Hair

I used compressed charcoal to shade in the hair and a white Conte pencil to draw in the highlights.

I like to use different types of charcoal for different parts of my drawing. For example I use the softer materials like vine or dust for the face to appear smooth. When i want something very dark I like to use charcoal sticks or pencils.

For the skin to appear soft and smooth I like to use a paint brush and charcoal dust. I break up vine charcoal stick into a container to create a dust and then use the paint brush like a blending tool.

Compressed charcoal

I like to use compressed charcoal for dark black areas of my drawings. I also like to come back to areas later to change or add anything I might be missing.

The nose

I've started shading the nose and area with the other eye. I like to use a perfection eraser for the light areas.

Perfection eraser Fable Castel

Now the Charcoal!

I personally like to start with the eyes. I first erase or lighten the pencil sketch and the start layering on the charcoal.

Starting a drawing

So I always start my drawing with a quick sketch to get the right proportions. Then add the details.

Hello!

Hi!
My name is Valentina and I'm in grade 8. I started drawing a few years ago and lately I've been into charcoal portraits. I've won multiple art competitions like the Royal Canadian Legion remembrance day contest or Portrait Society of Canada. I've also had my very own art show last fall. I am creating this blog to track my progress as an artist and also to show it to you guys. Hopefully I can inspire you to create as well and maybe give you some tips. :)