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Charcoal

You can see/purchase charcoal at Rex Art Supplies

Charcoal has been used by artists since prehistoric times when man drew on cave walls. It is basically burnt organic material such as wood. Drawing charcoal comes in various forms such as compressed (charcoal mixed with a binder), vine (burnt wood) and charcoal dust. Compressed charcoal is harder while vine charcoal tends to make softer marks and is messier. Charcoal dust is generally used to cover large areas.

Edgar Degas; Seated Dancer Adjusting Her Shoes; 1880; charcoal (with white chalk)

Leonardo da Vinci; Studies for the Heads of Two Soldiers in the Battle of Anghiari; 1452; charcoal

Charcoal is favored by artists for portraits, making a darker mark than pencil. It is also often used as an underdrawing for paintings. The medium can be blended easily and can be used to make expressive drawing marks.

The above images are in the public domain.

Some web sites with charcoal tips and tutorials:
Pencils.com: Charcoal Drawing TipsThe Virtual Instructor: Charcoal
e-volved Magazine: Step by Step Charcoal Drawing Tutorial with Derek Harrison/

Some contemporary artists who use charcoal:
Kate Sammons
David Kassan
Bored Panda - Heather Hansen
Kim Buck