Question

Explain the differences between vine charcoal, compressed charcoal, and powdered charcoal.

Answer 1

Powdered Charcoal

Powdered charcoal is charcoal in its most basic form, powdered. This charcoal will give a softer look and is ideal when toning large areas. The downside however, is that it tends to be very messy. As an artist, we’re guessing you don’t mind getting a little messy :)!

Compressed Charcoal

Take that powdered charcoal, bind it with gum or wax, and you have compressed charcoal. The amount of powdered charcoal and binding agent used determines the softness of the charcoal stick, giving you options. Even with an assortment of sticks, compressed charcoal is still harder than vine and willow sticks (mentioned below). Because of its hardness, compressed charcoal can be sharpened, producing finer detailed lines that you can’t achieve with willow and vine. You may also want to choose compressed charcoal over the alternatives for its darker lines and break-resistant qualities. On the down side, it can be more difficult to erase and can bleed if wet media is placed on top.

Willow/Vine Charcoal

These charcoal sticks are made of grape vines and willow branches that have been burnt to a specific hardness. Unlike compressed charcoal, vine and willow charcoal doesn’t use a binding agent which results in clean erasing. Because of this property, they are perfect for sketching a composition on canvas prior to painting. You’ll notice a vast difference in the way this type of charcoal feels in comparison to the heavy compressed charcoal. Willow/vine charcoal is very light and produces soft, powdery lines.