Art has always inspired many to get out of their comfort zones and gain a new perspective on life. There are many different kinds of art supplies out there, but one of the most prevalent that artists have in their toolbox is charcoal. Charcoal is versatile and continuously useful to artists, whether they’re just beginning their craft or seasoned pros. Let’s learn more about the uses of charcoal drawing supplies and charcoal pencils for artists and art projects.

What are Charcoal Pencils?

Charcoal pencils are a dry art medium that individuals use to create a variety of art pieces. Artist charcoal is made from organic materials that have been finely ground, and is often held together by some kind of a binding agent, like a gum or wax binder. Other types of charcoal pencils are produced without using binders by eliminating the oxygen inside of it during the production process.

There are many different varieties of charcoal art tools and they all serve different purposes to create a range of shades and colors.

Why Use Charcoal?

Like any other highly used medium, charcoal is a vital tool for an artist. For many, it’s the first step to creating something. Charcoal pencils allow the user to create preliminary soft, gentle lines in a sketch pad or sketchbook, while still allowing for freedom with adding texture, shading and tone. Additionally, it’s an ideal tool for learning how to capture different values and perspectives in a piece.

Additionally, charcoal is extremely versatile, making it easy to expand out to capture a variety of different looks and/or practice different styles. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure to use a fixative so the work does not smudge.

What Kind of Charcoal Pencil Should You Buy?

Because charcoal pencils are used in many different facets of the art world, they come in a variety of types and colors.

Types of Charcoal Used in Pencils

Vine

Vine charcoal is created by burning hand-selected vines at a high temperature. This creates sticks varying in size. This type of charcoal is easy to dust or erase, making it ideal for light drawings. Additionally, it’s harder than your average charcoal, which is why it’s generally found in a light black color.

Compressed

Compressed charcoal is made using charcoal powder and a binding agent, usually gum or wax. It’s darker than willow and vine charcoal, and due to the binding agent, it’s harder and less likely to break than regular charcoal. This also makes it harder to erase.

Willow

Willow charcoal is created from carbonized natural willow branches. It’s one of the most forgiving kinds of charcoal, making it a good choice for beginners, as it’s easier to erase from paper.

Assorted

Lastly, there are packs of assorted charcoal pencils that feature a combination of the above types. This is perfect for those who might be approaching multiple projects and want a wide range of materials.

Charcoal Pencil Colors

Charcoal is available in many colors including black, green, multicolor, and shades of white. This range of colors allows users to not only capture different values, but also practice deepening shadows with color as well.