Understanding Charcoal Stick Smudging
Using charcoal sticks is a popular drawing technique among artists looking to create expressive, bold lines. However, one of the downsides of working with charcoal is that it tends to smudge easily, leaving unwanted marks on the surrounding areas of the artwork. Smudging can happen due to a variety of reasons including the texture of the paper or the pressure applied to the stick. But fear not, as there are various techniques you can use to prevent charcoal stick smudging.
Prepare Your Workspace
One of the easiest ways to prevent charcoal stick smudging is by preparing your workspace. You can start by laying down a sheet of scrap paper or cloth to protect your working surface. This way, if any charcoal dust falls off the paper or stick, it won’t smudge on your table. Additionally, you can wear gloves to reduce the chances of transferring oils from your fingers onto your artwork, which can sometimes cause smudging.
Fixative Spray
Another technique to prevent smudging is by using a fixative spray. Fixative spray is a spray adhesive that is designed to keep the charcoal pigments in place by creating a protective layer over them. To use fixative spray, you should work in a well-ventilated area and spray it over your artwork at a safe distance. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let the spray dry completely before continuing your work.
Hair Spray
If you don’t have access to fixative spray, another option is to use hairspray. Hairspray is a cheaper alternative that can be found at most drugstores. To use hairspray, simply spray a light mist over your artwork from a safe distance. Like with fixative spray, make sure to let the hairspray dry completely before continuing your work.
Work From Top to Bottom
When working with charcoal sticks, it’s important to work from top to bottom. This way, any excess charcoal that falls off the stick will fall onto an area of the artwork that hasn’t already been smudged. Additionally, working from top to bottom will help you avoid putting your hand on areas of the paper that have already been drawn on, further reducing the chances of smudging.
