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ALEXEI ANTONOV PAINTINGS

Subject: "Using Charcoal"

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Study and Teach Fine Art Techniques Charcoal and Pencil Drawings - Techniques by J.D. Hillberry Topic #406

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triton25

Member since Oct-30-02
26 posts, 2 feedbacks,

Jan-17-03, 11:47 PM ()

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"Using Charcoal"

Hello all,
I recently completed a drawing that had a large area requiring the use of charcoal. I found that using charcoal produced a large amount of charcoal debris (dust). I found that there was no way of removing the dust short of using a vacuum attachment without smearing the drawing. How do you guys deal with charcoal? It seems that it must be nearly impossible to use large amounts of charcoal and still keep the drawing neat and clean. I could use the kneaded eraser to pick it up but with so much to clean up this seems impractical........Any thoughts/tips??

Thanks!!

Tony

Marc Forest

Member since Aug-23-02
285 posts, 14 feedbacks, 27 points

Jan-20-03, 03:01 PM ()

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1. "RE: Using Charcoal"

Hey Tony.

I know what your dealing with. the way i handle it is with a can of "Dust off" It's compressed air in a can. a few short blast's and off the powder goes.

Becareful! sometimes moisture comes out first. hold it a few inches away and it works dandy. It's totally hands of the drawing, no kneaded erasers or brushes. I never blow it across my work I rotate the drawing and blow it off in what ever direction works. I've never had a problem with powder affecting the rest of my drawing.

Marc Forest.
http://www.marcforest.com

triton25

Member since Oct-30-02
26 posts, 2 feedbacks,

Jan-20-03, 08:22 PM ()

2. "RE: Using Charcoal"

Hi Marc,
I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to respond:9 ....Thanks alot. Your method sounds like a winner. I'll give it a try....

Take care,

Tony

eye_fly

Member since Dec-20-02
21 posts, 1 feedbacks,

Jan-21-03, 11:19 AM ()

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3. "RE: Using Charcoal"

I use lots of charcoal. I usually just blow off any dust with a good puff from my lungs. I haven't had problems with the dust leaving marks as it blows away, although you could always do a test piece on some scrap paper to see for yourself.

theduke
Member since Sep-23-02
119 posts,

Jan-21-03, 12:27 PM ()

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4. "RE: Using Charcoal"

I usually try to cover as much of my drawing that I'm not working with with scrap pieces of paper, and let the dust cover that.

http://www.geocities.com/dukeearwood