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Charcoal sketching - shell

For this project you will need:

  • Object to draw (I used shells)

  • Willow charcoal (mixed or small sticks)

  • Drawing paper (better if it is rough or has a slight ‘tooth’)

  • Rubber. Putty rubbers are better for charcoal, but don’t worry, you can use a plastic rubber.

You may also like to use a blending stump or torchon and fixative.


This project can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount of detail you want to add.




Sketch lightly a very rough shape. This should be a simple representation of the overall shape.









Draw over, a little more precisely, the shape. Rub back any mistakes or lines either with your hand or a rubber.