At this time of year it can feel like a never ending winter when the days are dark and dreary. However, even in damp foggy weather, there is still a lot of beauty to appreciate in nature. Sullen skies and the stark silhouettes of bare trees can be beautifully captured in artwork by charcoal.
I love using charcoal in my art classes because it’s easy and fast to manipulate and can produce dramatic results. It doesn’t matter if you make a mistake or draw wobblier lines than intended. Charcoal sticks have a powdery brittle texture, so you can easily smudge lines and build up your composition again. The downside is it’s messy. Your fingers and clothes can get marked. I’ve sometimes come out of art classes with dark streaks on my face!
Here are some examples of artwork done in my children’s art classes. The still life of jug and flowers in a vase is a gorgeous study of light and shade. The smudged background fills the space with a suggestion of colour. Lighter areas reflect the light source, in contrast to the darker shadows. Similarly in landscape, smudging techniques are used to evoke cloudy skies and a moody atmosphere in our castle ruin scene. The strong lines for bare trees and blackened clouds add drama.
I will begin my Spring 13 week term of children’s art classes in SNCN Glounthaune NS, Midleton and Glanmire in January 2025. If you’re interested, follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/frazzledmammy, visit my website at frazzledmammy.com/art-classes, or contact me at 087 6684021 for more information.