Compressed charcoal is typically made by combining powdered charcoal (from wood, often willow or vine) with a small binder (gum, wax, clay) and sometimes pigment or other additives. The result

There’s something timeless about charcoal — its ability to shift from deep, velvety blacks to soft, ghostly greys with just a change in pressure or smudge of the finger. Whether

Every artist develops a preference for certain materials, and charcoal is no exception. The type you choose depends on your technique, subject, and working style. Here’s how to decide which