Drawing a Rooster with Charcoal - Sketching Tutorial

Jacquelin Vanderwood July 15, 2004   1 In this lesson we'll learn how to use charcoal by sketching a rooster. I am using a charcoal stick found in any art store. I begin by drawing a rough outline of the rooster as I see it using the edge of the charcoal.. This step is not supposed to be perfect.   2 Continuing on, I added more detail to the sketch and tried to readjust lines and sizes.   3 Holding the charcoal stick lightly, begin to add blocks of shading hinting at suggestions of feathers and other parts of the rooster.   4 Still holding the charcoal lightly, I add more shadow and detail.   5 In this step I used the rubbing stick (that paper looking pencil) to blend areas of the rooster. I use both the tip of the rubbing stick and the side of the tip to achieve different looks.   6 In this final step I sharpened the charcoal and began to make the shadow areas darker. I also added detail to the feathers, the eye, and any other place I felt it needed it. You have just learned how to use charcoal to make a sketch. To keep your sketch permanent, spray a fixative on it in a well ventilated area.   Copyright 1998-2004, Jacquelin Vanderwood, All Rights Reserved