Why I Only Draw With Charcoal | Portrait Drawing

Drawing Course Out Now: course.madchar...
How did I get into charcoal drawing, and why did I stick with it?
Patreon: patreon.com/madcharcoal
Instagram: / mad.charcoal
TikTok: / mad.charcoal
Website: madcharcoalsho...

[@ZtooG]

I’ve just randomly came across this channel like 30 minutes ago… how underrated is this!? You’re so talented! God bless you

[@MadCharcoal]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@piltene1]

Of course he is talented, otherwise he wouldn't be an artist, What kind of lame compliment is that?

[@kenkenichi7461]

You are mad with charcoal my friend!

[@tonyduarte1609]

​@@piltene1dont be an egg and be so rude and disrespectful about someone else's comment. Keep yours yourself if its going to be rude. Its not very nice and youre probably a nice person and stopped thinking. We are all talented in our own respective ways.

[@ogster35]

Awesome, which kind of paper do you use?

[@SPXXKYPLXYA]

I started drawing with charcoal in highschool for art class. I tried to draw it like you would do a pencil drawing and that didn’t work. I can draw faces but not really full body drawings (I can it just takes a few hours) so because of this I almost gave up on art completely. Even anime/manga drawings which I’m good at. When I tried to get back into drawing I hit an art block. it made me hesitant to do art again and also made me rethink what I wanted to be and seeing artist’s drawing that were better than mine made me even more discouraged depressed about art. I came upon one of your charcoal shorts that you did and I asked my art teacher if we(The class)could do more charcoal drawings. He said “No” as he wanted ME and only me to move away from it to focus on other materials…so I stole a pack of charcoal(6-7 sticks), chalk, and practiced at home using your shorts, tutorials and advice. My brother later bought me a charcoal kit for Christmas. I couldn’t find any charcoal or pan pastel in Walmart so my very nice English teacher brought it for me. I owe her one. My art teacher(Whom I learned nothing from as what he was teaching was the basics) let me do what ever after that. We later went deeper into art a little more but that didn’t help at all. NO ONE did art in my school besides me and a few people His lessons and tips didn’t help with ME but YOURS DID. although everyone learns differently. My charcoal drawing started to get WAY better but my family thought I had schizophrenia(But they still thought my artwork was cool) but I don’t think they’re that good. I want to improve more everyday until I can’t. MadCharcoal, you’ve helped me way more than you know when it comes to art. I want to say thank you. Truly. Your talent has made me realize mine.

[@MadCharcoal]

I love this, means a lot to me, keep drawing!

[@Yellowbanana2024]

SPOOKY, keep pursuing art, you are an artist😊

[@carterc7442]

There are few artists who's work I feel connected to like yours. I appreciate you and your art so much. Praying for you brother!

[@MadCharcoal]

I appreciate that

[@amandavanheerden7980]

All my life I felt a presence (the muse) whispering to me that I need to start doing visual art. I ignored it for most of my life. Recently I tried acrylic, but realised that I'll need to learn to draw first. A dot and and a few marks on a page - the modern age idea of art - is NOT art. What you're doing is art. I see you're using both charcoal and pastels in your drawings - a beautiful combination. Since I live in a small desert town, my man gave me his beautiful set of graphite pencils, but I wanted charcoal right from the start. I found a pack of 3 charcoal pencils in a tiny craft shop and started immediately doing a free online course. I drew every day. I started 2 weeks ago and I'm already doing basic landscapes! Before I would not even venture to draw a little stick man. That all happened this month! I am a young 70 year old and found a brandnew passion. I'm in love with charcoal and passionate about nature. Nature will always be the master artist imo, but with charcoal it gave us one of its most dramatic mediums to express out love for the beauty it gives us. I'm subscribing because of how you explained your journey, your connection to the medium and your amazing artistry. My journey has just started, but out of all the videos I watched, this one struck a chord that rang true for me. Thank you.

[@pdatnc]

It's amazing that such chaotic mark-making produces such beautiful art. So full of energy and life! ❤❤❤

[@brittm-m2403]

You totally NAILED what makes charcoal such a powerful and enigmatic medium. Obviously you understand it well. ♡

[@EXTRA300s]

I don't know why, but I realy got emotional seeing the result. I believe my mind can't process the beauty you created with only charcoal.

