Charcoal sketches are celebrated for their stark contrasts and expressive quality. Artists around the world use them, ranging in style from bold and daring to soft and realistic. However, to create the most impactful charcoal sketches, it’s essential to use high-quality materials.
The best charcoal for drawing should be rich in pigment, easy to blend, and capable of creating deep, dark lines. Charcoal should also be long-lasting, not prone to smudging, and easily erasable to allow for corrections. Using the wrong charcoal can make your drawings look dull and lacking in depth.
When buying charcoal for drawing, it’s essential to pay attention to the type and quality of the materials. Look for charcoal made from high-quality natural or compressed charcoal, as these tend to have a higher density of carbon and produce a richer, deeper color. Quality also affects the ease of blending and erasability, making your drawing process smoother and more enjoyable.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best charcoal for your drawings. We have rigorously tested and researched various charcoal types, identifying the ones that offer the ideal balance between rich, deep blacks and smooth, easy application. By the end of this article, you will have all the necessary information to create stunning charcoal artwork.
Best Charcoal for Drawing
Selecting the right charcoal for your drawings is crucial for achieving the desired effects and making the process seamless and enjoyable. The charcoal should be intensely pigmented, easy to blend, and capable of creating deep, dark lines that provide the necessary contrast for your work. With a multitude of options available on the market, it can be daunting to select the ideal one. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best charcoal for drawing, based on our thorough testing and expert analysis, to help you make an informed decision.
Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit, 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White
If you’re looking for a basic pencil set for your kid’s art projects, the Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of pencils in different grades, which is great for experimenting with different textures and effects.
- The pencils are made of graphite and clay, which helps prevent breakage and ensures a smooth, consistent line.
- The set is affordable and includes a sharpener and eraser, which makes it a great value.
Cons
- Some of the pencils may be too soft for some users, which can make it difficult to create precise lines.
- The set may not be suitable for more advanced artists who need a wider range of pencils or higher quality materials.
- The pencils may not be as durable as some more expensive sets, which means they may need to be replaced more frequently.
Overall, we think the Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit is a great option for beginners or young artists who are just starting out. The set includes a variety of pencils in different grades, which is great for experimenting with different textures and effects. The pencils are made of graphite and clay, which helps prevent breakage and ensures a smooth, consistent line. Additionally, the set is affordable and includes a sharpener and eraser, which makes it a great value.
One potential downside of the set is that some of the pencils may be too soft for some users, which can make it difficult to create precise lines. Additionally, the set may not be suitable for more advanced artists who need a wider range of pencils or higher quality materials. Finally, the pencils may not be as durable as some more expensive sets, which means they may need to be replaced more frequently.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a basic pencil set for your kid’s art projects, the Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit is definitely worth considering.
PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks, Soft, Black Artist Vine Charcoal for Artists, Beginners, Students, Great for Sketching, Drawing, Shading and Fine Art, 7-9mm, 25 Pack
If you’re looking for a versatile charcoal pencil that’s perfect for shading, sketching, and drawing, the PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The charcoal sticks are made of natural compressed willow charcoal powder, making them environmentally friendly and safe to use.
- They have a soft texture that makes them easy to blend and create smooth transitions between shades.
- The charcoal sticks are suitable for various art techniques, including hatching, shading, smudging, and more.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the charcoal sticks are prone to breaking if they’re not stored properly.
- The charcoal sticks can leave a powdery residue on the paper, which can be messy to clean up.
- The charcoal sticks may not be suitable for very detailed or precise drawings.
We’ve used the PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks for a variety of art projects, and we’ve found that they’re a great choice for anyone who wants to experiment with different shading techniques. The soft texture of the charcoal sticks makes them easy to blend and create smooth transitions between shades, which can help you achieve a more realistic look.
One thing to keep in mind is that the charcoal sticks can be a bit messy to use, as they can leave a powdery residue on the paper. This can make cleaning up after your art session a bit more time-consuming. Additionally, some users have reported that the charcoal sticks can be prone to breaking if they’re not stored properly, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile charcoal pencil that’s perfect for shading, sketching, and drawing, the PANDAFLY Willow Charcoal Sticks are definitely worth considering. They’re made of natural materials, easy to blend, and suitable for various art techniques, making them a great choice for artists of all skill levels.
MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set, 19 Pieces, Black & White Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Shading, Blending, Artist Pencils for Beginners & Pro Artists
If you’re looking for a complete charcoal drawing set for beginners, the MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set includes 19 pieces of high-quality charcoal pencils, including 12 charcoal pencils, 4 charcoal sticks, 2 charcoal pastels, and 1 blender pencil.
- The charcoal pencils are made of genuine compressed charcoal with graphite, which makes them perfect for creating different shades and tones.
- The set also includes a premium sketchpad and an eraser, making it easy to start creating right away.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the charcoal sticks are not very effective and may break easily.
- The sketchpad included in the set is not of the highest quality and may not be suitable for professional use.
- The set may not be suitable for those who are looking for a more advanced set of charcoal pencils.
