Give It A Go! Charcoal Drawing Techniques

If you have ever wanted to try working in charcoal, this workshop will provide you with information on key techniques and effects for working with different types of charcoal.

Exercises for working with willow (vine) charcoal, compressed and charcoal pencils will be given, encouraging you to try a range of approaches to develop your drawing response using quick, gestural sketches and sustained drawing efforts.

These guided exercises will allow you to explore mark making, line, form, tone, subtractive tone and layering, utilising easily accessible subject matter from your own environment.

Suitable for beginners and those wishing to expand their drawing practice.

This will be a prepared document based on the popular charcoal drawing workshops run by the tutor at The Crescent.

It will be delivered via email link on the date and time specified in a visually rich slide & video format. Session is designed for approx 2 hr engagement, however participants can undertake the session at a time of their choosing and at their own pace.

This resource requires significant preparation therefore it will only go ahead if there is sufficient interest to make it viable, so please register your interest by 6th May. The tutor will then email a payment link. 

For more information or to register your interest, please email: wideskies@virginmedia.com

About the tutor

Sharon Kelly RUA is a practicing artist with 30 years experience, exhibiting nationally and internationally.

She gained a BA (Hons) Fine Art, 1986 and MFA, 1989 from Ulster University and was co-founder of Flaxart Studios, Belfast 1990 and Paragon Studios / PS2, Belfast, where she was co-director from 1993 – 2016.

Her practice gravitates around drawing, but has incorporated moving image, drawing animation, painting, print and collaborative ventures with writers, dancers and choreographers.

Sharon has many years experience teaching drawing, life drawing, painting and portfolio preparation in The Crescent, encouraging an exploration of the creative process using traditional and experimental modes and approaches. She has been visiting Lecturer at Ulster University, Queens University and institutions across Ireland. Sharon was commissioned by CCEA in 2016 to develop and deliver a series of experimental drawing workshops for A Level art teachers.  

She is currently the ‘virtual’ artist in residence with St Patrick’s primary school, Crossmaglen, as part of a long-term project, 'Virtually There', placing art at the heart of enquiry-based learning.

In 2014 she set up Wide Skies Sketching to promote outdoor creative activities and organises and co-facilitates the summer Walk & Sketch sessions for the public in Belfast city parks.