[@TheArtbdw]

Watching you create this powerful portrait, looks like a masterpiece in only 14 minutes…. And remembering all the times that I say “I wish I had more time to draw or make artwork “ thank you for sharing this

[@Giancarlo_DellErnia]

I really like your holistic approach to drawing that encourages greater expressive freedom and leads to more dynamic and emotionally engaging results. I find that this artistic technique has a strong analogy with our vision process, in which the eyes quickly move between different points of the subject in order to perceive the whole before the details. The brain tends to recognize shapes and patterns in exactly the same way you work with masses instead of lines. Fascinating!

[@MadCharcoal]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Cosmoe]

I too just came across this! I have drawn with charcoal before....but not like this! I can't wait to try your technique! You are very inspiring...keep going.

[@MadCharcoal]

Have fun!

[@Lily-888]

I've been following your channel for so long. It's so satisfying and inspiring. This change of pace in your content is so cool!! I’m even thinking of starting my own channel. Your art has inspired a community. Just think about that :)

[@johnewings-x9y]

I have seen so many of these hit or miss charcoal drawings on u tube and have yet to see one that inspires.the image you were attempting to capture looked so much more deserving of a bit more attention.but great fun.❤

[@jtsmassivepurpose7549]

Just in love with your process and art!!!

[@matttheazn]

watching the process of the art give me a great appreciation for it.

[@Eric-im6eq]

Beautiful painting and equally beautiful words!

[@linpetite777]

Josh, I've been watching your video's and in my life of 72 years and having done lots of drawing and painting, I have to say, you are really an inspiration to me! Love your style! Keep up the good work, thank you🙏👌🏼

[@SirElCidDELeon]

Iv recently got back into drawing an got some pencils 2 are Charcoal,iv only used once but seeing this makes me want to really try using them,there's something primal seeing you paint using charcoal.

[@MadCharcoal]

Go for it!

[@nicoleperron3315]

Love your work, using charcoal is very visceral and the conection is much stronger than with a paintbrush. You feel your shadows .....

[@MadCharcoal]

Thank you so much 😀

[@vickyotie]

What an experience 🖤🖤

[@dongrajo9895]

Great work as always, Josh! Much love from the Philippines.

[@eiyhka8779]

Awesome video man..very inspiring ⚡

[@kairandbellinger1973]

OK - WHAT! Thank you to my son for sharing this gem of an artist

[@БорисРумянцев-у1у]

Thank you for your thoughts and arts.

[@FrankMaggard]

I would like for you to explain your racers when you use them. It really really helps very beautiful painting very professionally.

[@capriceproduction5367]

Enfin de l'Art avec un grand A ! Merci

[@renel7303]

Thank you for this overview. You are so gifted. I'll need to get my charcoal out. This time I'm wearing gloves.

[@Rametampertje]

Thx 4 the vid, there are millions of people around the world like me, envy ur skills... damnzz if only i could...i would....all day...

[@stephaneboulet7336]

the audio is as artful as the video. Thank you!

[@jackmushi5466]

This is great stuff. I am really impressed

[@nonolaporte3195]

I am an atheist, but I find your idea of Humans inheriting God's creation skills very poetic. Thank you for sharing your spirituality and your incredible skills with other humans.

[@alidalavezzari4103]

beautiful

[@zombiejosh78]

I've grown so much by watching you

[@MadCharcoal]

That means so much.

[@ericeakes7733]

Well done,!,

[@julieduncan1996]

Thank you for your Christian testimony and your beautiful art! ❤👍🏻

[@Calligraphybooster]

Though his name not be idly used..

[@hubbert22]

Inspiring!

[@hiddenvalleyranch775]

You are so inspiring. Thank you.

[@MadCharcoal]

Thanks for watching!

[@susanhoward2906]

AWESOME

[@nostri9419]

Truly amazing!!

[@patbarro2159]

You are a brother that uses art to share the message of our master Creator. Your work inspires me. The approach and the style allows for maximum creativity and enjoyment in the process. Thank you for sharing your creation and for giving glory to the Creator.

[@MadCharcoal]

Thanks, and God bless

[@willienorrie7933]

Well done mate 👍

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Have you ever considered applying to Portrait Artist of the Year? I'm pretty sure it's open to whomever, unless the foreigners I've seen have all relocated to the British Isles 😮 Anyway, I imagine that you'd be a hit ❤❤

[@SoulCreature153]

I am 15 and I am terrible and terrified of charcoal.....so I try to replicate ur sketches with pencil...maybe after this video I'll try charcoal

[@Yellowbanana2024]

Just do like little kids do: get a piece of paper, charcoal, and start scribbling, close your eyes if you want. After that do it again and again. It might help you relax. Fear less😊

[@SoulCreature153]

@@Yellowbanana2024 but charcoal kit in India is a little expensive :( atleast for me

[@MadCharcoal]

Charcoal is burnt wood. create a small bonfire and get some for free!!

