How to Paint With Charcoal
- 1
Charcoal and acrylics together can create dramatic contrast.painting image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com
Sketch your composition out lightly on the watercolor paper. Work with the acrylic paint as a wash by mixing water with the paint. Spray the watercolor paper with a light spray of water. Keep the paint thin so that the charcoal can be drawn over the painting. - 2). Use the charcoal to draw over and into the paint, gradually building up definition and contrast. Continue to work back and forth between paint and charcoal. The purpose of working with the two mediums together is to develop both line and color at the same time. Spray the watercolor with a light mist spray and let it dry; this will create a granular texture. Come back with the charcoal to continue rendering details.
- 3). Add highlights and render with the side of the charcoal to build in dark shadows. Take the side of the charcoal and press down on the paper creating wide soft dark areas for shadows. Working back and forth between the brightest and darkest areas will build contrast and interest.
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