Workshop | Charcoal: Dark to Light Drawing

Led by Juan Sebastian Restrepo

This workshop is best for Beginner and Intermediate participants

Explore the Depths of Charcoal Drawing in This Engaging Workshop!
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you will delve into the world of charcoal drawing! Learn to harness the power of light, midtones, and dark values to bring depth and contrast to your artwork. This workshop is designed for artists of all levels, whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills.
In this class, you'll explore:
- Understanding the role of value in drawing to create depth
- Creating two drawings using a limited range of values
- Focusing on contrast and shading techniques
- Utilizing simple tools to achieve stunning results
Workshop Breakdown
1. Introduction & Overview (15 minutes)
Kick off the session by learning about the importance of value in drawing. Discover how light and dark work together to create depth. You'll focus on using 3 values in your first drawing and 5 values in the second.
2. First Drawing: 3 Values (1 hour 15 minutes)
Goal: Concentrate on three values: White, mid-gray, and black.
Break (10 minutes)
Take this time to relax, reflect on your drawing, and prepare for the next one!
3. Second Drawing: 5 Values (1 hour 15 minutes)
Goal: Expand your palette to five values: White, light gray, mid-gray, dark gray, and black.
4. Wrap-Up & Group Discussion (15 minutes)
Conclude the workshop by sharing your work with the group. Discuss challenges and the techniques you used to manage light, mid, and dark values.
Key Takeaways
- Layering charcoal is crucial for achieving rich darks and soft lights.
- Erasing can enhance your highlights and create sharp contrasts.
- Blending helps to smooth transitions while leaving some areas rough for added contrast.
By the end of this workshop, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use a limited range of values to create depth, drama, and clarity in your drawings using just charcoal and a few simple tools. Come ready to experiment and express yourself through the art of charcoal drawing!

About the Instructor:

Juan Sebastian Restrepo holds an MFA in Painting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), where he also taught Visual Organization 1 and was an active member of the Painting and Drawing Association. He earned his BFA in Painting from Pratt Institute in 2015. Restrepo has held several entry- level positions in Florida museums and galleries, including The Bakehouse Art Complex, Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami), and Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College (MOAD). Currently, he serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at Florida International

University and Miami Dade College, where he teaches Drawing and Art Appreciation. Recently, he curated the "intersections" exhibition at New World School of the Arts. Restrepo's work has been exhibited in various locations, including Illinois, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Florida, and New York.

Host or Publisher Arts Warehouse