[@SoulCreature153]

@@MadCharcoal well unfortunately I have no open space for it and because in India it's not possible 😭

[@mchlup]

I haven't tried charcoal since high school, many, many, years ago. This is really inspirational. May I ask, what tool are you using to lay the charcoal down with? It looks like an oil paint knife. Also, are the highlights done with white chalk or an eraser? It's interesting that almost all art teachers make their students work with charcoal when doing figure studies but I've seen artists do it with chalk, ink, crayons, pastels, etc.

[@TheMatureArtist]

🎉All of the charcoal drawings I have watched, seem to be faces or figure studies. I never see landscapes. Having said that the medium lends itself to the former.

[@tomgumley6778]

I'm enjoying your work. Please would you tell me the brand/model of easel that you use. I am in the market for a new one.

[@DLeRoux]

I'm interested in knowing what your reference is that you are using for this piece?

[@kitsuiam1082]

What a masterpiece brother....Do you mske your own reference?????

[@StandaloneVR]

Hi, how do you menage the powder falling on the floor? That's the only reason I'm scared trying it. Thx

[@MadCharcoal]

I don't. Usually I have to have canvas on the ground or work in my studio. It is always covered with powder.

[@gdwscott]

Can I ask please what you used to erase/lighten up certain areas?

[@jameswitt108]

Nice 👍

[@TimHoughton-fs7td]

Really enjoyed your video. I am still searching for the right paper, have tried many including cartridge, watercolour etc. Could you tell me which paper you use, it seems quite heavy weight and smooth/hot press. Appreciate it.

[@MadCharcoal]

Email me and I can get you a supply list [e-mail]

[@JHDrawingAcademy]

Nice❤❤❤

[@leegreen9928]

Beautiful Brother... I love this piece. Selah 🥭🥭🥭

[@wendytitterton5004]

What are you using to add the highlights?

[@taikolumas]

Heeeyyy, what paper do you use?

[@larryseals4665]

When you get really good, you'll need some Conte Sanguine with your talent for copying what a camera can do in milli seconds.

[@gummy425]

"painting with dry material"

[@667hodge]

Pan pastel is not charcoal

[@paulmendolia8483]

your Dad

[@JasonDeville-fi4dh]

Congrats you picked the least skilled and most limiting medium to use and then mastered it fast(because it's low skill) and you've stayed the same ever since.

[@JasonDeville-fi4dh]

The popular channel doesn't mean it's talented or even that your art will be desired or remembered. It's not bad it's just the absolute easiest thing you could have done in art and it doesn't really push you to become better anymore. Hopefully u get rich enough to realize your mistake. Rich enough to stop your channel and keep learning because you are wasting your potential. But if you really like drawing stuff that has no longevity then keep going it's all about what makes you happy.

[@JasonDeville-fi4dh]

The way I see it is the skill level I had when I first started like way back when I was 12. Your finished work is like before I even add paint

[@germanCrowbar]

Karl Marx?

[@SoulCreature153]

Josh Hernandez

[@ApolloSilvercrest]

Great. Now draw with crayons.

[@2ndBirth]

I do love how expressive your work is. It's very inspiring. I love the whole look of refinement coming out of chaos. It reminds me of the LORD's world on people like me. All rough around the edges and He is gradually refining us.

[@SakutoNoSAI]

You are using the spirit to bring life to the material, providing it a soul within the image of man, and bringing order to the chaos of matter. This is exactly what we are called by our creator to do, afterall.

[@1gbuzzin]

Josh you’re a legend man

[@drarlenerose6550]

Watching this awakened something inside me.Thank you

[@DLeRoux]

Remember kids, always try new things. You never know where you flourish.

[@MadCharcoal]

Amen

[@cosmicfxx]

What thing are you using to hold the charcoal?

[@rizzart66]

I just love your work. I'm self taught. Mostly graphite, coloring pencils, some wtercolor. This is the kind of work I want to do. I have some materials, just need to let go.

