Do you struggle with drawing portraits that end up looking flat, dull and lifeless? Learn how to harness the power of highlights and shadows to produce your best portrait yet!

In this class, you will learn how to create dramatic portraits with just one tool: a white charcoal pencil. Out of all the mediums that I work with, charcoal is one of my favorites. It’s not time-consuming; and it really forces you to focus on the lights and shadows because that’s what makes your artwork look 3 dimensional.

The key to vibrancy in portraits is using values! So throughout this class, you'll learn how to:

• pick a good reference and prepare it to make the drawing process easier,

• create a value scale with a white charcoal pencil, using different techniques, so you can see how you can achieve different effects with just one tool,

• break down a face into simple shapes you can build up on.

• and finally, three methods you can use to create your final portrait, (1) a simple transfer method, (2) a freehand method, and (3) the more systematic loomis method.

This class is perfect for beginners, or any illustrators who want to bring life and drama into their art. This class is also for you if you’re new to charcoal or if you’re the adventurous soul who wants to try something new.