical studio work with demonstrations, guided methods, individual and group tutoring, and discussion. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, including those relating to demonstrations, handouts and health and safety.

• Suitable for learners new to charcoal and pastel media
• Includes individual and group tutoring
• Involves taking part in group discussion
• Requires following simple written and verbal instructions

Before you go

• Basic drawing materials and resources, including paper, charcoal and chalk pastels, are provided. Additional specialist materials may be brought.