[@MadCharcoal]

You can do it!

[@leam1978]

charcoal is indeed very expressive, direct, and rapid. do you use a filter mask to protect your lungs? i used to work exclusively with charcoal (and with a similar technique with my fingers), but had to mostly stop because it was damaging my lungs.

[@StrictlyStarsky]

I was the opposite generals charcoal was my first art pencil I’ve ever used and I need to go back to my roots

[@anaalina7895]

Wowww I would like to have you as a teacher, I would like to be able to paint like you. you are extraordinary❤

[@gavinreid2741]

At art school i was trained to use only charcoal , exept in sketch books.

[@JonesJr_art]

I came to love charcoal and pastel the same way as you did. I was a pencil guy too. I took a figure drawing class in my 20's and was encouraged to make things with willow quickly. It opened up more gestural art and made me a student of shape, light and shadow. Now in my 50's, I want to try it all, all the mediums. I will always call charcoal and pastel my "home base" Thank you for doing what you do. You make me feel like a student again and have me longing for my charcoal and pastel. I hope you keeping doing what moves you most!

[@bsdpowa]

I enjoyed this entire video! idk what is it about it but all of it as a whole is really calming

[@TheDrDementos]

Am i crazy or is this drawing actually like 95 percent pan pastel?

[@SakutoNoSAI]

It's basically the same thing, in terms of application. I have worked widely in both, and I find that charcoal and chalk in a pan are essentially more fluid and flexible versions of pan pastel.

[@brettoshoregamefishing293]

😂 "i only use charcoal" while literally using pastel 😂😂😂

[@Esmu3rta]

Underrated and amazing

[@Dibujosarielkame]

Hola que bueno dibujo... Una pregunta la esponja de la espátula #4 se puede lavar y utilizar de nuevo

[@MariaPNW]

I just found your channel & art...so I'll be binge watching for a while. I'm in awe! I'm just a line drawings & basic watercolor artist. Actually I love making abstract layered paper art. I'll try charcoal again, because your art & skills inspire me! The eraser will be my best tool.😅😊. One day I hope to own an original piece of yours. Thank you for sharing and teaching!! 🙏

[@GreenlifeFin]

Nice words and philosophy, I totally agree on everything. So you made a (master’s) copy of somebody’s drawing? Was it your own work you used as a reference? I wish there were some credits to the original piece. Also for copyright reasons.

[@cicada3238]

Thank You, Mad, for sharing this with me. Appreciate your thoughts here.

[@Shedshananigans]

Great stuff! I couldn’t imagine being so skilled and talented in something. Love the videos!

[@Tehjamie44]

Love your content. Any tips on choosing an easel and board?

[@reeree6682]

Your art! YOUR ART and YOUUUUU! Thanks for sharing both, child of God!!!💙❤️💜💖💚

[@susankolpack7044]

I love charcoal and for sharing your awesome talent with us. God bless you 🙏🏻for the spiritual insight that is only known by those who follow 👑HIM✝️‼️

[@Murasame]

That does look anything like the other one lol.

[@Osdol]

Nice work, Josh. Your art and the video came out beautifully. Can you tell me more about the music in this video? I like it. Thanks.

[@Dustin-nn6wk]

I was all for it until were all the image of God. comment... because not the fact of God. But the fact we are all in the image of one.... Maybe we are all gods in the image of ants.

[@masonvarner5870]

Your videos have the peace of the Holy Spirit in them. Randomly found you and blessed by Jesus through your art man. Keep it up!

[@ZeddyThaMaster]

Looks really good, but I couldn't watch more than the end result because of the sound the charcoal makes.

[@piltene1]

Please, how the pastel paste brand has been called? I was looking for it and it was very confusing.

[@MelissaBeach-z5w]

Your art truly glorifies God! Thank you for sharing your gifts!

[@ttb101377]

It's Masterful...thank you for sharing

[@SquashBlossom62]

Exceptional beauty.

[@paulinewilkinson6007]

It looks like you actually started this drawing with pan pastel not charcoal?

[@PaintingandExercise]

I have seen you do a lot of portraits. Do you ever do anything such as a horse running through snow because it evokes movement and energy?

[@sherm50599]

What do you use to fix the charcoal drawing when finished?

[@Yahoos2f]

Amazing as always , Josh! :)

[@petekawa6535]

Wonderful, wonderful thank you

[@renzo6490]

Why is the reference photo so inaccessible ?