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Charcoal is used in art for drawing and making rough sketches in painting. It is very useful as it can easily be erased but it can be made permanent by using a fixative.

Popularity
Charcoal is the oldest art material in the world, it was used in prehistoric times for cave paintings! From the 16th right into the 19th century artists always used charcoal to practise before they painted the final version

Location
Charcoal can be used almost anywhere, as all you need is the charcoal and paper or a canvas.

Age
Artists of all ages can participate in this past time, although it can be a little messy for young children.

Ability
The main requirement for this is to be a keen artist. If you are a good drawer then you'll be able to work with charcoal. Different techniques can be utilised when working with charcoals. Beginners will need to start on paper and progress to canvas.

Description
Drawing with charcoal is an easy way to create quick sketches. You don't need any expensive materials, just paper and charcoal. It's versatile and much softer and darker than pencil and you can rub it out and smudge it easily and change your picture as you go along. Charcoal is made from burnt wood. Willow, lime, beech and maple wood are normally used because it has a smooth texture that makes denser, darker charcoal. It often comes in sticks but you can also find charcoal pencils and powder.

Dedication
Artists generally utilize charcoal in three forms - Vine charcoal, Compressed charcoal and Powdered charcoal. To become a skilled charcoal artist you must be prepared to learn and practice different techniques depending on what the art is to be used for. Maybe a rough sketch for a painting or perhaps a portrait. For permanent charcoal drawings it is necessary to apply a fixative, this prevents them from possibly being smudged which is very easy with charcoal.

Potential
Charcoal is a favorite medium for portrait artists, as it is quick and makes very good silluett affects.

Closely Related Activities
line drawing and sketching 22, painting 20/23, pastel drawing 17, chalk drawing 17.

Cost
A set of charcoals and a drawing pad are the basic tools that you will need to get started.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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