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The Best Charcoal Art Supplies, According to a Teacher and An Artist

Updated: Jul 28, 2024


Essential drawing utensils I use for stunning results. 


By: Jacquelyn Smith   Updated on July 26, 2024

This post does contain some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.







Being a professional charcoal artist has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Over the last 5 years, I've found my niche in drawing pets, animals, buildings, vehicles, and landscapes. The art supplies I consistently use include charcoal pencils, a blending stump, and more. The best part? These charcoal art supplies are user-friendly for beginner or advanced artists.






My Top 4 Favorite

Charcoal Art Supplies 











Best Eraser:




Why I Recommend It 


My all-time favorite charcoal art supply is the Tombow eraser. A fine-tip eraser is crucial for charcoal drawings, especially when aiming for intricate details such as fur on a pet portrait. Precision-tip erasers like the Tombow allow me to create sharp, defined lines and subtle highlights in each piece. They also add a dimensional aspect and texture that enhances the realism of the drawing. I consider the Tombow precision-tip eraser an invaluable tool for achieving high-quality charcoal artwork. 




Best Charcoal Pencils:




Why I Recommend It


I’ve used various charcoal brands over the years and always seem to find myself returning to my tried-and-true Generals charcoal pencils. These pencils have always blended beautifully and created a smooth, even texture in each of my drawings. One of the things I love most about Generals charcoal pencils is their wide range of tonal values. The variety allows me to create depth and dimension in my work, from the darkest shadows to the lightest highlights.


These charcoal pencils are non-toxic, latex-free, and even come with a kneaded eraser. 







Best Blending Stump:




Why I Recommend It


If you’re working with charcoal pencils, you’ll know you must have a blending stump at some point. These simple yet effective tools help smooth and blend a variety of mediums such as charcoal, graphite, and pastels. Blending stumps, like the Norocme, help to create seamless transitions between tones. I use my blending stumps to help me achieve soft, realistic textures in fur, feathers, and other intricate details.


Using a blending stump allows me to control the intensity of my shading and keep some parts of my drawing softer and lighter while others remain a darker shade. By smoothing out harsh lines and blending different shades, I can create more lifelike portraits. 



Best Paper:





Why I Recommend It


Choosing the right paper is just as important as selecting the right pencils. For me, Strathmore Sketchbooks have always been the ideal choice. I prefer their 8x10 version, which allows me to have a lap-size piece to work on from the comfort of my couch. The texture of this paper is fine enough that it holds pencil and charcoal easily. It provides a smooth surface to work with and improves the quality of my drawings.


While the sketchbooks are great for charcoal, I've also used them with other art supplies such as oil pastels and paint. The paper holds up incredibly well, even with these more demanding mediums, allowing me to experiment with different techniques and mediums without worrying about the paper tearing or folding unexpectedly. 



Important Considerations in

Charcoal Art Supplies 









  • Durability

    • Finding durable charcoal art supplies is essential for maintaining the quality of work. Durable supplies provide better value for money, as they last longer and require less frequent replacement.  General’s charcoal pencils are durable for creating charcoal artwork because they are made from high-quality materials that provide a consistent and smooth application.  The core of the pencil itself is finely milled and dense, allowing it to create precise lines without crumbling or smudging excessively.  The high-quality wood casing not only protects the core, but also makes sharpening easier. 


  • Ease of Use

    • It is crucial that charcoal art supplies are easy to use.  This allows artists to focus more on their creative expression and less on managing their tools. Supplies that are user-friendly can enhance learning experience for beginners, making it easier for them to develop their skills. 





About the Author 


Jacquelyn Smith is a professional artist, teacher, published author, and mom (her favorite role). She obtained her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and has taught children of all ages for nearly 20 years as a day care teacher and elementary school educator. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two daughters and enjoys being outdoors. 







 
 
 

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