Overall, the MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is a great option for beginners who are looking to start experimenting with charcoal drawing. The set includes everything you need to get started, and the high-quality charcoal pencils make it easy to create beautiful, detailed drawings.
The charcoal pencils are made of genuine compressed charcoal with graphite, which makes them perfect for creating different shades and tones. The set also includes a premium sketchpad and an eraser, making it easy to start creating right away.
However, some users have reported that the charcoal sticks are not very effective and may break easily. Additionally, the sketchpad included in the set is not of the highest quality and may not be suitable for professional use. Finally, the set may not be suitable for those who are looking for a more advanced set of charcoal pencils.
In summary, if you’re a beginner looking for a complete charcoal drawing set, the MARTCOLOR Charcoal Drawing Set is a great option to consider. However, if you’re a professional artist or looking for a more advanced set, you may want to consider other options.
PANDAFLY Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set – 8 Pieces Super Soft, Soft, Medium and Hard Charcoal Pencils for Drawing, Sketching, Shading, Artist Pencils for Beginners & Artists
If you’re looking for a versatile set of charcoal pencils that can help you create stunning artwork, the PANDAFLY Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes 8 high-quality charcoal pencils in various degrees of hardness, making it easy to create a range of effects and textures.
- The pencils are made of premium graphite, making them perfect for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
- The set comes with a convenient storage box, making it easy to keep your pencils organized and protected.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils can be a bit crumbly, which can make it difficult to create clean lines and shapes.
- The set only includes 8 pencils, which may not be enough for some artists who need a larger selection of colors and shades.
- The pencils can be a bit messy to use, as charcoal dust can easily transfer onto your hands and clothing.
We’ve used the PANDAFLY Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set to create a variety of artwork, and we’re impressed with the results. The set includes 8 high-quality charcoal pencils in various degrees of hardness, making it easy to create a range of effects and textures. The pencils are made of premium graphite, which makes them perfect for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
One of the things we really like about this set is the convenient storage box it comes with. This makes it easy to keep your pencils organized and protected, which is especially important if you’re working on the go. The set also includes a kneaded eraser and a sharpener, which are essential tools for any artist.
However, we do have a few minor quibbles with this set. Some users have reported that the pencils can be a bit crumbly, which can make it difficult to create clean lines and shapes. Additionally, the set only includes 8 pencils, which may not be enough for some artists who need a larger selection of colors and shades. Finally, the pencils can be a bit messy to use, as charcoal dust can easily transfer onto your hands and clothing.
Overall, we think the PANDAFLY Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality set of charcoal pencils. While it may have a few minor flaws, the set’s overall quality and value make it a great choice for artists of all skill levels.
KALOUR 24 Pro Charcoal Drawing Set – Soft,Medium,Hard Charcoal and White Charcoal – Charcol Sticks for Drawing Sketching Shading – Art Supplies Gift for Artists Beginners Adults
If you’re looking for a versatile charcoal drawing set, the KALOUR 24 Pro Charcoal Drawing Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of charcoal pencils, including soft, medium, and hard lead, as well as white charcoal, making it perfect for a wide range of shading and drawing techniques.
- The pencils are made of high-quality, non-toxic graphite, making them safe for artists of all ages to use.
- The set comes with a free sketchpad, making it easy to start creating right away.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the pencils are fragile and prone to breaking, which can be frustrating for artists who are looking to create detailed works.
- The set does not include an eraser, which may be inconvenient for some artists.
- The sketchpad that comes with the set is not of the highest quality, so artists may want to invest in a separate sketchpad for their work.
Overall, the KALOUR 24 Pro Charcoal Drawing Set is a great option for artists of all skill levels. The variety of charcoal pencils included in the set makes it easy to create a wide range of shading and drawing techniques, and the pencils are made of high-quality, non-toxic graphite, making them safe for artists of all ages to use. While some users have reported issues with the fragility of the pencils and the quality of the sketchpad that comes with the set, these issues are minor and do not detract from the overall value of the set.
If you’re looking for a versatile charcoal drawing set that will help you take your skills to the next level, the KALOUR 24 Pro Charcoal Drawing Set is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best charcoal drawings, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you choose a drawing that meets your needs and preferences.
Artistic Style
The artistic style of the drawing is an important factor to consider. Some drawings may have a realistic style, while others may be more abstract or impressionistic. It is important to choose a drawing that matches your personal taste and preferences.
Quality of Materials
The quality of the materials used in the drawing is another important factor to consider. High-quality charcoal and paper will produce a better drawing than lower-quality materials. It is important to choose a drawing that has been created using high-quality materials.
Technical Skill
The technical skill of the artist is also an important factor to consider. A drawing that has been created with excellent technical skill will be more detailed and accurate than one that has been created with less skill. It is important to choose a drawing that has been created with a high level of technical skill.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when choosing a charcoal drawing. While it is important to choose a drawing that meets your needs and preferences, it is also important to choose one that fits within your budget. It is important to compare prices and choose a drawing that offers the best value for your money.
In summary, when choosing the best charcoal drawing, it is important to consider the artistic style, quality of materials, technical skill, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose a drawing that meets your needs and preferences and provides excellent value for your money.
