This was drawn in 2007, using a sepia stick. I mention the date as it`s hard to believe I drew this so long ago.

Anyway, the sepia stick, another good medium for covering a large area relatively quickly.

I say that in relation to drawing peoples faces, features, hair, etc, etc. as that is the only subject I usually draw.

It`s also a bit tricky when your drawing something detailed, such as the eyes, or for that matter, anything small that requires exactitude, because the tip is quite broad.
It`s just something to take into consideration when your using the sepia stick, and nothing that should put you off using it.

Drawn in ten minutes or so, using only willow charcoal.
It never ceases to surprise me how quickly I can go through
these willow charcoal sticks.

You can practice on 80 gram photo copy paper to get the feel of these sticks, before drawing on something of a heavier gram, so be prepared to be surprised at the striking, stark results these will bring.

You can also use Blue Tac to gently lift out charcoal, such as to create high lights, without disturbing the texture of the paper.
Enjoy your practice, that`s the main thing.

Drawn 10 minutes or so, using only willow charcoal.

This is a medium it`s well worth experimenting with, but be prepared to "rip up and start again" quite often, until you find a method of working that suits your style. Once again, it`s very easy to smudge your work as you progress with charcoal,

but the results are well worth the effort, and remember to use a fixative.

Drawn with a Letraset Promarker, Pentel brush pen, and
willow charcoal.
Marker pens, with twin tips, one tip is a bullet edge, the other a wedge edge, can add a wide range of variety and interest to your drawings once you get the feel of them.

They also bring a strong, striking appearance to your work.

Once you`ve had some practice with marker pens, charcoal, when you go back to drawing in pencil, you`ll find yourself working faster, and bolder...pressing heavier on pencil strokes.

Drawn with a Letraset Pro marker, and shaded in with willow charcoal.

The Letraset feels very smooth to use, and spreads the ink evenly and consistently.

Drawn with a 2B charcoal pencil and willow charcoal.

A3 size, which is a comfortable size to work at when using charcoal.

I drew this in 2007, (time flies ;-), with a caligraphy pen,willow charcoal, and soft pastel colour.

I was`nt too happy with the ink though as after 3 or 4 months, I noticed the black ink fading badly to a odd looking red.

I don`t use those pens any longer, instead sticking to Copic, and the Letraset Promarker....quality pens.