Charcoal drawing is timeless, stylish, atmospheric and arresting. In this easy-to-follow beginner’s guide, readers are taken on a journey to explore the rich potential of monochrome using the medium of charcoal.

Inexpensive and easy to source, charcoal is perfect for the beginner artist. To increase the variety of mark-making or to make life easier, readers can buy different types and sizes of charcoal and tools such as blenders and brushes for other effects. This is all explained clearly so the reader can make informed choices.

Learn techniques, including:

• Lines and shading
• Tonal values
• Blending
• Perspective
• Composition

Contents include the following:

• Still life
• Landscape sketch
• Portraits
• Night scene
• And so much more

The basic techniques are presented following the section on tools and materials, showing how to exploit the medium to the best effect. The fundamentals of drawing are also covered, including perspective, composition and observational drawing.